Domaine de Noblaie Chinon Blanc 2015 “In preparation for the LoireFest 2017 festivities, everyone should drink Loire Valley Chenin Blanc. For every reason: to pair with food, to sip as an aperitif or because it’s 4 pm on Friday. This white Chenin Blanc is bone dry, but a rich and beautiful expression of the grape variety.” PRICE $19.99 BUY IT AT Premier Fine Wine & Spirits WINE PICK
PHOTO BY KIRSTEN GILLIAM
David Keck
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Master sommelier
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PHOTO COURTESY OF ROCC
Christian Varas
Sommelier at River Oaks Country Club, Houston Iron Sommelier 2016
PHOTO BY BECCA WRIGHT
David Cook
Sommelier at Prego and Third Coast restaurant
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WINE PICK Tamarack
Cellars Firehouse Red, Columbia Valley, Washington 2014 “Composed of 10 different grape varieties from several Washington viticulture areas, Firehouse Red still manages to display a sense of place. Medium-bodied and juicy, expect bright flavors of tart cherries, blue fruits and strawberry jam, finishing with smoky vanilla, tobacco and cedar notes. It resembles a modern-style, bolder Bordeaux blend, but with grape varieties associated with wine regions spanning the Old and New Worlds. If barbecue is your thing, here’s your match.” PRICE $20 BUY IT AT Central Market, HEB, Spec’s, Total Wine
2015 Vietti Cascinetta Moscato d’Asti “Vietti winery continues to produce some of the greatest wine in the Piedmont region. And this slightly effervescent, frizzante wine made from 100 percent Moscato grapes shines as an example of undeniable deliciousness. Aromas of juicy white and yellow peaches jump from the glass, and on the palate it shows beautiful complexity with notes of pink flowers, subtle ginger spice and the perfect amount of sweetness. Enjoy with spicy Asian cuisine, a fruit-laden dessert or a decadent blue cheese.” PRICE $17 BUY IT AT Houston Wine Merchant. 20 WINE PICK
SPRING 2017