On my two previous reviews, the first on April 20th and the second on May 4th, I presented you with 4 inexpensive wines that are very pleasurable either by themselves or with food. On this third review in a four-part series, I picked two amazing wines that I’m sure you will be pleasantly surprise by.
 
Montalto Pinot Grigio 2014, Sicily – $ 9.45. This is a highly recommended summer wine which I Montalto, Pinot Grigio, 2014really enjoy and will continue to do so all summer long. This Pinot is very light in body and color but it doesn’t lack flavor or complexity, which is what you might think because of the price. Instead, this wine packs a big delightful punch of apricot, peach, melon with a slight note of honey. To me it screams summer.
 
Although this beautiful pinot can stand alone without a food companion, if I was to pair it, it would be with very fresh flavors. This would be great with oysters on the half shell with a lovely mignonette, shrimp ceviche with avocado, heirloom beets, arugula and goat cheese salad, or a cheese fondue at an evening soiree with friends watching the sun go down. Delightful!

 

 

To continue with my inexpensive selection of reds, I recommend Solaz Tempranillo Cabernet NewLabel_OsborneSolaz_NV[1]-cropSauvignon 2014, Spain – $11.95.

This is a really nice red blend and pours a beautiful Garnet red color. A well balanced medium body wine with notes of raspberry, cherry and a rich balsamic dance on the palate.
 
I want to add that this wine would make a beautiful red Sangria but is just as delicious on its own. BBQ lamb kabobs or chorizo sausage would go very well here.

 

Corrie Robbins
Club Foody Wine Analyst
 

About Corrie Robbins

I am an Ontario native, currently living in the heart of downtown Toronto, Canada. My education includes 2 years of sommelier education at George Brown College, although the vast majority of my experience has come from the many different vineyards I have toured throughout the years.

I have uncorked wines from all over the world and I have toured vineyards in Italy, France, Spain, Ontario and British Columbia. I enjoy the art of entertaining and being a foody myself, it is my pleasure to join Club Foody to give you my thoughts on wine and wine pairings.