2008 Domaine Sigalas Santorini Assyrtiko

This white is my wine of choice when I dine at Avra; one NYC's best Greek seafood restaurants.  This delicious wine is 100 pct Assyrtiko and offers a perfect balance of citrus flavors and minerality. It works perfectly with grilled or pan seared seafood.  We recently paired this wine with giant Nigerian Shrimp and chargrilled Branzino.  If you have not been exposed to the wines of Santorini, this is a great place to start. Price range should be $15 to $20.

Terrabianca Campaccio 2006

This wine  is a consistent winner. I have been a fan of this wine and its previous vintages for years.  Tonight  I brought a bottle to a dinner party.  It was gone in literally 5 minutes.  This Tuscan gem is a delicious blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon.  The aroma and flavor remind me of blackberry, currant  and blueberry.  This a super cool wine.  I love to pair it with a hunk of Crotonese or Parmigiano-Reggiano  and some crusty Italian bread.  Not bad with a Veal Chop topped with mushrooms and cherry peppers as well.  The 2006 vintage is a 90 plus wine priced in the mid 20 buck range.

2007 Alto Moncayo Veraton (Campo de Borja) Garnacha

2007 Alto Moncayo Veraton (Campo de Borja) Garnacha

OK.  It's cold out there.  Time for a  nice rich wine to go with your Lamb Shank,  Osso Buco, Big Steak or the over sized burger.  This is one of my favorite Spanish wines. 

The Veraton is a truly potent wine.  A perfect balance of oak and dark fruit. It's surprisingly smooth for such a rich concentrated wine.  A wine of this quality is a steal in the $23 to $28 price range.

2008 Tenuta di Castiglioni

OK I am having lunch at Batali and Bastinich's pizza and pasta place in Port Chester The  Tarry Lodge.  Had an amazing Toscano.   2008 Tenuta di Castiglioni  by Frescobaldi.  You  have to try this.  Exquisite! Nice way to wash down a Margherita pizza. Might as well make the best of the day.

Pine Ridge Forefront

Drinking some Pine Ridge Forefront tonight.  The affordable Pine ridge wine.   95 pct Cab with a touch of Syrah

2007 Volver

You have to try this Tempranillo. 2007 Volver from La Mancha in Spain.  One if the benefits of the fiscal crisis in Europe is great values in Spanish wines.  They need the cash. Try this wine.  It's 13.00 bucks but scores a 90 with Parker.  Super cool wine. Very rich with supple tannins.