Welcome to our new occasional series “15 Under $15” by wine enthusiast and restaurateur Tony Foreman (who knows a thing or two about wine). Tony owns wine shop Bin 604 in Harbor East and is a partner in Foreman Wolf, which owns and operates restaurants Charleston, Cinghiale, Pazo, Petit Louis and Johnny’s.
The priorities in assembling the below list were first and foremost flavor (as in a lot of it for the price) and secondly, versatility with food and typicity of place. –Tony Foreman
1. Willm Brut NV Alsace, France $12.99
Nuances of tree fruits and soft toasty brioche, perfect for soft bloomy rind cheeses.
2. Cotes-du-Rhone Rouge: La Grand Ribe Cotes-du-Rhoen Rouge 2009, France $13.99
Generous and rich with dense fruits and notes of new oak bringing vanilla and spice to the finish.
3. Vinosia Irpinia Aglianico 2011, Campania, Italy $13.99
Aromas of herbs, cocoa, black cherries, volcanic minerals and firm tannins define this medium bodied indigenous Italian varietal.
4. Montinore “Borealis” White Blend 2011, Willamette Valley, Oregon
Traditional European varietals with a North American twist! Ripe peach and floral aromatics and a clean, crisp finish.
5. Domaine Bellevue Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Loire Valley, France $10.99
Light grassy tones and candied citrus peel standout in this tasty little porch pounder.
6. Bouvet “Rose Excellence” NV, Loire Valley, France $14.99
Light, fresh and delicate with flavors of cherry and strawberry 100% Cabernet Franc. A must have for brunch situations!
7. Concannon “Conservency” Petite Sirah 2008 Livermore Valley, California $11.99
Big and bad with dark, chewy berry fruit laced with bitter chocolate. Built to match a steak dinner.
8. Estacion Carmenere 2011, Chile $8.99
Dark red fruit with hints of dried herbs and a peppery kick. Impressively concentrated for its humble price point.
9. Josef Bauer Gruner Veltliner 2011, Wagram, Austria $9.99
Ripe fruited and racy displaying grapefruit, lemon and minerals. Great for spring and summer drinking, or if you’re in the mood for something refreshing now!
10. Perrin Cotes-du-Rhone Blanc 2011, France $10.99
Pit and orchard fruits shine on the palate, and its plump medium body offers an excellent compliment to a variety of meals.
11. Fleur du Cap Pinotage, Coastal Region, South Africa $13.99
Well-rounded, medium-bodied treat from South Africa with ripe red fruits and classic smoky aromatics.
12. Red Diamond Malbec 2011, Mendoza, Argentina $10.99
Lighter than your average Malbec, look for flavors of mint and chocolate to complement accents of cherry, spices and toasted herbs.
13. La Mailina Chianti 2009, Tuscany, Italy $11.99
A rich little Chianti that over-delivers in this range. Dark red berries, sweet floral tones and solid structure on a medium-body.
14. Grand Traverse Pinot Grigio 2011, Michigan $14.99
The cool maritime influence of North-Western Michigan lends this wine a mix of floral, citrus and herbal tones with crisp acidity.
15. Pinot Pinot Noir 2010, Central Coast, California $13.99
Bold and juicy (and sustainably farmed!) this is fun, well-balanced and not so fussy, making it the perfect Monday-Thursday wine!
Thanks Tony! Love this. I hope occasional means monthly!