living and exploring

photo: Real Simple Magazine

“Friendship, love, health, energy, enthusiasm, and joy
are the things that make life worth living and exploring.”
― Denise Austin

2010 W-o-W Brunch

24 photos of the annual Bull Brunch

9 red wines for less than $10

America's best sommeliers and wine merchants
reveal their favorite bargain bottles.

After reading this article in Country Living Magazine we headed to the wine store and were able to find 6 of these wines. For the next several weeks we will be tasting these at our Wine-on-Wednesday gatherings.

Spanish Wine
Alto Almanzora Este 2006 ~ Blueberry, plum, fruitcake, and chocolate are just some of the flavors in this six-grape blend from Spain. ($8.99)

California Wines
Nine North Ten Mile 2006 ~ This California four-grape mix is an ideal accompaniment to duck. ($9.99)

Redtree 2008 ~ Wine bloggers are going crazy (in a good way) for this light-bodied California Pinot Noir that tastes of clove and summer berries. ($6.99)

Pairing Wine
Alamos 2008 ~ "Malbec is on fire right now" and this Argentinian variety boasts a hint of sweet spice that makes it wonderfully suited for steak. ($9.99)

Sagelands 2005 ~ Buy and store extra bottles of this Washington Cabernet Sauvignon, since it gets even better with time. ($9.89)

Penfolds Koonunga Hill 2007 ~ This Australian mix of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with lamb. ($7.97)

European Reds
Vinos Piñol Ludovicus 2007 ~ This combo of four Spanish wines is an eye-opener. It tastes expensive! ($8.99)

Borsao Campo de Borja 2008 ~ A hearty chicken dish would complement the dark fruits in this Spanish Grenache and Tempranillo mix. ($7.99)

Domaine André Brunel 2005 ~ This French Grenache is equally great for fine dining or simply drinking by the glass. ($7)