I had an amazing time on The Jam TV Show this week featuring  Valentine’s Day wine recommendations ALL UNDER $25!

Here is a link to the segment

WINE LIST (in the order of appearance):

Domaine Saint-Rémy Crémant d’Alsace Brut $24.99

Dopff & Irion Crémant d’Alsace Brut Rosé $24.99

Noval Black Reserve Port $20

2019 Loimer Lois, Grüner Veltliner , $15

2019 St. Cosme Cotes du Rhone, $14

WINE LIST IN SERVING ORDER

#1: Domaine Saint-Rémy Crémant d’Alsace Brut 

Wine Profile:  This sparkling wine is 100% Chardonnay. The wine is fresh, elegant with fine bubbles and bright acidity, with notes of grapefruit and apple. 

Food Pairings: This is a great apprefit. Serve with fried foods and fresh sea foods. To pair with desserts, choose desserts that are not too sweet; cookies, custard, cheesecake, cream based, berries and whip cream, or angel fruit cake.

Why They Match: This wine has great acidity and makes you salivate, so it’s perfect for the beginning of a meal. The acidity makes it a great partner for fried foods. In  terms of dessert, the golden rule is: your wine must be sweeter than your dessert. For the perfect balance, your wine should be paired with desserts that have less sugar like cheesecakes, tarts, angel food cake and custards. 

Retail Stores: Garfield’s Beverage and international Wine Shop (linked here).

#2: Dopff & Irion Crémant d’Alsace Brut Rosé

Wine Profile: Gorgeous bright rose gold  in color. The  wine has  rich red berry fruit flavors. 100% Pinot Noir.

Food Pairings: This is a great companion for salmon,  pork,  sushi, ribs with a dry rub or sauce, or caribbean food. For dessert go with strawberry shortcake, fresh berries and fruit tarts. 

Why They Match: There’s enough fruit in this wine to pair with some of the spicy caribbean dishes. Also the berry flavors make it a great companion for fruit based desserts. 

Retail Stores: Garfield’s Beverage and Wine.Com

#3: 2019 Loimer Lois, Grüner Veltliner, $15

Wine Profile:  Grüner Veltliner is the signature grape of Austria. This wine is dry with lively acidity. On the palate you get savory flavors, green apple, lemon and greens.  

Food Pairings: Mildly spiced Vietnamese, Thai, and Chinese dishes. Fish and shellfish, pork or ham, bitter greens and asparagus. I don’t recommend pairing this with desserts

Why They Match:   Grüner Veltliner’s bright acidity balances mildly spiced Vietnamese, Thai, and Chinese dishes. Also try it with crab legs and green vegetables. I don’t recommend this as a pairing with dessert.

Retail Stores: Binny’s, select Whole Foods and Mariano’s

#4: 2019 St. Cosme Cotes du Rhone, $14 (100% Syrah)

Wine Profile: This 100% Syrah from southern Rhône is voluptuous with peppery notes, sandalwood, violets, and black pepper.

Food Pairings: Grilled or smoked meat; think  venison or beef.. Also goes great with a Charcuterie.

Why They Match: Syrah, with its deep flavors and firm tannins, is a natural match for grilled or smoked meat and dishes featuring herbs, roasted mushrooms, and onions. 

Retail Stores: Binny’s and Vin Chicago

#5 Noval Black Reserve Port 

Wine Profile: Sweet and juicy with black cherry, chocolate and oak notes

Dessert Profile: Chocolate, brownies , Espresso Coffee Cake We featured the Coffey Girl’s Coffee cake on the show)  and nuts.

Why They Match: The flavors in the desserts match the flavors in the wine.

Retail Stores: Kimbark Beverage Shoppe and Binny’s Beverage Depot