Top 10 wines in the US press

Baileyana Firepeak Pinot Noir 2013, Edna Valley, California

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching Dave McIntyre, writing in the Washington Post, rounded up a selection of wines perfect for romancing your loved one.

Of this Californian Pinot Noir, he said: “Baileyana is a surefire winner from California’s Central Coast, consistently producing Pinot Noir that combines power with finesse. The Firepeak Vineyard Pinot is a reliable winner and a tremendous value.”

Price: $23

Cascina Fonda Brachetto bel Roseto 2013, Piemonte, Italy

Fizz is always popular when its comes to Valentine’s Day, with this Italian pink sparkler no exception.

He said: “It’s sweet and fizzy, with strawberry and orange peel and enough acidity to match chocolate cake, especially when fruit (such as strawberry or raspberry) is involved.”

Price: $22

Gruet Brut Rosé, New Mexico

While not a region best-known for its sparkling wines, McIntyre recommended this “budget friendly” brut rosé from New Mexico.

He said: “Gruet is a French family from the Champagne region of France that has been producing excellent, inexpensive bubbly in northern New Mexico. The rosé is a natural choice for a budget-minded Valentine’s Day toast.”

Price: $18

Daryl Groom’s Colby Red

Sandra Silfven, writing in the Detroit News recommended this virtuous Californian red blend, the profits of which go toward funding research into congenital heart defects. So far, the wine has raised more than a half-million dollars for heart-health charities in the US.

Silfven said: “A blend from California, Colby Red is the brainstorm of Colby Groom, 17, whose parents Daryl and Lisa Groom are well-versed in fine winemaking. After two open-heart surgeries before the age of 10 to repair a defective heart valve, Colby now lives a normal life and is the national spokesman for the Children’s Heart Foundation to tackle congenital heart disease.”

Of the wine itself, Silfven said: “This crimson wonder is spicy, packed with intense fruit and finishes with a smooth flourish. Aromas of cherry, raspberry, plum, sweet baking spices and vanilla explode from the glass. Spicy, berried flavors are supported by well-integrated tannins and sturdy acidity. It’s easy-drinking. The blend is Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petite Sirah and Zinfandel. The wine is widely distributed in Michigan and across the U.S., including drugstores that sell wine.”

Price: $12.99

Moet & Chandon Imperial Rose

Silfven did not forget Valentine’s Day, recommending this loved up bottle of Moët & Chandon.

She said: “The flagship pink bubbly of the famous Champagne house is full-bodied with rose, strawberry and red currant tones. It finishes with razor-sharp acidity, minerality and a touch of spice. The subtle power and steep acidity make it a worthy match with beef, veal, duck or seafood or serve it plain as an aperitif. It’s a beauty in the glass with its bright salmon color and mesmerizing jets of fine bubbles breaking the surface.”

Price: $55

Domäne Wachau, Terrassen, Grüner Veltliner Federspiel 2013

This “lean, crisp and fragrant” Austrian wine was recommended by Rebecca Murphy writing for Dallas News.

She said: “Grüner Veltliner is a star in the Austrian wine universe. One sip of this one and you’ll see why. It’s lean, crisp and fragrant with spicy, floral and white pepper aromas and graceful apple, peach and Meyer lemon fruit layered with dusty mineral notes. It’s a welcome aperitif and the perfect companion for foods with the assertive, spicy flavors found in Thai or Vietnamese dishes.

“The vineyards of the Wachau region of Austria rise steeply along the Danube River. They are terraced, held in place by dry-stacked stone walls. It makes for glorious scenery, but it’s a difficult place to work with the vines, because everything must be done by hand.”

Price: $14.99 to $15.49

Reyneke Vinehugger Chardonnay 2014, South Africa

Dennis Sodomka, writing for the Augusta Chronicle, picked this South African Chardonnay as his wine of the week calling it “delightful” and “full of citrus aromas and flavors”.

He said: “The Reyneke Vinehugger Chardonnay is a wine that is easy to get comfortable with. It is a gorgeous straw yellow in the glass with enticing lime and citrus aromas. The first sip hints at green apple and tropical fruit, but the flavors become more complex as the wine opens in the glass.

“It is an elegant, rich wine, and the great mix of fruit and acidity allows it to stand up to big meals. This isn’t one of those big oaky, buttery Chardonnays you can only drink at cocktail parties. This is a great dinner wine, made to pair with food. Grapes for this 100% Chardonnay were sourced from predominantly sandy-loam soils in the Western Cape. A portion of the wine spends time in French oak, adding texture and length to the palate.”

Price: $16 to 18

2013 Casata Parini Miraggio, Terre di Chieti, Abruzzo, Italy

“There is no pretense about this inexpensive red wine from a little-known corner of Italy”, wrote Michael Dresser in the Baltimore Sun of this Italian red.

“It’s a medium-bodied, rustic, fruity, earthy, peasant-style wine that makes up in homespun charm what it lacks in complexity”, he said. “And did I mention the price? A little wild and woolly at first, it mellows in the glass. It’s quite similar to a Montepulciano D’Abruzzo.”

Price: $9

Meiomi Pinot Noir, Sonoma/Monterey County/Santa Barbara County, California, US

Greg Rowe, president of the Wichita chapter of the American Institute of Wine and Food, recommended this Meiomi Pinot Noir writing for Kansas.com. 

He said: “I’d classify this as a medium bodied Pinot, fruit forward with light tannins. One can taste ripe cherry and berries, with a smooth, almost caramel finish. This is a very food-friendly wine but can also be enjoyed on its own.”

“Meiomi is owned and made by Joe Wagner, son of Chuck Wagner of Caymus fame. Joe also started Belle Glos winery, which has wonderful (and somewhat pricier) Pinots. This is a great pinot for the money. Drink now. I wouldn’t age it.”

Price: $20, but can be found on sale for $16

Husch, 2013 Anderson Valley Dry Gewürztraminer

Finally Peg Melnik, writing for the Press Democrat, picked this Californian Gewürztraminer as her wine of the week, produced by winemaker Brad Holstine, who was an engineering student before he discovered the world of wine.

She said: “It’s a gorgeous, aromatic Gewürztraminer with notes of grapefruit, blanched almonds and a whisper of honeysuckle. It has a nice length and a dry finish. No question, the Husch is a knockout.”

Price: $14