Value Vino
A local expert picks satisfying wines for $15 or less
Leave it to a former Wall Streeter to find a wine that fits your wallet. When Montclair resident Sharon Sevrens started working on the Street years ago, she never thought it would lead to a career in wine. But an oenophile boss “gave me the wine bug,” she recalls, “and I was soon taking classes and reading about wine all the time. I was hooked.” After moonlighting as a wine-certification teacher on nights and weekends, she left her job in July of 2005, and three months later she opened Amanti Vino in Montclair, a wine shop with a classroom.
Sevrens samples about 5,000 brands a year, selecting only well-balanced bottles for her stock. She says the biggest mistake shoppers tend to make is not trusting their taste buds. “People often go against their gut and make selections based on the rating or the price because they assume that is how quality is defi ned.” When the recession struck in 2008, Sevrens made a special effort to obtain quality bottles at lower prices. “I have a very loyal, vocal clientele,” she reports. “They let me know that they wanted to see bottles under $20, so my staff and I brought in over 250 brands.”
Sevrens did the digging for us and came up with three reds and three whites that cost only $15 or less.
· REDS ·
ALHAMBRA RESERVA MALBEC 2010
UCO VALLEY, ARGENTINA · $14
“This is a second-label wine, which means it is from a big winery’s ‘Blist’ grapes, the ones that don’t quite make the cut for a very expensive bottle. But this drinks like an Alister, with notes of blackberry and chocolate. It’s what I’d call a ‘pretty’ wine.”
BEST PAIRING: “Like a lot of Malbecs, this is ideal w ith any protein—burgers on the grill or a marinated skirt steak.”
POGGIO NARDONE RIVUS 2010 (BLEND)
TUSCANY, ITALY · $15
“This wine drinks like it costs double the price, which is great for when you want to impress on a budget. It is made from the same grapes that go into Super Tuscans—red blends that are usually expensive— and has medium, blackcherry notes.”
BEST PAIRING: “Go with this when you are serving pasta because the heartiness of this bottle will hold its own.”
MOULIN DE GASSAC GUILHEM 2010 (BLEND)
LANGUEDOCROUSILLON, SOUTHERN FRANCE $11
“Sometimes a wine with such a rustic and spicy taste can turn some people off, but the notes of cherries, strawberries and mixed berries here add a sweetness that gives it a wide range of appeal.”
BEST PAIRING: “A spicy or rustic wine like this goes great with a big, juicy steak or some lamb chops—any meat and potato dish.”
· WHITES ·
SETZER, GRUNER VELTLINER 2010
WEINVIERTEL, AUSTRIA · $15
“Lots of wines only work very well in a specific season, but this one is fantastic yearround. It is light and crisp, with a hint of white pepper and a unique bottle.”
BEST PAIRING: “It’s the perfect pairing for foods that might clash with another wine, such as asparagus or artichoke.”
DOMAINE GAUJAL DE SAINT BON PICPOUL DE PINET 2010
LANGUEDOCROUSILLON, SOUTHERN FRANCE $11
“My staff refers to this one as a ‘wine store owner’s wine.’ Ver y far from the beaten path, it is slowly becoming more popular and rightfully so. Its rich palate and crisp acidity make it a unique treat.”
BEST PAIRING: “With this one, you want lighter dishes like oysters, mussels or even lemon-roasted chicken.”
ECHEVERRIA CHARDONNAY 2011
CURICO VALLEY, CHILE · $11
“When a wine is oaked, as many are, it can sometimes overpower food or offend a delicate palate. So I chose the unoaked variety because it is absolutely light and refreshing, like biting into a Granny Smith apple.”
BEST PAIRING: “If you are making any white flaky fish, mushroom dish or some pork medallions, grab a bottle (or two).”
Related Read: Sips to Celebrate
