Date: Fri 12-Feb-1999

Publication: Bee

Author: DONNAM

Quick Words:

Sips-Swallows-Small-Wine

Full Text:

WINE WISDOM : Sips And Swallows From Around The Wine World

As we approach the millennium, there are plenty of questions about the

availability of champagne for those New Year's Eve celebrations. My best

advice is to buy early if you can.

I doubt there will be any problems buying the popular priced brands that sell

for under $15 a bottle. I do anticipate some shortages on the premium

champagnes that sell for over $20 a bottle, however. The problem is trying to

guess which ones will run out.

The good news is there are dozens of excellent champagnes on the market. Even

if your top choice is unavailable, you will definitely be able to drink a nice

champagne to ring in the year 2000.

"Fighting varietals" was a term originally used for Cabernet, Chardonnay,

Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc in the under-$10-a-bottle price range from

California. Gradually, as many years passed, prices increased and there really

was no way to categorize these California wines.

Now they are back. Some of California's best known wineries have come out with

wines that sell for around $10. Names include BV Coastal, Beringer Founders,

Gallo of Sonoma, and Mondavi Coastal. These wines are all good, basic wines

that you will not go wrong with. They are also an easy choice when dining out.

As I continue to taste wines from around the world. I am constantly reminded

that the number of good wines available at reasonable prices is absolutely

incredible. I find it hard to think of any other product that offers the

consumer so many good choices.

Although the prices of prestige wines may be increasing, wine can still be a

very affordable luxury. As more of the world's wines find their way to the US

we will be introduced to more tasty wines. It is a really rosy outlook for

wine drinkers for the near future.

Steve's Tasting Tip: Rosemount Shiraz. Suggested retail is $11.99. A

consistently delicious red wine from Australia that supplies a velvety texture

and delicious fruit flavors.

(Steve Small is the proprietor of Steve's Liquor Store, in Ricky's Shopping

Center at 71 South Main Street in Newtown.)