Leslie Sbrocco - buying, pairing, and sharing

Building your wine wardrobe is not unlike building your clothes wardrobe.
Begin with a few basics and build from there.
Starting with Chardonnay, which is like "the basic BLACK" of wines ...

Top Ten "Wine Wardrobe" Essentials

W H I T E S

Chardonnay: Think of it as the "basic black" of any wine wardrobe. Chardonnay is popular, versatile and comes in a wide array of prices and styles. Bargain Sip
From: Reynolds, Chardonnay
Orange, NSW, Australia
Price: $10
Style Profile: Medium bodied, creamy, bright and juicy
Luxury Sip
From: Grgich Hills, Chardonnay
Napa Valley, California
Price: $30
Style Profile: Medium bodied, light oak, ripe and elegant

Sauvignon Blanc: Crisp and zesty with juicy fruit flavors and a hint of snappy fresh herbs, it is the wine equivalent of a freshly-laundered cotton shirt. Bargain Sip
From: Villa Maria, Sauvignon Blanc "Private Bin"
Marlborough, New Zealand
Price: $13
Style Profile: Medium bodied, juicy and herbal Classic Sip
From: Pascal Jolivet, SancerreSancerre, France
Price: $20
Style Profile: Light bodied, crisp, fresh and bright

Pinot Gris: Sipping affordable Pinot Gris (otherwise known as Pinot Grigio) is like donning your favorite denim jeans at the end of a long day relaxing and comfortable. Bargain Sips
From: King Estate Winery, Pinot Gris Oregon
Price: $14
Style Profile: Medium bodied, unoaked and juicy Bargain Sips
From: Santa Margherita, Pinot Grigio
Alto Adige, Italy
Price: $18
Style Profie: Light bodied, crisp and bright

Riesling: Light and breezy with vibrant fruit flavors rounded out by the occasional touch of sweetness, these elegant, well-priced whites are spring dresses in a bottle. Bargain Sips
From: Bonny Doon, "Pacific Rim," Dry Riesling - California
Price: $9
Style Profile: Light bodied, unoaked and crisp Bargain Sips
From: Chateau Ste. Michelle, Johannisberg Riesling - Columbia Valley, Washington
Price: $8
Style Profile: Light bodied, fruity and off-dry

Viognier: Lend an exotic touch to your wine wardrobe with sultry, voluptuous whites loaded with aromas of honeysuckles and spice. Bargain Sips
From: Yalumba, "Y Series," Viognier
South Australia
Price: $11
Style Profile: Full bodied, light oak, aromatic Bargain Sips
From: Clay Station, Viognier
Lodi, California
Price: $15
Style Profile: Full bodied, juicy and aromatic

R E D S

Cabernet Sauvignon: Never out of style, timeless Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines are the vinous version of a "classic suit." Bargain Sip
From: Laurel Glen Vineyard, "Terra Rosa," Caberne SauvignonValle Central, Chile
Price: $10
Style Profile: Medium bodied, supple tannins, smooth and fruity
Classic Sip
From: Beaulieu Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon, "Rutherford" Rutherford, Napa Valley, California
Price: $25
Style Profile: Full bodied, supple tannins, smooth and ripe