How Fast are You?
Health and wellness around wine is a very fast growing subject. The ALIVE Expo series, stopping in Atlanta on April 27-29, will address all areas of health--not just wine. Even so, Atlanta Wine School has ten (10) VIP tix for the weekend (each $45) we're giving to you. Limit two per person. Visit Aliveexpo.com and enter promotion code WINEWINNER. Good luck.

Atlanta Wine Club Update
Working within two companies is difficult if not impossible. I discovered not long after helping co-found the Atlanta Wine Club that my energies were being totally absorbed by Atlanta Wine School. Therefore it was decided to reduce our involvement to that of a Marketing Partner, where we remain, gladly accepting Atlanta Wine Club promotion codes to any of our events or courses.

Jane's Monthly Dozen: Value Wines
by Jane Garvey

Value is a relative thing. When it comes to wines, many people seek out the least expensive quaff they can find. Such wines may or may not be values.

>>> This Month's Column

Wine & Culinary Festival - Mobile, AL - 2007 WRAP-UP
by Michael Bryan

The 4th Annual Southern Breeze Wine + Culinary Festival kicked off in Mobile, Alabama on March 23rd. Co-located with the 14th Annual Festival of Flowers, guests were treated to horticultural eye-candy in addition to the usual wine dinners/tastings/brunches which are a signature of the tour. Next stop on the tour: Orange Beach, Alabama, May 18th. Ever put your toes in sand while gnawing on a crab cake and drinking Champagne? >>> View Pictures from Mobile

Introduction to Wine, Part I
Monday, April 16th (Ajax Hall, Roswell)
This course is the beginning of your relationship with wine--it will move you from viewing it as a "social beverage" to one of a liquid encyclopedia. In addition to engaging teachers, you'll be tasting at least 8 wines in every class. More Info

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Value is a relative thing. When it comes to wines, many people seek out the least expensive quaff they can find. Such wines may or may not be values. Consumers sometimes rationalize drinking chimney drippings just be cause they're cheap! Their lack of confidence in themselves has them thinking they cannot appreciate the good from the bad anyway.

Rubbish.

One can find good values in almost all genres of wine--even Chardonnay. (I really DO like the Four Vines "Naked" Chardonnay (Ultimate Distributors), costing $14, and very well worth that price).) Most consumers, if they would just give themselves credit for a little judgment, can discern the different between good and bad wine, and even more subtle distinctions.

I recently led a class with the Pighin Pinot Grigio (National Distributing) a crisp, classic example from the Friuli in northeast Italy. One member of the group had tasted a highly marketed Pinot Grigio costing about double the price of the Pighin (about $13), and hadn't liked it but assumed the fault was hers. It never occurred to her that indeed she was tasting only a more expensive example of the genre, not a better one. Hopefully, the class liberated her from such gustatory self-flagellation in the future. Bottom line: To thine own palate be true.

Value also is not just about inexpensive wine, although that certainly is one of the meanings we attach to the expression "value wine." No question that we have to have some really fine drinking at modest prices, and thankfully it's out there.

We won't build a nation of wine consumers at $50 a bottle, even though $50 could represent a great value (e.g., Alexander Valley Vineyards' "Cyrus", $54, Empire Distributors). So "value" also is about being able to obtain a really good wine at the upper ends of the cost spectrum at a fair price. If I pay $65 for a bottle of Burgundy, and despise it (and that has happened), I have not had a good value. But if I spend $70 on a bottle of the Louis Martini Monte Rosso Cabernet Sauvignon (Empire Distributors), and it gives me a memory kind of pleasure (and it will), then I have obtained a seriously good value. That's especially true when I compare it with triple figure icon wines that wouldn't measure up against it in a blind taste test.

Here are some good value wines in my opinion. Some are more than most folks would spend for "Wednesday Wine," even in France. But they still represent good values, as they supply excellent taste satisfaction for a relatively small amount of money in their respective categories. And some are downright cheap both in absolute terms, and for what they deliver.

Medium-bodied dry sparkling wine; delicate but bright pink. Delicate aromas of red fruits, strawberries and raspberries especially; with flavors that start softly and explode in mid palate with delicious red fruit characters, but no element is over the top, nor is the wine heavy with fruitiness. Instead, good natural acidity (.66) gives balance to the fruit and length to the finish, which is crisp and mouthwatering. Very fine value, considering that most brut rose Champagne is at least 50% more expensive. Altogether, a very sexy piece of work. Grapes: Pinot Noir 49%, Chardonnay 47%, and Pinot Meunier 4%, the classic three. Serve moderately chilled, about 55 degrees, in tall tulip-shaped flutes.

Pickled shellfish or fish (works great as a palate cleanser and has the acidity to handle the acid in the dish); steamed Chinese, Korean or Japanese dumplings with soy-based dipping sauce, satay, salmon salad, Thai-style curried shrimp salad with lemmongrass; lightly curried dishes with chicken or seafood;, scallops wrapped in pancetta or applewood-smoked bacon or peppered Italian bacon and grilled; crab cakes. Not much with oysters.

Empire Distributors
$25

Medium-bodied dry white wine; very pale straw. Aromas of fresh yellow stone fruits, spring flowers, sweet talcum powder (a hint). Flavors suggest peach, a touch of honey (its taste, not sweetness). Lovely, round texture with good acidity, some chalky minerality. Very nicely done, especially considering the low cost. Serve moderately cool, in tulip-shaped glasses of moderate size. Captures the flavors of Albarino perfectly. Moderately chilled, about 50 degrees, in tulip-shaped white wine glasses.

Potato salad with fresh herbs; dill-accented shrimp salad; baked tilapia , flounder, sole or other mild fish with crab meat, grilled bacon- or pancetta-wrapped scallops with Remoulade sauce; herbed turkey breast, roasted; curried chicken or shrimp salad; collard greens with garlic and tomato. Winery suggests with spicy Asian and Indian cuisine (but hold the heat), mild white cheeses and fruit salads.

Hemispheres (f/k/a) Medusa
$10

Medium-bodied dry white wine; medium gold. Lively aromas of pear and quince, with a rich, complex pear/honeydew melon character. Fleshy, juicy mid-palate very full and flavorful, a step ahead of the long, clean, crisp finish. Very pleasing on the palate, with excellent fruit character and lively flavors. Don't overchill--very important, so serve about 55 degrees, in tulip-shaped white wine glasses. Great value.

Standard chicken salad, pan-grilled salmon fillet with Hollandaise sauce; bacon-wrapped scallops with mild Remoulade or mustard mayonnaise; Asian noodle salad; Thai green papaya salad; onion quiche, mild curried chicken or shrimp salad; dishes with fruit and poultry

Bacco Fine Wine
$13

Medium-bodied dry (just 1.5% RS) white wine; medium yellow straw. Classic but not aggressive aromas of peach, lichee nut, spice and white pepper, with flavors that carry through the same characters and conclude with a long clean, fruit sweet but crisp finish. Moderate acidity. Juicy, with a silky, voluptuous mouthfeel. Grape: Gewurtztraminer Alsace, having once been A fine example of the type for the money from one of Alsace's classic producers, founded in 1896. Serve moderately chilled, about 50-55 degrees, in tulip-shaped white wine glasses.

Curried chicken or tofu salad, poached chilled chicken breast drizzled with slightly curried mayonnaise, country captain (chicken with toasted almonds, curry and currants), mildly seasoned Asian fare (especially Indian and Malaysian), meat or poultry and exotic fruit combinations, classic Alsace cooking such as charcuterie and sauerkraut, pork steaks with creamy whole-grain mustard sauce, country terrine, strong creamy cheeses (such as French Munster).

Quality Wine & Spirits
$14

Medium-bodied dry white wine; bright medium straw color. Fresh lemony aromas offer a note of quince, while flavors present fleshy fruit characters. The wine supplies an ample mid palate, and a touch of bitter almond in the wrap-up, characteristic of the genre. If you're accustomed to Soave that's thin and dull, this one will change your view. Grape: Garganega. Very small producer, with only nine hectares (about 22 acres). Serve in medium-sized tulip-shaped glasses at about 50 degrees.

Selected seafood: Fresh oysters with lemon; fried calamari with lemon aoli, slightly spicy crawfish salad; crab-stuffed tilapia or flounder; grilled bacon-wrapped scallops with tartar sauce. Did NOT like with shrimp. Also classic chicken salad, roasted herbed turkey breast (use some lemon thyme if you have it)

Unique World Wines
$15

Medium-bodied dry rose with a bright salmon pink color. Aromas of strawberry and spring flowers, with an intriguing note almost reminiscent of gardenias. Strawberry and watermelon form the fruit backdrop, which then gets some complexity from spice and a tiny hint of bitter almond. Still drinking nicely a year after release. A three-day maceration probably helps add to its longevity. Moderate acidity. Grapes: Syrah (60%), Grenache (30%), and Cinsault (10%). Serve moderately chilled, about 50 degrees, in white wine glasses. Winemaker Charles Bieler notes that while the growth in rose has been stellar, still "the average American wine drinker has yet to discover rose. I won't stop until they have." Way to go!!! I won't either.

Lovely food wine: Appetizers, such as Spanish-style ham croquetas; spiedini; salmon salad; spicy crawfish salad on crackers. Sandwiches such as muffaletta, croque Monsieur or Madame, BLT with applewood smoked bacon. Also shrimp salad with creamy dressing and fresh herbs; simple tomato-cheese pizza; pissaaladiere; spicy crawfish salad; grilled shrimp with salsa Romescu; escalivada; composed salads with grilled chicken

Ultimate Distributors
$11

Medium-bodied dry red wine; medium garnet with slight amber/brick edge. Aromas of sweet cured tobacco, some cherry, dark fruits, while flavors focus on cherry-caressed fruits. Good acidity extends the length, leaving the palate eager for another sip of the same. Solid core of good fruit, with some spice. Wine is nicely evolved. Grape types: Tempranillo, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon. Serve moderately cool, about 65 degrees, in tall tulip-shaped glasses. Phenomenal value.

Salamis and other cured meats, shepherd's pie; moussaka, lasagna, layered eggplant dishes; legume dishes with ham or sausage; grilled meats, roast duck, casserole of ground lamb with mild curry and raisins, aromatic spices and Bechamel sauce on top; barbecued or roasted chicken

Bacco Fine Wine
$9

Medium-bodied dry red wine; medium cherry red. Lovely, lively dark cherry aromas, a touch of forest floor, sweet juicy dark cherry fruit flavors, with hints of strawberry. Stalwart acidity well integrated with the fruit propels the finish forward. Core of delicious fruit, strawberry and spice. This Pinot Noir for this money is amazing. New in market. Serve at cool room temperature, about 65 degrees, in a round-bowl glass. In screw cap.

Creamy, smooth pates, braised veal with mushrooms, braised beef on mashed potatoes, roast duck, chicken or Cornish hen, fried chicken, salads with grilled or roasted meats, grilled tuna, grilled bacon-wrapped chicken livers, mild firm rich cheeses, medium dark chocolate (about 57% cocoa).

Empire Distributors
$10

Medium-bodied dry red wine; dark cherry red. Aromas and flavors of fresh dark cherries, with the palate picking up a bit of aromatic spice and the suggestion of malted milk balls. Fruity and fresh tasting, with a nice juiciness. Easy tannins. Uncomplicated but backed up by good acidity. The Piave is a largely red wine (mostly Merlot) D.O.C. in the Veneto that also grows a good amount of Cabernet Sauvignon. Serving this one cool (about 65 degrees) keeps the fresh fruitiness paramount. Good value and terrific food wine. A piece of vine is tied to the bottle neck to attest to its authenticity and origins. Not a long-term keeper, perhaps another year or so.

Casual fare: Red beans & rice; andouille sausage; salami and other cured meats; stuffed pastas with butter and grated cheese; mushroom salad; cheese lasagna; braised beef brisket with vegetables; barbecue with vinegar/pepper style sauce (used Jack Mixon's Old South from Vienna, GA); braised veal steak with caramelized onions; grilled lamb or pork chop and sweet potato (baked); pizza; sausage and peppers; pasta with red sauces

Bacco Fine Wine
$13

Full-bodied dry red wine; deep purple red. A mix of sensations: Aromas suggest dark berries, but still are closed, even after substantial exposure to air. Rich berry fruit, however, delights the palate, but hefty acidity, perhaps a bit too much, isn't real well integrated. Good mid palate, but finish is a bit abrupt. Silky texture, supple tannins. Cool room temperature is best, in large tulip-shaped glasses.

Rich foods: Smoked liverwurst and other smoked and cured meats, osette de Lyon and similar saucisson or salami; empanadas; grilled steak; cold roast beef with garlic mayonnaise; braised short ribs; Chinese barbecue; game (especially buffalo), blue-veined cheeses, dark chocolate (very nice).

Empire Distributing
$15

Medium-/full-bodied dry red wine; medium deep ruby red. Very appealing fruit-filled aromas, focused on red a blend of red and black fruits, with a hint of white pepper; flavors gather these same characters and meld them perfectly. Silky texture and tannins. All elements well integrated for a seamless presentation. Long, fruit-packed finish. Balanced. Have tasted many times over the years, and am impressed with the consistency. Excellent value. Serve moderately cool, in large tulip-shaped glasses.

Antipasti: salamis; cured and dried meats; smoked liverwurst and other smoked meats; peppered chicken liver pate; ravioli stuffed with feta and black olives and sauced with melted butter, olive oil and cracked black pepper; legume-based stews, such as cassoulet (lovely); grilled sausages; grilled meats, veal chop stuffed with prosciutto and Fontina cheese, aged semi-firm cheeses, such as Spanish romero (encased in rosemary). Wish I had some kudu to go with this one.

Georgia Crown
$13

Full-bodied dry red wine; black-red color. Aromatic with lots of berry character, and notes of spice, bacon and oak. Smooth, smoky bacon and spice flavors overlay mellow blackberry and black cherry fruit. Finishes with rich cassis (black currant) notes. Silky mouthfeel. Good structure. Soft tannins. Grapes: Syrah (65%), Cinsault (19%), Mourvedre (11%)and Viognier (5%). Example of blended reds from South Africa but many cost a lot more than this one. Drink now. Winery founded in 1776. Name references pioneers who set traps for wolves 250 years ago, but none was every found in the valley. Serve at cool room temperature (about 60-65 degrees) in large tulip-shaped glasses.

Pвtes and teerrines, Patak's smoked liverwurst, salamis and similar cured meats, grilled red meata, roast duck, pork tenderloin brushed with a dark fruit glaze, roasted or grilled Cornish hen, root vegetable stew with pancetta or country ham

Ultimate Distributors
$15