I had my annual wine and food pairing event for my sorority alumni association last month, and thought I would share what was poured.

 We started the evening with sparkling wine, which is always a great aperitif. The Segura Viudas Brut Reserva NV from Penedes, Spain, is a blend of Macabeo, Parellada, and Xarel-lo grapes.  The wine is made in the methode champenoise, meaning that it made the same way that champagne is, and aged in bottle two years.  I can’t believe they are able to make this wine crisp apple, toasty and foral wine and sell it for under $10. We paired it with a double cream brie and an aged gouda, but for $10, this is a perfect pairing for a match made in heaven:  potato chips and sparkling wine.

The next wine was Boutari Moshofilero Mantinia 2015 from Greece. I describe this wine as a cross between a Pinot Grigio and a Sauvignon Blanc.  It’s citrusy but with some body, and a hint of salinity.  We paired it with caprese bites, but this would have been amazing with chilled shrimp on a boat.  $13 at Wineworks.

The next wine was Domaine Jean-Marc Burgaud Les Vignes de Thulon Beaujolais Villages 2015 from Beaujolais, France.  I’ve written before that I’m not fond of Beaujolais Nouveau, which is basically a marketing ploy to get Americans to buy wine that “goes” with turkey at Thanksgiving, but Beaujolais Villages is a completely different animal.  Made from the gamay grape, this was light and fruity, with flavors of bright cherry.  If you don’t want to spend $30 on bottle of Oregon Pinot Noir, this may be a good substitute. We paired this with mushroom crostini. $13 at Wineworks.

Next up was Lisini Rosso di Montalcino 2014 from Tuscany, Italy.  Rosso di Montalcino, similar to its big sister, Brunello di Montalcino, is made of finer quality Sangiovese grapes aged for up to one year in oak (compared to Brunello’s 4 years in oak).  Rosso di Montalcino’s are a fantastic bargain, running between $20-$30 a bottle, compared to Brunello’s pricing at $60 and up. Roses, bright cherry and forest floor on the nose, with cherry and smooth tannins on the palate.  We paired with this mushroom crostini and caprese bites. $25 at Wineworks.

The final wine was Michael David Petite Petit Lodi 2014 (Lodi, CA), made from 100% Petite Sirah grapes.  My friend calls this the “Circus Wine” because of the label.  (I’m not sure if the animal chosen is a political statement.)  Bold, ripe fruit flavors, with a hint of chocolate and espresso, lead me to pair this with dessert (fancy chocolate chip cookies that were to die for).  This wine is rated 92 points from Wine Enthusiast.  $16 at Wineworks.

The winner of the evening, for me, was the Rosso di Montalcino.  The next time you are going to an Italian BYOB, pick up a bottle of Rosso di Montalcino.  You won’t regret it.