Ask Alpana: 5/29


Master Sommelier and Check Please! Host Alpana Singh joins us on Chicago Tonight at 7:00 pm with some recommendations for summer wines and wine events.

Summer Wine Selections: 
Summer of Riesling

“A movement started by Paul Grieco from Terroir Wine in NYC which has spread across the country to advocate drinking Riesling - especially during the summer season because it is so refreshing. It even has its own website.”

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2010 Max Ferd Richter Zeppelin Riesling, Mosel, Germany $15
“Light, crisp and refreshing style with flavors of sweet green apples, peaches and honey. Pair this with a wide variety of summer foods, including sushi, salads and seafood.”

Summer of Rose
Ostatu Rose, Rioja, Spain $15 
“You can't go into summer without a proper Rose. Wonderfully pure Rose that is an unbelievable value. This is exactly what one looks for in a refreshing pink wine. Showing aromas and flavors that make one think Rioja, but a fineness that is more reminiscent of a great Rose from Provence. This is fragrant with pronounced aromas of strawberry and a light, spicy character.”

Naming Wine Varieties:
In the United States, in order to list the grape variety, it must constitute at least 75 percent of the blend. Outside of the U.S., the laws will vary according to the country, region or appellation.

Low-Calorie Vodka:
Voli Vodka is 30 percent Alcohol by Volume (ABV) which is 10 percent lower than vodkas such as Absolut. This reduction in alcohol yields 20 to 30 percent fewer calories. The higher in alcohol the spirit, the more calories. The caloric content for Voli ranges between 48-52 calories per 1 oz portion, depending on the flavor; 40 percent ABV Absolut is 69 calories per 1 oz portion. Voli comes in different flavors, including Lyte, Lemon, Espresso Vanilla, Raspberry Cocoa and Orange Vanilla.

Summer Wine Events:
Mark your calendars for these wine focused events coming up this summer:

Wine Riot Chicago 
June 1-2; 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm or 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Great Hall at Union Station
$50-$60: Taste 250 wines in 4 hours
Wine Riot is your all-access pass to hundreds of new wines. With two parts education and one part revolution, Wine Riot has reinvented "wine tasting" for the thirsty and curious. Grab a glass and hit the floor, as you taste 250 wines from across the globe in just 4 hours. They even have an app that tracks your favorite wines and shows you where to buy them later.

Wine Enthusiast Toast of the Town
June 8
The Field Museum
VIP Tasting - $169; Grand Tasting - $109
Toast of the Town Chicago will be taking over The Field Museum with more than 500 wines, spirits & beers and 50 local restaurants on Friday, June 8. Hosted by Wine Enthusiast Magazine, the Toast of the Town brings together nearly 50 signature Chicago dishes all under one roof.

Uncork Barrington 2012
July 6, 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Tent Pavilion, Barrington Commuter Parking Lot, Barrington
$45
Sample over 50 wines, enjoy live music, an art expo, and complimentary hors d' oeuvres at the 8th annual Uncork Barrington, one of the largest wine tasting events in Chicago’s northwest suburban region. You have the option to purchase bottles of any wine you choose at competitive pricing.

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