You may look at National Drink Wine Day as just another day, but for us it is an opportunity to partake in some great pours and more. Sip away at these options in this edition of the OnMilwaukee WeWant.
Purrfect gift: hand-painted kitty glasses
Nothing says "Purr me a nice glass of Burgundy" like these black and white hand-painted beauties from Kris Poelma Arts. So, you should probably add a set of them to that gift for your favorite wine-loving cat lady of all time. Add a bottle of wine (or two) for the purrfect gift. – Lori Fredrich
Sip it: Meiomi Pinot Noir
Meiomi (May-oh-mee) is a pinot noir that gets its fruit from the coastal areas in California and is a lush and balanced favorite. This is a terrific wine at a decent price as it retails just under $20. It is one I regularly go to and enjoy with food or alone. It has a smooth taste with cherry notes that are juicy, sweet, and fresh on the tongue. Finishes fruity and smooth! – Carolynn Buser
Drink it: Lamole di Lamole Chianti Classico (blue label) 2011
From a historic Tuscan vineyard comes this strong, rich chianti that runs deeper than just the muscle provided by sangiovese's tannins. Maybe it's the dashes of cab and merlot speaking, but there's also a nice balance of floral and spice notes that accompany a blackberry-like sweet-tartness. The effect is of a complex kaleidoscope of flavors that mean this round gem can stand up to grilled steaks, hearty roasted autumn vegetables, ripe cheeses and even truffles. Or just pop the cork and cozy up next to the hearth with this satisfying, elegant wine. Retails for about $20. A grey label "riserva" blends canaiolo – instead of cabernet and merlot – with sangiovese. I hope to try that next. – Bobby Tanzilo
Use it: Vinturi lever wine stopper and Champagne resealer
These sleek little products (the wine stopper is polished chrome and the resealer is stainless steel) are key in a house like mine where we often open wine – still or sparkling – and can't finish it in one go. I've struggled to find reliable stoppers and resealers that not only work but also last. These both fit the bill and are more than worth the investment of $12.99 for the stopper – at Bed, Bath and Beyond – and $16.95 for the resealer, which is a Williams-Sonoma exclusive. – Bobby Tanzilo
Sip it: Cecchi Sangiovese 2013 and Chianti Classico 2012; and Avignonesi Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2012
Don't believe the myth that you've got to break the bank to enjoy really good, satisfying and drinkable Tuscan wines. These three fit the bill at unbeatable price points. Though Cecchi's sangiovese retails for $19 and its chianti for $22, you can likely find both for less. The sangiovese (with 5% Merlot) is bright and fruity, with hints of raspberry and violets, while the chianti (90% sangiovese), which has a bit more alcohol (13 v. 12.5%), is spicier and more complex with a nice balanced acidity that will pair well with red meat or, especially, pizza. Have friends over and serve the sangiovese with a cheese and salami tray, then uncork the chianti when the pizza is ready. The Avignonesi – unlike the others – is 100% sangiovese (14% abv), and is aged in oak for 18 months. The result is a warm medium body with elegant tannins and a long finish. It'll run you about $25. Save that one for later, when you're sitting around the fire with your honey. – Bobby Tanzilo
Drink with them: HaloVino
It's an all-too common experience. You're attending an event – maybe at a stadium, concert hall or theater – and you order a glass of wine, which is served up in a disposable wide-rimmed plastic cup. If so, you've probably noticed that the wine – no matter how good – just never tastes the same as when it's served in proper glassware. Enter HaloVino, a Milwaukee-based startup run by respected Milwaukee sommelier and wine educator Jessica Bell. Read more on the new option here. – Lori Fredrich
Use it: HomeImage Wine Cooler
One of my new year's resolutions is to always keep more wine on hand at home. I've signed up for a number of emails with local wine specials such as Otto's and Sendik's and stock up when I see something I like. The one thing that I also wished I had was the correct place to store them all. So, this wine fridge will be my next big purchase. I'd like a dual temperature one to hold both my reds and whites – and maybe even a few bottles of beer if need. – Carolynn Buser
Sip it: Vina Ventisquero Grey [Glacier] Carmenere 2013
This Chilean carmenere is a fabulous bargain at about $16 to $20. To create it, winemakers crush only half the grapes and the finished wine is aged 18 months in a mix of new and second- and third-use French oak to create an alluring wine with a complex palette of flavors, from spicy black fruit to a pleasant earthiness. Buy two: one to enjoy now and age one in the cellar to see how it evolves. – Bobby Tanzilo
Won't break it: GoVino Wine Glasses.jpg)
I have a serious problem with breaking glasses. I'd like to think this is just a fleeting issue in my life, but somehow I doubt it. GoVino shatterproof glasses are my savior. What makes these glasses different is that they are flexible, unbreakable and notched so I don't drop them as easily. At $12.95 for a set of four, they are a worthy investment for your patio, home or even to throw in a bag and tote to the beach. The only downside is they are not dishwasher safe. There is also a set of beer glasses, which may be a great idea for a man in your life with a chronic dropping problem, too, just in time for Father's Day. – Carolynn Buser
