While the show at McCormick Place is not open to the public, Chicago-area residents and visitors can still benefit from it next time they eat out.
Expert participant Kevin Zraly, author of Windows on the World Complete Wine Course, visited ABC7 to explain how to select wines on a budget.
Kevin's wine tips:
- Stay away from Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon – both are too heavy to drink in the spring and summer months
- Grilled chicken is on one of the greatest food pairings to go with almost any summertime wine
Kevin's wine pairings:
1. Prosecco (Italy): La Marca Prosecco $13.99
- light, crisp sparkling wine
- look for the D.O.C. label, but the D.O.C.G. label is a better quality without having to pay much of a higher price
- The difference between Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) and Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) is DOCG labeled wines are analyzed and tasted by government–licensed personnel before being bottled. To prevent later manipulation, DOCG wine bottles then are sealed with a numbered governmental seal across the cap or cork.
- Pairing: Great with spicy foods, because the carbonation helps cut the spice.
2. Riesling (Washington State): Chateau Ste Michelle $8.99
- Light and sweet
- Pairing: great with Caesar, Chicken or Fish Salad; also a great wine to drink on its own!
3. Sancerre (France): Sancerre Domaine de la Villaudiere $17.99
- Medium style wine that are all made from the same grape
- Pairing: Perfect with grilled shrimp or cold seafood like clams and oysters
4. Beaujolais -Villages (France): Georges Bubdeuf $9.99
- 2009 is the best vintage in over 40 years and is a great chilled red
- Pairing: The perfect hamburger wine for grilling and chilling
5. Rioja (Crianza- Spain): Sierra Cantabria $16.99
- Made from the tempranillo grape and all are affordable and great for grilling
- Pairing: Flank steak, beef or chicken kabobs
