<p>I agree about Malbec from Argentina. I am also enjoying Pinot from Oregon. There are some great Sauvignon Blancs coming out of New Zeeland.</p>
<p>Gee I feel like an alcoholic… Thanks DMD</p>
<p>I love Lindeman’s Chardonnay but the New Zeland one, not Australian.
Today we had Night Harvest by R.H.Phillips and we absolutely loved it. Also Chardonnay.
Look for clearance labels, not sale but clearance - it is when they are getting rid of a particular bottle design etc. We always stock up on those wines!
The very best inexpensive champagne is Korbel Russian River Valley. It retails
for about $16-$18 per bottle and is made in the natural champagne way.
[Korbel</a> Champagne Cellars - The Toast of the Inaugural Luncheon](<a href=“http://news.prnewswire.com/ViewContent.aspx?ACCT=109&STORY=/www/story/01-09-2009/0004952177&EDATE=]Korbel”>http://news.prnewswire.com/ViewContent.aspx?ACCT=109&STORY=/www/story/01-09-2009/0004952177&EDATE=)
If you want to splurge a little go with Clicquot
<a href=“Veuve Clicquot, a champagne house beyond the luxury brand”>Veuve Clicquot, a champagne house beyond the luxury brand;
about $50 per bottle.
For reds I prefer Pinot Noir or Merlot</p>
<p>Most any sav blanc is going to be a dry white.
A German Riesling that says Kabinett is more likely a dry reisling; although many reislings are sweet(fruity means the same) are are great beginners’ wines, and match well with desserts. Auslese and Spatlese are pretty much the sweetest of the German whites.
A Gewertztraminer(spelling?) is a spicy apple tasing German wine.</p>
<p>American-made Gewurtzes and rieslings are sweet. The real German kinds are on the dry side. I agree that 11 bottles for 20 people is an overkill, especially for a work function. Make sure you have something for non-drinkers to enjoy. And don’t forget that some people may be allregic to oaked wines (yup, I’m married to one of these folks), so get a couple of bottles that were stainless-steel processed (usually sweeter, white wines).</p>
<p>Kelowna, I agree the Korbel is a very good inexpensive champagne (sparkling wine for the purists). Moving just a little upscale, Domaine Chandon is excellent. I save the Veuve Clicquot for really special occasions.</p>
<p>I calculate six glasses per bottle.</p>