With over 70 exhibitors and hundreds bottles of wine at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, DC, where does one start sipping? My strategy was Wine first, then Food. As it happens, the crowds dictated which tasting booths to visit. Luckily, I stumbled on to some very enjoyable wines. I’ll share my top three with you.

NEMEA, CORINTH

Greece
Aged 12 months in oak, this was my favorite tasting of the day.

A smooth and elegant red made from Agiorgitiko grapes and aged in oak for at least twelve months. Has deep red color, hints of spice, and well balanced tannins suggest reasons for its traditional name: “Hercules’ Blood”.

Retails at $13 (found on line for $9)

Piera Martellozzo
Perle di Piera Prosecco D.O.C. – Blue Pearl
Veneto, Italy

This is a delightful sparkling wine, not sweet, but fruitful in both nose and mouth. Essence of pear abounds! Of all the Piera Martellozzo sparklings presented, this one was the most enjoyable and elegant of the four. The marketing of these bubblies in frosted colored bottles, may make the wine appear to be a ‘novelty wine’, but take my word, the Blue Pearl should be taken seriously.

100% Prosecco, 11% alcohol, Pricing unavailable.

Bellingham 2005 Dragon’s Liar Red Blend

South Africa

Luscious and fruitful, with hints of cigar box. It was sexy and spicy, with a long finish. This was a very enjoyable taste. Retails $19

Sadly, I didn’t get to much of the food, but did try some Mary’s Gone Crackers Organic crackers and double chocolate cookies. The chocolate cookies paired wonderfully with the Nemea Corinth.

Celebrity chef Carla Hall made an appearance on the wine tasting floor for a bit, thankfully drawing the crowds away from the wine tables for a bit. Thank you Carla!

A nice way to spend a cold Washington Saturday!

Cheers!