Romantic but cheap!

How many times as a young and broke student you wanted to impress your girl/boy friend by making a romantic dinner accompanied by a gorgeous wine without spending all your savings?

Did you ever think about 37,5? Yes in the wine language it means 375ml or half bottles of wine!

Half bottle is the perfect choice for couple during a romantic dinner. Indeed the price is way cheaper than a 75cl, you can afford a really good cuvee at half price, enjoy a glass or two without getting too drunk or wasting half of the bottle. It also could a be a good deal to taste different wines at your dinner (white for the starters/red for the mains).

The Paperbag Wine blog team decided to experience a half bottle tasting among two whites and two red from wine shops and a supermarket. Our objective is to select the best value wines in order to enhance your romantic dinner.

Each wines tasted and approved will be followed by Jamie Oliver recipes, easy and quick to make!

1) Chateau Martinon, Entre deux Mers, 2010 – La Maison Gabin  – White Wine- 3€

-           Color: +++     Beautiful light gold color, hints of straw.

-           Nose: ++        Nice floreal note, peppermint a little bit tight.

-           Mouth: +        Very buttery, lemon and citrus aromas

-           Dish:               Risotto with mushroom or baked salmon

Grilled mushroom risotto by Jamie Oliver

Summer tray baked salmon by Jamie Oliver

              2) La Cave d’ Augustin Florent, Vin d’ Alsace 2011 – Carrefour city – White Wine- 4,18€

-           Color: +       White clear color and bright.

-           Nose: +        Banana, peach, exotic fruits,

-           Mouth: +      Fruity, a little bit of acidity

-           Dish:             Asian Style food   

 Seafood curry by Jamie Oliver

      3) Château d’ Arthus, Saint Emilion, 2012 – Carrefour city – Red Wine – 5,40€

CORKY

             4)  Château La Tour Camblanes, 2007, Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux – Nicolas – 4,50€

-           Color: +++    Rubin intense color

-           Nose: ++       Leather, smoky and ripe fruits.

-           Mouth: ++     Black fruit, very aromatic, well balanced

-           Dish:             Spaghetti Bolognese

Spaghetti Bolognese by Jamie Oliver

  è  The best value for money is the white wine, Chateau Martinon from Entre deux Mers, with a rich taste for a good price.

  è  The best quality/serious wine is the red wine Château La Tour Camblanes,  from Premières Côtes de Bordeaux, more complex and well balanced.

Drink cheap. Drink well!