The Intoxicologist

With the holiday season fast approaching the search is on for entertaining options that maintain fresh, easy and affordable value.  Friends and family are important in our lives.  It is essential to convey to them how special they are with even the small gestures of food and drinks served on a daily basis and at holiday time.  This can sometimes be difficult when shopping on a budget.  Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market strives to create value for consumers with affordable, wholesome food choices.  Along with food, Fresh & Easy offers close to 170 wines from major growing regions around the globe.  Of those wines, nearly 80 are exclusive to their stores and retail for under $10. 

At this point I will make mention that I have never set foot in a Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market, but I have looked around the internet at consumer feedback.  There have been a few negative comments from a handful that Fresh & Easy tries to address.  By and large customers seem to be extremely happy with their experience.  Especially with the Butternut Squash soup!  Feedback from readers who shop at Fresh & Easy is of course welcomed and appreciated in the comment section as this helps everyone get a well rounded view.  Three affordable wines from Fresh & Easy are featured below.

Pongracz Brut $9.99

South Africa’s Western Cape is home to some of the world’s most exceptional wines, as exemplified in this delightful blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay.  The lightness of this sparkling wine pairs well with appetizers and is perfect for ringing in the New Year.

Small Wonders Chardonnay $13.99

This hand-selected, limited-release wine of just over 2,000 cases is proof that big gifts do indeed come in small packages.  Hailing from the cool slopes of Sonoma’s Russian River Valley, its smooth finish is long, elegant and balanced.  Aromas of Bartlett pear, lemon and a hint of vanilla oak provide the prelude to crisp, juice and mouth-filling flavor.  This chardonnay accentuates the rich, buttery flavors of roasted turkey and ham – excellent for the holidays.

Ambas Malbec $5.99

This award-winning wine is rich, ripe red with smooth, black fruit flavors balanced with hints of spice and oak.  Ambas is made from Malbed grapes grown in premium vineyards across Argentina’s Mendoza region.  This Malbec is an ideal complement to spicier dishes and entrees that are rich and meaty – a great, affordable gift.

Holiday in a Glass: Fall to Thanksgiving Cocktails, Martinis & Drink Recipes

Reviews – Classic Cocktails – Holiday Cocktails – Holiday Recipes @ National Cocktails Examiner

Top 10 Classic Cocktails – 21 Must Try Classic Cocktail Recipes

Drink Recipes & Photos – Gin Temptation Recipes for Any Occasion

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www.discus.org – Distilled Spirits Council of the United States

Copyright 2009 Cheri Loughlin – The Intoxicologist – All Rights Reserved