But it takes a little knowledge to discover the terrific values that make affordable the enjoyment of quality wine. Here are four non-exclusive approaches, the last one includes some general recommendations:
1) Find values through the ratings and reviews of critics on blogs or established publications like The Wine Spectator , Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate or Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar to name three. This is not a bad strategy but there are three possible pitfalls: a) the cat’s out of the bag and everyone is looking for the same wines so they’re impossible to find; b) the wine is simply not available in your market – a real possibility in control states like Washington; and c) you may not share the same tastes and may regret your choices.
2) Make it a practice to rely on the advice of your local wine merchant. This way you learn whether or not you and your sales person share the same tastes and thus can rely on their opinions. After all, they taste a lot of wine each week! Most of us in the trade know our inventory and are passionate about wine and maintaining high professional standards. As a consumer, you will snag the best “finds” this way and probably the highest satisfaction with your purchases. Full disclosure: I work at Esquin Wine Merchants.
3) A good strategy, albeit a long-term one, is to study wine; read about it and take classes. Full disclosure: I teach, too. But this way, you’ll learn that Cotes-du-Rhone can sometimes be a low cost alternative to Chateauneuf-du-Pape or that Bordeaux Chateau’s second wines can be a source of great values. You’ll also learn how to taste, recognize and describe characteristics you enjoy. This latter skill will help you focus on finding good, affordable wines in a wine shop or on a restaurant list.
4) Finally, this web site can be a good resource! You can search the archives for a variety of entries by topic or by date. This leads me to some thoughts on where I’m currently finding good values for the holidays. Please contact me directly for specific recommendations. Here are some general thoughts:
a) Try looking for Cotes du Rhone, Cotes du Ventoux, Cotes du Luberon and Coteaux de Tricastin, in that order. These are both red and white wines based largely on the Grenache grape (Grenache Noir for reds, Grenache Blanc for whites) that pair well with savory turkey, pork and chicken dishes. Most sell for under $15/bottle and are very well-made.
b) Off-dry wines like Gewurztraminer, Riesling and demi-sec Vouvray are great holiday food whites. The best Gewurztraminer is from the Alsace region in France but it can be costly, starting in the upper teens ($16+) so check out some domestic counterparts. On the other hand Riesling from Germany is often the best value.
c) For sparkling wines seek out Spanish Cavas , often under $10, and French Cremant (de Bourgogne, d’Alsace or de la Loire), which sells for under $20. Also Blanquette de Limoux is a good value bubbly.
d) Try Pinot Noir from France’s Languedoc region; it’s often under $13. Red Burgundy is too expensive and I’ve been disappointed by domestic Pinots under $14 although there are a few good ones from California and Oregon between $17 to $20.
e) Here’s a listing of other areas to hunt for values:
- Spanish reds
- New Zealand and Australian whites
- California Zinfandel and red blends
- Beaujolais Cru, not nouveau!
- Australian dessert wines (“stickies”) and Italian Moscato d’Asti
- Low cost Italian reds like Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
- French reds from the Languedoc and Roussillon
- French crisp whites from the Cotes de Gascogne or Touraine
Happy hunting!
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( 0 / 0 )San Filippo 2002 Brunello di Montalcino
In the glass, the wine is a classic Brunello; light with a pronounced garnet tint. The nose is profound with rose petal, tobacco, cocoa powder and blackberry fruit. The palate is rich with blackberry, cassis and chocolate with a slight brambly-berry note.
An amazing value at $28.99.
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( 2 / 1 )This is a big, full-bodied wine.
Appearance: Deep Ruby color
Aromas: Very spicy nose of black pepper, black olive, strawberry
Taste: Black cherry, white pepper. Hints of anise
This is a terrific value (at $15 or so) and a fine choice with cassoulet, stews, pork roast, lamb or coq au vin.
Let's compare tasting notes. You can add a comment below or email me at finedining7@hotmail.com.
Next week: San Filippo 2002 Brunello di Montalcino
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( 3 / 18 )I hope you've had a chance to buy this wine and taste it.
Here are my tasting notes:
Chateau Lagarosse 2005 Premières Côtes de Bordeaux
Appearance: Dark ruby/black cherry color.
Aromas: Spicy nose of nutmeg, fennel and black berry fruit and cassis.
Taste: Delicious black currant, cherry and plum fruit with subtle pipe tobacco spice and toast.
A fine value!
Let's compare tasting notes. You can add a comment below or email me at finedining7@hotmail.com.
Next week's wine: Chateau Pesquié, Côtes de Ventoux $14-$16
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( 3 / 23 )I'm going to start something new - a virtual tasting group. Every week, I'll select a wine that is widely available and priced between $10 and $25 per bottle.
If you'd like to join in, purchase the wine and submit your tasting notes as an email or as a posted comment.
I will reply and post our common notes with the next suggested wine the following week.
Let me know what you think.
This week's wine: 2005 Château Lagarosse, Premières Côtes de Bordeaux, $15-$20/bottle ($14.99 at Esquin Wine Merchants).
Regards,
Arnie
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( 3 / 21 )
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