This is it! The post you've all been anxiously waiting for! My annual list of amazing and AFFORDABLE wines is finally here.
WHITE:
2011 Domaine de Belle Vue Sauvignon Gris, Loire, France $14 –
Sauv Gris is a Sauv Blanc cousin from the Loire. Gorgeous balance of round
mouthfeel and high citrusy acidity.
Pear and lemongrass on nose, minerally with white peach/tangerine in
mouth and a grassy finish. Clean but warm. Sounds schitzo but
isn't!
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| It sure LOOKS like a European label, doesn't it? These guys are a little whimsical. And cheeky. |
2011 Independent Producers Dionysus Vineyard Chardonnay,
Washington State $14 - Rich & viscous US Chard with no oak but lots of
oomph. Loads of spice and minerality balance the pear and stone fruit
flavors. Very long finish. >>
2010 La Miranda de Secastilla Garnacha Blanca, Viñas del
Vero, DO Somontano, Spain $15 - Heady nose of florals and peachy nectar.
Perfectly balanced acidity. Rich but clean and food friendly.
Loads of fruit and florals. Yum.
2010 Jed Steele Shooting Star Aligoté, Washington State $16
- Aligoté is the oft-overshadowed second white grape of Burgundy – this one
hails from Washington state and is appley/citrusy with a smooooth finish,
unusual and verrrry yummy.
ROSÉ:
2011 Viñaluz Rosado, Bodegas Real, Spain $3 - Yes, three dollars. Granted, I got it on sale (down from a whopping $7,) but either way, this wine is a stupid-crazy value. Bright, rich, great berry/cherry notes, lip-smacking.
NV Dürnberg Brut Sparkling Rosé, Austria $10 - You know I
love sparklers. This is made from the red Zwigelt Austrian grape, and is floral
and lightly fruity but dry dry dry. Great for a party!
2011 Ontañón Vetiver Rosado DOCa Rioja, Spain $12 - Bright
pink. Earth, minerals and strawberry on the nose. Chewy fruit, not
"too sweet" seeming.
Balanced with herby elements and good acidity. Very nice.
<< 2011 Heredade do
Esporão, Defesa Rosé, Portugal $13 – A lot of depth of flavor. Minerality, berries, a bit of meatiness…
Just fantastic! It quenches your thirst and yet you race back to
the bottle - so satisfying, I could drink it all day. TOP PICK.
2011 Wolffer Rosé $15 from Long Island, NY Pale salmon
pink, with underripe strawberry, minerality, salinity. Very scrumptious
for such a light wine. Good acidity with florals, bitter herbs, minerals,
tart cherries. Dependable and food-friendly. >>
RED:
2010 Bodegas Real "Nazares" Tempranillo, Spain $6
– The quality of entry level Tempranillos can be tough to navigate; this one is
absolutely yummy – especially at this price! Crafted in a more youthful
style for drinking now, it has soft and round berry salad flavors.
2011 Cantina Vallebelbo Sparkling Brachetto d'Acqui DOCG,
Italy $12 - light rose and berries with a SLIGHT sweetness, gorgeous balance of
herbs and fruit and freshness. Party wine, easy quaffer, fun and flirty. Might not yet be available in the
US. (I’m working on it!)
<< 2011 Edgebaston The Pepper Pot, South Africa $13 – A blend of Syrah,
Mourvedre, Cinsault, Grenache, Tannat, AND Viognier, this inky red is rich and spicy with loads of pepper and
dark fruits. Structured, but
smooooth – and, dare I say, sexy?!
Pretty heavy-duty but not overpowering, and a bit unusual.2009 Cortes de Cima Red, Portugal $15 – Dark fruits, good integrated tannins, rich and full but velvety. Very nice - this is so huge, it cries out for food! This blend of Syrah, Aragonez (Tempranillo), Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Touriga Nacional and Alicante Bouschet is a great value. TOP PICK.
2007 Martínez Lacuesta Crianza DOCa Rioja, Spain $16 - Spicy! Smoky, good fruit, meaty with lush ripe cherry. Good
balance of fruit and earthier elements, and a nice finish.
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| Sorry about the candle wax - I had this on hand when the lights went out during Hurricane Sandy. |
2010 Montalbera Grignolino d'Asti, Italy $17 - Unusual
color, pale orangey/brick-y. Cherry cola nose, wonderfully strange!
Light but complex flavors of black cherry, some herbs and a bit peppery.
Good acid and yet smooth. So interesting and unusual - Pinot Noir
fans must try! >>
<< 2008 Weinhof Scheu Pinot Noir, Germany $17 – Riesling is the
star in Germany, but this Pinot is a lovely find. Incredibly light seeming but with a strong presence of
cherry, earth, pepper and tea rose floral notes.
2011 Conti di Buscareto Lacrima di Morro D'Alba, Italy $18 -
Not the Alba in Piedmont, but in Marche. Dark bright magenta.
Florals - lavender, roses! Very smooth, super light acidity, hint
of supple tannins. Violets and dark cherries in mouth. Kind of like
a Beaujolais Gamay... but not at all like it too!
2010 Mas des Chimères Oeillade Languedoc, France $19
- A meaty earthiness with dusty spice on the nose, this 100% Grenache has dark
berries, minerals, a hint of charcoal, rose, smoked meat and herbs.
Medium-bodied, but spicy richness and long length in the mouth.
Bring on the funk.
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| The Barbera on this list is on the left. Alas the Barbera on the right is NOT under $20. |
2010 Qupé Syrah Central Coast, California $19 - Very
herbalicious! Lots of rosemary, light, yet very well-structured.
It's hard to find a “Rhône Ranger” Syrah with this much personality at
this price point.
2009 Vietti Barbera d'Asti Tre Vigne, Italy $19 -
CHERRY! Black cherry liqueur, herbs and cola. Very perfumey in mouth, bright
crunchy forward fruit. Good tart acidity but smooth finish.
Somewhat of a masculine style from vineyards abutting legendary Barolo. >>
Well, Wineaux, there you have it. Please let me know if you try any of these amazing finds! And always let me know if you come across some superb under-$20 values yourself... everyone's wallet will thank you.
Cheers!
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