EverythingWINE
RSSValue Wines for a New Decade
Happy New Year and hello 2010!
A hearty Happy New Decade is also in order. Has it really been ten years since we thought the world would explode in the Y2K meltdown?
Now that the parties are over and since what happens next is anyone’s guess, it feels good to tighten up the old spending belt and start drinking cheap again. But, I don’t mean drinking plonk.
Here are a few good things to tastefully ease out of splurge mode and into moderation:
Sierra Los Andes 2008 Sauvignon Blanc, Mendoza Argentina
This light and lively refresher will transport you to a South Pacific island. Tropical fruit like gooseberry, guava and grapefruit dominate, while green apple and grass on the nose makes you see the color green. Scintillating acidity gives it a refreshing mouthfeel, perfect for hot and spicy foods, as well as shellfish.
Man 2008 Shiraz, Coastal South Africa
For a wine that will stand proudly next to anything on the drinks table wearing a label that won’t embarrass you, get Man. Man Vintners provides a quality wine for a great price. It’s drinkable right out of the bottle, and if it doesn’t get finished, it tastes fine the next day. The nose has warm blackberry, plum and spice, which get riper on the lush palate. Chewy tannins and a rush of spicy fruit on the finish make this an accessible every night wine, perfect for meats - particularly grilled – or stews, or anything hearty.
Double Dog Dare Chardonnay, California
Yes, it’s another critter wine getting their yellow tail on, but this cheapo is worth checking out. The nose has the slightest hint of oak on top of a lot of fruit. Ripe, sweet tropical fruit gives it a rounded softness, and an apply lemon acidity cleans up mid-palate. Then, a long, sweet finale. This would be fantastic with hot, spicy dishes from South Asia or South Pacific. Or, with lemon meringue pie. It was good with my turkey burrito. One could save a bundle on this ten bucker from California.
Please tell me about your own value finds at Everything Wine, perhaps after you’ve stocked up on it. I am always looking for sterling examples of the price/quality wine dichotomy to rave about because, like a T-shirt in California once said, “Friends don’t let friends drink plonk.”
Ideas, please.