Neat Thoughts About Food, Wine, Travel & More
Based on the label and my knowledge of Zweigelt, I was expecting cherry upon sipping this wine, but I also found bright, fresh red berries with spicy undertones along with the ripe cherries. This inky wine is medium-bodied and at that affordable price point, could easily become one of my mid-week or BBQ, go-to wines. Bonus – screwcap.
Wine Enthusiast: 87 points.
About $15.
This wine was provided to me for sampling and I’m adding to my repertoire.
This Portuguese wine with a huge mouthful – do open it 30 minutes before you’re ready to drink it.
'07 Carm Quinta do Coa Vinho Tinto
A friend brought this Douro region gem to the BYOB we dined at for my birthday dinner – boy does she know my tastes well. It is deep ruby in the glass, has an intense luscious fruit nose and is concentrated cherry/raspberry on the palate with a lovely medium finish. As a fan of beefy American Zinfandels, I really enjoyed the powerful, 14.5% alcohol wine.
91 Points “Smart Buy” – Wine Spectator.
Around $15.
2005 San Roman Toro
Had been saving this wine for a special occasion and boy what a treat it was. This Spanish wine is 100% Tinta de Toro (Tempranillo) and inky black in the glass screaming at you to grow a backbone and dare have a sniff and a sip. The nose is intoxicating with loads of black, ripe fruit, smokiness and strong coffee. In the mouth, it’s velvety, concentrated and offers juicy fruit and dark chocolate. The 2005 San Roman Toro features supple tannins with a long, slightly-spicy finish.
Best Spanish wine I’ve had and in my top 50 list.
95 Points – Wine Enthusiast
Around $60.
This is an enjoyable medium-bodied pinot noir that’s light on the nose with cherry and raspberry flavors then offers spicy notes in the mouth. Little tannins on the finish. Served this Alto Adige red with an antipasto platter for New Year’s eve and my guests enjoyed it.
This wine was provided to me for sampling and I’m adding to my repertoire.
Around $23.
Although from Alto Adige, this fragrant white is clearly made in a German manner. This greenish-hued pinot blanc offers green apple on the nose and ripe pear in the mouth. A friend sampling it with me said “nice acidity” upon sipping it and she was right, lots of acidity, long finish and a super food-friendly wine.
Around $19.
If you read my blog, or follow me on social media platforms, you know that I enjoy trying wines from many regions, varietals and styles so I try not to judge wines by their price points. Having said that, I thought I’d highlight some affordable wines I’ve particularly liked this year (in no particular order).
Top 10 Wines Under $20 for 2010:
Have you tried any of these wines? Please leave a comment with your thoughts about them. Haven’t tried them yet? Please do and let me know how you enjoyed them!
Cheers,
Veronique
'07 Carmes de Rieussec Sauternes
Although the second wine of Château Rieussec, this dessert (fortified) wine is not a second rate Sauternes in any way. The color is a rich golden hue. The nose is honey and ripe citrus. On the palate, this Sauternes is unctuous, thick, sweet and bold with juicy peach.
Know most of us think of sparkling wine when celebrating, but this affordable Sauternes should also come to mind. Served this wine with foie gras and confit onion and carrot and it was a fantastic pairing.
Around $25 for 375ml bottle.
2008 Kaiken Corte
Decided to uncork this wine at Christmas dinner (turkey, spiced meatball stew, dark meat stuffing) even though it wasn’t the best option and my fellow diners unanimously said that they’d drink this wine any day with food it shouldn’t be paired with. It was great!
The 2008 Kaiken Corte is a dark purplish ruby in the glass. It’s jammy fruit, black licorice and dark chocolate on the nose. In the glass, this wine is velvety yet bold with layers of ripe dark berries, spicy notes and a lonnnnnng finish. Kept thinking of BBQ ribs as I sipped on this Argentinean wine. 80% Malbec , 12% Bonarda, 8% Petit Verdot.
This wine was provided to me for sampling and I’m adding to my repertoire as it’s truly enjoyable.
At around $12 a bottle, a case won’t break the bank but will have your guests praising this neat wine at your next BBQ.
2009 Kellerei Cantina Terlano Gewurztraminer
This wine might be pale yellow and innocent-looking in the glass, but appearances betray the intense floral nose and the bold palate. Paired this Italian wine with spicy Vietnamese food and thought it was a great match.
You’ll get tons of value out of this wine compared to much more expensive Alto Adige Gewürztraminers.
This wine was provided to me for sampling and I’m adding to my repertoire as it’s truly enjoyable.
Around $20.
2008 Montes Alpha Syrah
If you’re into a smoky, spicy, leathery, big, full-bodied wine, this 95% Syrah and 5% Viognier winner is for you.
I was given this bottle to sample and really enjoyed it. I look forward to stocking up on it as it’s an affordable, crowd-pleasing wine.
Wine Spectator rated this Chilean wine 90 points.
Around $20.
Recent Comments