$9.99, Really??

Many times people ask me what my favorite wine is.  My thoughtful response:  “It comes in a bottle.”  I have grown to appreciate many different varietals and blends.  I credit this to the fine art of wine making.  There is much to explore and appreciate in any well-crafted wine.  This is not a shot at box wines – some are actually well done and can provide good values.  (We can talk about that in a later blog – maybe.)  Yet my preference runs to those that come bottled.

One varietal for me that fits many dinner menus of light fare is Grenache.  It’s not as well known as a stand-alone wine, although many wine makers will use it in a blend; and it’s the heart of Chateauneuf-du-Pape.  For me, Grenache is more textured and has more tannic structure than Pinot Noir, and I like it all by itself.  Many times, a young Grenache is full of strawberry and raspberry flavors with some dusty undertones.

Let me share a story….

I recently arrived in Philadelphia on a Sunday night for a weeklong meeting, which was held at a conference center away from the city and with no readily available transportation.  On that first night, I ventured to the hotel bar. One of my old standbys in uncertain times is beer instead of wine.  I always know what is going to come out of that bottle of Coors! The beer was fine, and it gave me courage to try the wine. Big mistake. It was in a glass (not the right shape), had no distinct flavor, and had a finish that was extremely bitter.

Not looking forward to five nights in a hotel with no chance of a decent glass of wine, I consulted Yelp and had a friend give me a ride to a state wine store. On a whim, I picked up a bottle of 2009 Las Rocas Garnacha (“Grenache” in Spanish).  Even in the poor stemware I had, the wine was surprisingly good.  It was ripe, juicy, fruity, and fresh; and it received a 90 point score from the Wine Advocate. The best part – it was only $9.99!  This is a winner!  This is an easy drinking, great midweek wine or fabulous party wine.

There are two different bottlings of the 2009 Las Rocas Garnacha, and both garnered the 90-point rating.  At this price, it’s worth buying a six-pack.  Here’s the review from the Wine Advocate of this great value wine out of Spain:

“The 2009 Las Rocas is 100% Garnacha sourced from 80-year-old vines from the DO of Calatayud with 25% of the wine aged in wood. It is a forward, savory, ripe, succulent offering that should prove to be a crowd-pleaser. It is an outstanding value that will deliver enjoyment over the next 5 years.”

“My favorite…, and a big time sleeper, is the outstanding 2009 Las Rocas Garnacha Vinas Viejas, which comes from 60-100-year old vines planted at 2,500-3,500 feet elevations. Aged ten months in old French and American oak, it possesses 15.2% alcohol along with a deep ruby/purple color and copious notes of plums, raspberries, black cherries, lavender and licorice, a full-bodied texture, and impressive purity, depth and freshness. This dry red represents super value for frugal consumers. It should last for several years.”

There is plenty out there in the stores, and you should be able to find it locally.

Enjoy!