Contributed by: Joe Roberts
Some might fault this Reserva Malbec from Argentina's Pascual Toso as being a bit too steeped in oak wood spice, and a bit too broad in its earthy, dark fruit flavors. If so, they're missing the point: Reservas from Argentina are supposed to be concentrated, complex fare, and this one consistently delivers those goods (in delicious ways). Consider it a guilty pleasure to match with hearty comfort foods.
Contributed by: Joe Roberts
Don't let the modest cost of a bottle of Four Vines' 'The Kinker' Cabernet fool you—this red is great find and a very good bargain for th9ose who like their Cabs gig, bold, and instantly-accessible. The Kinker seems to be built as a crowd-pleaser, but it has surprising amounts of depth and structure as well. Through it all, it remains smooth as silk in the mouth, thanks to those mature, smooth Paso Robles tannins.
Contributed by: Joe Roberts
Rodney Strong's take on Sonoma's Russian River Pinot Noir brings together three things that are seemingly incompatible: a big-name wine region, an experienced producer, and a very reasonable price-tag. Not only is this red charming in its youth (with abundant plummy fruit flavors, hints of brambly red berries, and touches of cedar), but in good vintages it ages well, too—a fantastic bonus for a wine that regularly can be found for under $20.
Contributed by: Joe Roberts
The small cru of Chénas (on the slopes of Mont Remont in northern Beaujolais) is often overlooked in favor of the more chic cru villages of Moulin-a-Vent and Juliénas (which it borders). Chénas can be a treat, though, combining the violet floral notes and depth of Juliénas with the earthy structure and longevity of Moulin-a-Vent. Such is the case in Christophe Pacalet's Chénas—It's bright in its red berry flavors, complex in its floral aromas, and provides just enough structure to stand up to burgers of both the beef and veggie kind.
Contributed by: Joe Roberts
The art of the blend is a Portuguese specialty, and this red from Quinta do Crasto takes that art to the extreme. Nearly 30 different grape varieties get put together to create this spicy, tangy, and succulent example of dry Douro red. There's extra depth and concentration to this Vinhas Velhas Reserva to go along with the aromatic complexity, courtesy of vines that are hitting several decades of age (producing tiny, flavor-packed berries).
Contributed by: Joe Roberts
This Langhe area example of Nebbiolo is far from being a "poor person's Barolo." There's surprising depth to the red fruits and spice notes of this Italian red, which offers a lot of things that wine lovers crave when it comes to Barolo or Barbaresco, but lightens the touch (and the structure) into an easier-sipping—and decidedly lower cost!—version. Pair it up with pasta and meat sauce, or a hearty burger.
Contributed by: Joe Roberts
Italian Prosecco is usually considered a bargain, even at the high-end with its premium Prosecco di Conegliano Valdobbiadene Superiore offerings. Mongarda's Brut is a bargain among bargains, bursting with honeysuckle, grape, pear, and apple aromas and flavors. All the while, its palate maintains a sense of elegance usually found only in much more expensive bubbly.
Contributed by: Joe Roberts
It's hard (VERY hard) not to like this friendly, boisterous white from Spain's Rías Baixas. Marrying a sense of energy with plump, ripe, and round citrus and stone fruit flavors, you can simply enjoy this one while washing down a hearty meal. Or, you can spend a few extra minutes contemplating its saline, mineral, and brioche hints—wither way, it's a crowd-pleaser.
Contributed by: Joe Roberts
Sparkling wine doesn't necessarily come to mind when one thinks of the high desert-like plantings of Argentina's Mendoza, but Domaine Bousquet is showing that the region that seems to be able to do anything wine-wise also can't be counted out for tasty bubbles. This Brut is big on personality, is instantly enjoyable, and also food-friendly—all in a very wallet-friendly package.
Contributed by: Joe Roberts
Typically blended from Touriga Nacional, Alicante Bouschet and Trincadeira, the Monsaraz Reserve Red is everything to love about Portugal's Alentejo, minus the overly ripe, overbearing fruitiness that often afflicts wines made in this rather warm and sunny region. Here, the boisterous red plummy fruit action is kept in balance by a nice line of acidity, and plenty of the baking spice notes for which its blended varieties are justifiably well-loved among wine insiders.
