Bargain Bottles
My email inbox runneth over. The onset of the Holiday season has prompted readers to reach out in search of bargain bottles to serve in the coming weeks. Price matters, but so does the presentation factor.
It was important for some that the wines they serve are recognizable as quality wine — which I took to mean, be conventional varietals (such as Chardonnay, Cabernet or Shiraz) from established wine regions. My favourite Hungarian Blaufrankisch would have to wait for another time…
Curiously, a few of the messages came from Fuzion lovers who were concerned about their favourite under $10 red wouldn’t impress visitors. I’d be more concerned that the 2009 Fuzion Shiraz-Malbec would be stocked out in the run-up to the holidays.
The soft and round red wine from Mendoza, Argentina remains a strong seller because of its easy-going appeal. Its spicy, red fruit flavours are dress up with some residual sweetness that helps underscore Fuzion’s overwhelming popularity.
While I’m certainly an advocate for selecting wines that you think will please your guests, I’m less concerned about what they might think about how much I might have spent on what I serve. It’s your house and your hospitality — serve what you wish.
That said, I do like the idea of mixing things up and selecting a range of different inexpensive bottles. Keeping moderation in mind, I make sure to serve small pours so that guests can sample a variety of wines should they so choose.
If there is a particular producer that you like, why not audition some of the other varietals in their portfolio.
For example, I’m a fan of the Viña Cono Sur “bicycle label” wines that retail for $10 to $12. The range includes a Cabernet, Merlot, Shiraz and Pinot Noir for red wines and Chardonnay and Viognier for the whites, all of which are recommended.
Similarly another Chilean producer of note, Viña Concha y Toro offers an exciting selection of red wines in its Casillero del Diablo (“Cellar of the Devil,” which refers to a portion of the cellar that a previous winemaker used to store his best wines. He spread rumours that it was haunted to try and protect his prized wines from being consumed by cellar staff.)
The Casillero del Diablo Malbec, Shiraz and Carmenere, which retail around $13 in Ontario, are flavourful and enjoyable reds that are sure to impress.
More seasonal wine selections are posted at vinesmag.com.
Wines of the Week:
Beringer 2008 Stone Cellars Chardonnay
California $14 (606806)
This enjoyable and easy-going Chardonnay puts the emphasis on tropical fruit flavours that are balanced by refreshing acidity. Produced in a simple and straightforward style, this well-made white has mass appeal.
Viña Concha y Toro 2008 Casillero del Diablo Carmenère
Chile $13 (620666)
Widely planted in Chile where it was mistaken for Merlot, Carmenère offers the plush texture of Merlot with a pleasingly offbeat, spicy character. This gutsy example reveals nice pepper and smoke notes.
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