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Do you love Burgundy, but not the price tag attached to it? This spatburgunder from Baden gives you a stellar example of what pinot can be outside of France. Red fruits and floral notes accompanied by that earthy, forest floor, mushroom that Burgundy is known for. Beautifully balanced, definitely one that should have a place at your table.
My heavens! 50+ year old, organic Mencia vines from some of the highest vineyards in Bierzo. Subtle aromas of strawberry, pink grapefruit and white pepper play with clean river rock minerality touched by zesty key lime. Balance and finish are tied together with a vibrating acidity. Structured and executed like a world class ballerina doing flamenco. Sells out every year for good reason. Lighter than Provence, a different planet than White Zin. The only hard part is only opening one bottle at a time.
(Holding the #1 spot)
From the land of Amarone comes a delicious Merlot based blend. To perfectly ripe Merlot (60%) is added juice from dried Corvina grapes ala Amarone. Rich, deep and smooth, this is a remarkable Merlot that may just change your Merlot worldview! (behind by 14 bottles)
From Castilla-La Mancha in Central Spain, a unique blend made with the Garnacha Tintorera grape. Not only is the skin red, but so is the flesh. This provides a sturdy structure and noticeable tannins. Aged only 4 months in oak, this wine has luscious red and black fruits with hints of spice. Definitely one you should try, especially at this price! tied
Approachable and packed with flavors of red, blue and black fruits, subtle black pepper and licorice. Smooth tannins with a lovely balance of acidity, yet slightly rustic, making this wine fun to drink. Although this is considered an "entry level" malbec, it still hails from a single vineyard estate. Outstanding quality at an outstanding price. (behind by 4 bottles)
A wonderful classic CA Cab with solid structure from the altitude and Hungarian oak. Reserved and dark on the nose with aromas of blackberries, hints of black licorice and coff ee. Really nice and elegant. Touch on the masculine side with no jammy, jelly jar junk here. Wonderfully different.
Lightly sparkling, fruity and sassy, Poquito is small in size but big on taste. Delicate floral aromas combine with a sweet yet refreshing palate of ripe peaches, pears and apricots. Apply liberally at any social occasion. Great right out of the bottle but really amazing with mint and rum as a mojito!
Wine geeks know of Gigondas and Vacqueras that show off Grenache like no other. Bordering both is Beaumes de Venise which is known for fortified Muscat. On a steep hillside (at 1500 ft!) twin sisters Sabine and Isabelle make this earthy, spicy blend of Grenache, Syrah and Counoise. A gorgeous wine.
The porron wine pitcher is a festive way to serve wine. Either use as a decanter or just pick up the porron and tilt it so that a thin stream of wine pours directly into your mouth! It takes some skill, but it is fun at a party to see how well you and your friends master the technique. Each porron holds 1 liter, which is a perfect size to hold a bottle of wine.
