More Budget Wines, cuz we need it!

The main topic in the media, on our minds, and in our wallets…money, money, money! How do we save and keep enjoying the things we like (eh hem, WINE)? Therefore, I’m adding more budget wine suggestions that I’ve tried myself, loved and drank guilt free.

2007 Espelt 60% Garnacha/40% Carinena from Saulo, Spain-This organic wine hits you with a little smoke and toast and caresses you with it’s bright blackberry fruit. Nice tannin structure with a soft, long finish. $10.65/btl

2007 Altovinum Evodia Garnacha from Calatyud, Spain-This wine is made from 100 year old Garnacha vines in pure slate soils. The slate give it a mineral quality that I really enjoy with Spanish Garnacha. The black and red fruits are fresh and bright and drunk with a little tomato sauce the smoke really comes out. $9.65/btl

2007 Palazzone Dubini Bianco from Umbria, Italy-This Italian white is a lovely combination of Trebbiano, Malvasia, Verdello, and Grechetto which is a traditional blend from the Umbria area.  This wine is just outside the Orvieto region and therefore does not have DOC status, but in my opinion, it definitely deserves it.  The Palazzone is medium in body, cistrusy, fresh with great acidity. It also offers a nice bouqet and nuttiness. A great summer wine! $9.65/btl

2007 Hopler Pinot Blanc

2007 Hopler Pinot Blanc  Winden, Austria

So, I tasted this wine a few months ago and I could not stop thinking about it. It was like I had a childhood crush, but never acted on it. I only just recently added it to my inventory because UNFORTUNATELY I have to consider which wines are marketable. This wine is made from a grape called Pinot Blanc, a not entirely unknown grape, but according to what’s “hot” by wine consumer it’s often overlooked.

Pinot Blanc is actually an ancient mutation form of  Pinot Noir. It is the kid that has to sit at the small table during Thanksgiving that yearns to dine with the adults and all the time knows of it’s uniqueness and special potential. I noticed this wine’s potential immediately…probably because I’m an adult that has been fighting to sit at the adult table my entire life (I’m female, look young and get “hi sweety” a lot).

When I first put the glass of Hopler Pinot Blanc to my nose I noticed a gentle hint of aromatics that transcended the Monet in front of me and I could almost believe I was smelling the flowers in the painting. Then the white peach…this juicy, delicate white peach blossom lifted out of the glass and glided across my palate. The light body was clean and refreshing and then zing! It finished with an incredible zest…the special potential that is overlooked. I feel like I can personally relate to this wine. This is a blessing I have found while living and exploring the wine world. It’s a beautiful blend of art and life. So, I am now an advocate for this wonderful grape and the Hopler Winery does a beautiful job shining the light.

http://www.hoepler.at

2007 Paul Cluver Chardonnay

2007 Paul Cluver Chardonnay  Elgin Valley, South Africa

Think outside the “wine region” wine box. We love what’s familiar, but do we watch the same re-runs over and over? Well, I did with Lost, but that was a sad phase. What I’m trying to get at is tasting other “worldly” wines, such as South African. We need a little variety in life, a little spice, a burst of fresh air and if you’re a wine lover you have to take chances. There is a plethora of wine from many different regions just waiting to be plucked by your hands. Here is one that will not disappoint you. (I might have taken away some of the excitement by reviewing this wine, but think baby steps).

The Paul Cluver Winery is a family owned wine estate going back four generations.  Located in Elgin Valley, South Africa, this region is stunning with its rolling hills backed by sharp, masculine mountain tops and aromatic fruit orchards. Elgin Valley is situated within Overberg, next to Stellenbosch  along the coast. The climate is generally mild Mediterranean, but receives the occasional ocean breeze chill from the Benguela current from Antarctica.

The Paul Cluver Chardonnay benefits from the Mediterranan climate and cool ocean breezes which help keep this wine’s fresh acidity. The Chardonnay was fermented and aged in French Burgundian barrels (old and new) for nine and a half months giving it nice structure and a toasty, nuttiness.  The aromas are laced with citrus fruits, pineapple, ripe peaches and beautiful floral overtones. The palate is gentle and only a bit of the oak shines through. You will notice the citrus fruits and a nice long finish.  Recently awarded 91 points in the Wine Spectator, this wine is a great “baby step” to your new life…full of excitment and new, interesting wines!

2007 Bodegas Borsao Red

$97.10/case  $8.99/btl

Bodegas Borsao Red is a harmonious blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha from Campo De Borja, Spain.  Campo De Borja gained it’s D.O. status in 1980 (some vineyards are dated as far back as 1145) and since has mainly produced young, intensly fruity  Garnacha (red and rose). It is slowly moving toward age worthy wines including Crianzas and Reservas.  Other grape varietals such as Tempranillo, Mazuelo, Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah for red and Macabeo, Chardonnay, and Moscatel for white are also permitted in this region, although Garnacha is considered the king grape.

Bodegas Borsao origins date back to 1958, gaining legal status in 2001. Although Garnacha is this winery’s primary grape, they do grow the grape varietals mentioned above. Their Borsao Red (pictured above) is a traditional fruity wine that is very pleasing for many different palates, but it isn’t a simple wine by any means.  You will also find a meatiness to the wine and a minerality on the finish. It has supple tannins and a nice concentration of dark fruits.  The Tanzer awarded this wine with an 89 and the Wine Spectator gave it an 86. It is more than just an everyday wine, but has an everyday price. Enjoy Now.

Bodega Renacer

I have a new wine in the store called Bodega Renacer Punto Final Malbec. I absolutley love this wine, but do you? If you tried it what did you think? Did it have great earth qualities, was it balanced, or did it do nothing for you. You’ve probably noticed I’m subtly encouraging you take wines notes. So, get to it! And have fun drinking it!