Three recession-proof wines that are easy on the pocketbook
Posted Aug. 14, 2009 / By Fulmer Jones
There are few things better than finding something you truly enjoy at an exceptional price. Whether it’s an out-of-print album, a classic car, a great piece of furniture -- or a great bottle of wine that's easy on your wallet.With the heat increasing and the cash flow decreasing, things are becoming seemingly more chicken little by the day. I am committed to providing you with wines I love to drink that are both locally available and will help you save money.Wine doesn’t have to be expensive and intimidating. In fact, enjoying wonderful wines from most parts of the world can be inexpensive if you look in the right places. Following are some wines that will allow you to keep more money in that 401K that you’re too scared to open:2008 Craggy Range Te Muna Road Sauvignon Blanc, $15.99 -- Craggy Range has rapidly become one of New Zealand's premier wine producers specializing in single vineyard wines. The Te Muna Road Vineyard is in an area around Martinborough that enjoys a climate that is closely aligned with the famous cool climate regions of Burgundy, the Loire Valley and Marlborough. Here the focus is on cultivation of the classic cool climate varieties Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.The vineyard is made up of two distinct terraces: One comprising old stony soils at a higher altitude that produces exceptional Pinot Noir and one comprising younger stony soils interlaced with lumps of limestone, providing an excellent environment for Sauvignon Blanc.The distinctive flavors of the vineyard result in Sauvignon Blanc dominated more by lime and nectarine rather than herbaceous or passion fruit notes. All white wines from the vineyard show a distinctive fine soft chalky texture and great elegance.2007 Bouchard Pinot Noir, $10.99 -- I don't think there is an elusive little wine sought more fervently than a decent bottle of Pinot Noir under $15. Look no further than this beauty from Bouchard Aine et Fils.A French producer of some pretty tasty, moderately priced Burgundy, Bouchard has reached outside its appellation boundaries to source some Pinot Noir that really delivers for the dollar. I'm a hard sell on Pinot, but this effort is well structured with pretty flavors of Black currant, licorice and black cherry followed by a long vanilla-tinged finish. It actually tastes like Pinot Noir which is rarely the case at this price point.Grab a few bottles of this perfect summer red before the neighbors catch on and buy it out.2007 Ercavio, Tempranillo, Tierra de Castilla, Spain, $11.99 -- This wine offers a perfect balance of weight, flavor and structure. Swashbuckling wine with serious character. Indulge your inner carnivore. Great for steaks and pork chops. Big nose of cedar, blackberry and black cherry.Don’t discriminate against this big-time red in the middle of summer. It may be over 90 degrees outside, but this 90-plus point jewel will not disappoint. Dense on the palate, but with loads of dark fruit flavor. Another fantastic wine from a reliable producer that completely over-delivers for its blue-collar price.These are three distinct varietals from three unique wine producing regions of the world. Drinking wine on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing taste and enjoyment. I hope you enjoy what each of these three wines has to offer.If you like a wine enough, consider buying it by the case. Most wine merchants will give you 10 percent off, taking care of any sales tax. Every little bit helps, right?Parents, it's back to school for your children in the days to come, but consider this your first lesson in Global Wine 101.From South America with love: Treats from Argentina, Chile
Posted Aug. 18, 2009 / By Fulmer Jones
Well-produced wines at affordable prices. This is exactly what you will find if you explore the possibilities of Argentina and Chile.South American wines didn’t play much of a role in the global wine market until the mid-1990s. Nevertheless, these two countries have found their niche and both have become leading exporters of quality, value- based wines to the United States.Chile started the trend and quickly became known for well-produced reds and whites at reasonable prices. More recently, Argentina has joined the party. Imports of Argentinean wine to the U.S. are up more than 40 percent since 2005. Sounds like winemakers down below are doing something right.Each country is known for one or two signature varieties. In Chile, look for crisp, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc and well-balanced Cabernet Sauvignon with lots of pepper and sweet fruits such as blueberries and cherries.Argentina is gaining a reputation for producing some pretty nice Chardonnays. My tastes have always gone the other way with white wines, but if you like generous amounts of oak with your whites then you’ll love what these wines have to offer.Reds are a completely different story. Argentina is Malbec. It is the grape that has put Argentina on the global wine map. A centuries old varietal from the Bordeaux region of France, Malbec never gained much attention or respect until it ended up in Argentina. Used almost exclusively in Bordeaux as a "filler" or blending grape, Argentina has gained worldwide acclaim for its delicious efforts with single varietal Malbecs. Blueberry and blackberry flavors with soft tannins make this wine great with heartier meats or on its own.The sky is the limit with what you want to spend on certain top-notch producers, but amazing Malbecs under $12 are available virtually everywhere. As with most wines, a certain amount of trial and error is required in discovering what wines you adore more than others. I can guarantee that you will be much more pleased than not with what you end up taking home.Always feel free to ask your favorite wine merchant if you need help when making your selections. Folks, this is what these men and women are there for, to help you. Ask questions, and if working on a budget, be sure and let them know your price range so you can work easily within that.Following are some easy to find wines that won’t disappoint: 2008 Pascual Toso Malbec ($12) -- Loaded with blueberry and vanilla with generous amounts of oak. May be hard to find, especially at this price. Smokey and spicy and perfect for grilled foods. Great summertime red, despite the heat. 2008 Casa Julia Sauvignon Blanc ($10) -- Well balanced, high acid white. Great wine for sipping on its own. Perfect match with lighter summer foods such as fish and poultry. Ideal for the bounty of homegrown tomatoes, squash and green beans your garden is producing. 2008 Bodegas Norton Malbec ($11) -- Tastes like freshly pressed cherries and blackberries. Slightly spicy, but round with supple tannins. Sweet finish that sticks around. Consistently produce great wines year after year.Five good wines that dispel the myth that $10 won't work
Posted Aug. 25, 2009 / By Fulmer Jones
You may not think so but finding great wines at or under the $10 threshold really isn't that difficult.It has long been a myth that well-produced, reliable wines under the $10 mark don’t exist. Finding amazing wines under 10 bucks is easy, and both your palate and wallet will be thanking you.Following are five wines I adore. All should be readily available from your nearest and most trusted wine merchant:1. Piper-Sonoma Brut, $10 -- This is the California sparkling wine product made by the Champagne house of Piper-Heidseick. Nothing remarkable about this sparkler, but if you love bubbles, you can’t go wrong at this price. Much better than most at this price. 2. Chalone, Chardonnay Monterey, Calif., $10 -- The Monterey Peninsula is perfect for growing cool climate chardonnay. This wine from Chalone packs a lot of chardonnay flavors without overdoing the oak. It is nicely balanced at the price and consistently good vintage to vintage. I’m not a big Chardonnay person, but this is a perfect wine to sip absentmindedly as the dog days of summer draw closer to fall. 3. Borsao, Grenache / Tempranillo (Campo de Borja, Spain '07), $10 -- Importer Jorge Ordonez keeps it real by offering classic grapes from Spain without the hefty price tag. This is perhaps my favorite wine of the moment in this price range. Perfect for your grilled meats. Plenty of structure, but without the serious tannins that might be expected with this blend. Easily drinkable and enjoyable right now, but would become even better in the next year or two. Buy this wine by the case while it remains this affordable. 4. Rosenblum, Zinfandel "Vintners' Cuvée" (Calif. '07), $10 -- If it’s the high alcohol and supple fruit flavors of zinfandel that you love, then look no further. Legendary producer of single vineyard zinfandels, Rosenblum has been setting the standard of excellence in making reliable and affordable wines for years. Again, prefect with grilled foods or great on its own. 5. McManis Estate Petite Syrah (Calif. '06), $10 -- From the Lodi region of California, just southeast of Sacramento. This area is is gaining a reputation for producing powerhouse reds just above and just below the $10 mark. This wine might be slightly harder to find and the price may vary slightly, depending on where you decide to purchase it. Firm structure with nice tannins. Buy now and enjoy.Labor Day wines that work well with your holiday grilling
Posted Aug. 28, 2009 / By Fulmer Jones
I realize that Labor Day is more than a week away, but I wanted to start early on selections to give you time to decide what you’re cooking and, consequently, what wines you’ll be serving with your holiday meals.For some, Labor Day marks the end of the grilling season. I suppose some people with busy lives decide to clean the grill, cover it and put it out of sight and out of mind until the following spring.For most, though, Labor Day just provides another convenient excuse to fire up the coals (or gas), spend time with family and friends, and enjoy some good wine with your grilled delights.I like to keep pricing in mind when selecting which wines to write about and recommend. The less-than-$10 range can be a sweet spot for sure, but spending a bit more can take your enjoyment to an entirely new level. Following are some wines under $15 that deliver both value and complexity:1. Gascon, Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina, 2008 ($11) -- Ripe fruits of cherry, blueberry and vanilla. Smoky start with nice amount of oak without being overdone. Classic Malbec with good focus and slightly sweet finish. I love Malbec and hope you’ll enjoy this one, too. Perfect match for steaks and chops. 2. Dry Creek Vineyard, Sauvignon Blanc, CA, 2008 ($15) -- Great winery that’s been making good Sauvignon Blanc since the early 1970s. Typically zingy, with absolutely no oak. Perfect for the heat. Price may vary slightly, but a fantastic wine that maintains consistency year after year. 3. Wrongo Dongo, Jumilla, Spain, 2008 ($10) -- One of my favorites of 2008. Despite the ridiculous name, this is an amazing red from Spain. A blend of Grenache and Tempanillo, this wine balances heavy flavor with mild tannins. Perfect wine for meats, even poultry and salmon. I love it just as much on its own. Drinks like a wine costing $30-$40. You won’t be able to stop buying this one. 4. Gazela, Portugal, Vinho Verde, 2007 ($9) -- Portugal makes some fantastic white table wines. This is one of its better examples and is widely available throughout Central Arkansas. Bone dry and slightly sparkling, this wine is perfect for almost any occasion. Thirst-quenching, but beware; an entire bottle will disappear before you know it.Most U.S. wines are gaining in both popularity and taste
Posted Sept. 3, 2009 / By Fulmer Jones
Well crafted and affordable wines from the United States are becoming increasingly popular. Younger, enthusiastic winemakers are choosing to stay home and put their talents on display.Until recently, this wasn’t the case. Many of the best and brightest would head to Europe to study under people who have been making wines for decades.Now, with a more viable wine market within our borders, and production levels at an all-time high, choices for the consumer have never been greater.Following are just a few examples of well crafted and affordable wines that from home:1. Pine and Post Chardonnay, Washington ($6) -- Washington state is gaining a reputation for producing great wines, both red and white, and they often are more affordable than their counterparts from California and Oregon. This is a nice Chardonnay with spicy oak flavors and balanced fruits of apricot and apple. Nice for the final days of summer. May be a bit difficult to find, but this gives you an idea of what’s available in this amazing price range. 2. Chateau Ste. Michelle Dry Riesling, 2006, Washington ($12) -- Another amazing product of Washington. Most people have misconceptions of Riesling as a sweet, non-food friendly wine, but this wine is anything but. Nice acidity with this one and plenty of fresh fruit flavor. Goes well with anything from pork to pasta. 3. McManis Family Estate Petite Sirah, 2006, California ($11) -- I can’t get enough of this one. Complex wine that drinks like it cost two to three times more than it does. Pretty robust red that has nice flavors of cherry and licorice. Perfect for these unseasonably cool nights of late. Any wine you buy that carries the McManis name is going to be a hit. Build a fire outside and enjoy.Bubbles on a budget: Good champagne not always expensive
Posted Sept. 11, 2009 / By Fulmer Jones
I know some of you hear the word champagne and immediately assume something overpriced, elitist and served only for special occasions.While a lot of champagne is exceedingly expensive -- and often overrated, in my opinion -- good bubbles can be found on the cheap.I’ll focus more on two types of sparklers that are widely available, much more affordable than most champagne and deliver big flavors for your extended dollars. 1. Prosecco: This is Italy’s answer to champagne. Most prosecco is produced in the northeastern part of the country. A cooler climate exists there with high mountains, four distinct seasons and moderate annual rainfall.Most prosecco is produced in the traditional methode champenoise method. The “French method,” as it’s known, is the traditional way of making champagne in France. The process includes a double fermentation, the adding of yeasts and continuously rotating the bottles to maintain carbon dioxide levels.While generally not as nuanced as most champagnes, prosecco has been gaining a better reputation over the past decade. It’s done well as an export brand, perhaps because of its lower and much more affordable price point.2. Cava: Top-notch cava has been coming out of Spain for decades. The epicenter of cava production in Spain is the Penedes region.Tucked away in the northeastern corner of Spain, Penedes is in the coastal hills southwest of Barcelona. This is one of the oldest wine producing regions in all of Europe. Penedes produces fantastic white and red still wines, but cava is what its reputation is based upon.Following are a few suggestions when looking to make your next purchase. As always, prices may vary slightly depending upon retailer.1. Freixenet, Cava, Penedes, Spain ($12) -- Nothing spectacular, but a fine introduction nonetheless. Abundant bubbles with flavors of lemon and vanilla wafers. Great wine on its own or with fish and poultry. Even brawny enough to stand up to red meats.2. Marques de Gelida, Cava, Penedes, Spain ($11) -- Amazing wine, really ugly bottle. Fabulous producer of cava. One of my favorites and I put this one on just about any wine list I design. Versatile with a variety of foods. Big bubbles that will be sure to impress, if you’re into that sort of thing. I know I am.3. Martini and Rossi, Prosecco, Italy ($12) -- One I know is available throughout Central Arkansas. Not one I might normally suggest, but it’s a great place to start. Typically bone-dry and pleasing. Great partner for sushi.Some choices for getting more wine value for less cash
Posted Sept. 18, 2009 / By Fulmer Jones
In an ongoing attempt to provide you with well-produced wines at reasonable prices, I've chosen a variety at different price points. The common thread is that all retail for less than $20.Following are some of my favorites that are widely available in the area. If you have yet to try them, grab acouple for the weekend and decide for yourself.
1. Cupcake Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough New Zealand 2008 ($13) -- Juicy and bright, with grapefruit, lime, nectarine and herb flavors in a lovely balance, lingering attractively, Wine Spectator magazine says.2. Pacific Rim Riesling Columbia Valley Washington Organic 2008 ($14) -- Dry Riesling with plenty of stone fruit character. Perfect wine for food. Consistent producer that specializes in this varietal. A favorite of mine for the past two to three years.3. Castello Di Monastero Chianti Classico 2006 ($20) -- This opens up beautifully. Full-bodied, yet refined and polished. A long and beautiful wine, says Wine Spectator. A great wine. Super rustic, which makes Chianti a favorite of mine. Perfect partner for pastas and steaks. With cooler weather on the way, this wine is perfect with a rich Bolognese sauce.4. Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Cuvee Barossa 2007 ($20) -- A particular favorite from Australia. The Barossa Valley is Australia’s answer to Napa. With a penchant for producing rich, opulent reds, this Cabernet is no different. Focused and smooth with spicy flavors and loads of black cherry.Our wine tastes change along with our seasons
Posted Sept. 25, 2009 / By Fulmer Jones
My tastes vary with the seasons. Fall seems fast approaching, but a warmup is right on its tail.I love the cool evenings and chilly mornings. I can almost taste the heavy braises and hearty stews that come with the falling temperatures; therefore, my taste for wine is changing just as quickly.If you like powerhouse reds, then I have some fantastic choices. Malbec and Port are just a few that highlight what have seen the lion’s share of my attention this past week. Try the following gems on for size; they are certain not to disappoint:1. Fontana Fredda “BriccoTondo” Barbera 2007 Italy ($12..99) -- An amazing wine with amazing value. Barbera is one of my favorites. No tannins and silky smooth on the palate. Versatile with a wide variety of foods. Perfect “transition” wine with the temperatures. Maybe a bit tricky to find in Central Arkansas, but ask your wine merchant if he or she can order from the distributor. 2. Quattro Mani Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2007 Italy ($10.99) -- Cherry and spice highlight this simple yet elegant red from the south of Italy. Again, virtually no tannins, which makes it exceedingly food friendly and just as great on its own. Try it with any red sauce or a grilled ribeye. Please remember that retail prices vary. 3. Bell Port NV Lodi, California 375 ML ($30) -- This isn’t exactly a “value” wine, but if you have the cash, I highly recommend picking up a bottle. Bell wines across the board are well-crafted and they continue to set the bar high in the winemaking world. A blend of five cuvees that have been barrel aged 40 months. Deep ruby color and concentrated fruit flavors make this a perfect way to finish a meal. Seriously good juice. 4. Gritos Malbec Mendoza, Argentina 2007 ($13) -- Blend of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. Full-bodied red from the most famous Malbec producing region in the world. Solid wine, but nothing to do cartwheels over. Perfect for sipping absentmindedly as the night wears along. Put a little chill on it before popping the cork. Don’t say I didn’t tell you.Reviewing a wine list that's delicious and easy on the budget
Posted Oct. 8, 2009 / By Fulmer Jones
Consulting work both in Arkansas and outside the state has delayed a new Spirits column. Not to worry, though; a new one will be along soon. Besides, having time-consuming responsibilities with the profession is a good problem, don't you think?In the interim, as we all continue to find ways to enjoy life at a bargain, we present you with a review of some delicious wines that won't wreck your budget. All of these wines come highly recommended by the author, range in price from $10 to $20 and should be available from your favorite and most trusted wine merchant.Enjoy.Piper-Sonoma Brut, $10 -- This is the California sparkling wine product made by the Champagne house of Piper-Heidseick. Nothing remarkable about this sparkler, but if you love bubbles, you can’t go wrong at this price. Much better than most at this price.
Chalone, Chardonnay Monterey, Calif., $10 -- The Monterey Peninsula is perfect for growing cool climate chardonnay. This wine from Chalone packs a lot of chardonnay flavors without overdoing the oak. It is nicely balanced at the price and consistently good vintage to vintage. I’m not a big Chardonnay person, but this is a perfect wine to sip absentmindedly. Borsao, Grenache / Tempranillo (Campo de Borja, Spain '07), $10 -- Importer Jorge Ordonez keeps it real by offering classic grapes from Spain without the hefty price tag. This is perhaps my favorite wine of the moment in this price range. Perfect for your grilled meats. Plenty of structure, but without the serious tannins that might be expected with this blend. Easily drinkable and enjoyable right now, but would become even better in the next year or two. Buy this wine by the case while it remains this affordable. Rosenblum, Zinfandel "Vintners' Cuvée" (Calif. '07), $10 -- If it’s the high alcohol and supple fruit flavors of zinfandel that you love, then look no further. Legendary producer of single vineyard zinfandels, Rosenblum has been setting the standard of excellence in making reliable and affordable wines for years. Perfect with grilled foods or great on its own. McManis Estate Petite Syrah (Calif. '06), $10 -- From the Lodi region of California, just southeast of Sacramento. This area is is gaining a reputation for producing powerhouse reds just above and just below the $10 mark. This wine might be slightly harder to find and the price may vary slightly, depending on where you decide to purchase it. Firm structure with nice tannins. Buy now and enjoy.2008 Pascual Toso Malbec ($12) -- Loaded with blueberry and vanilla with generous amounts of oak. May be hard to find, especially at this price. Smokey and spicy and perfect for grilled foods. 2008 Casa Julia Sauvignon Blanc ($10) -- Well balanced, high acid white. Great wine for sipping on its own. Perfect match with lighter foods such as fish and poultry. Ideal with fresh vegetables. 2008 Bodegas Norton Malbec ($11) -- Tastes like freshly pressed cherries and blackberries. Slightly spicy, but round with supple tannins. Sweet finish that sticks around. Consistently produce great wines year after year.Cupcake Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough New Zealand 2008 ($13) -- Juicy and bright, with grapefruit, lime, nectarine and herb flavors in a lovely balance, lingering attractively, Wine Spectator magazine says.Pacific Rim Riesling Columbia Valley Washington Organic 2008 ($14) -- Dry Riesling with plenty of stone fruit character. Perfect wine for food. Consistent producer that specializes in this varietal. A favorite of mine for the past two to three years.Castello Di Monastero Chianti Classico 2006 ($20) -- This opens up beautifully. Full-bodied, yet refined and polished. A long and beautiful wine, says Wine Spectator. A great wine. Super rustic, which makes Chianti a favorite of mine. Perfect partner for pastas and steaks. With cooler weather arriving, this wine is perfect with a rich Bolognese sauce.Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Cuvee Barossa 2007 ($20) -- A particular favorite from Australia. The Barossa Valley is Australia’s answer to Napa. With a penchant for producing rich, opulent reds, this Cabernet is no different. Focused and smooth with spicy flavors and loads of black cherry.Yes, even the great wines can be found at a real bargain
Posted October 2009 / By Fulmer Jones
I don’t have much of an issue with shelling out money for well-crafted, expensive wines. On the other hand, when great deals present themselves, it’s time to really take notice.Think of it in two-for-one terms. Yes, sometimes even great wines come with a low price tag.I’ve been drinking mostly Italian wines lately. Mostly Sangiovese and some beautiful Valpolicellas from up north. Below are a handful that deserve mention and attention.Please keep in my mind that when I make selections, price and availability are the two most important factors. It does you no good if you can afford the wine but it isn’t available. Remember, too, that availability varies depending on the popularity of a respective wine.
As always, enjoy! 1. Fattoria di Basciano Chianti Rufina 2007 ($15) -- Scored 89 points by Wine Spectator. Dark in color for Chianti, offering loads of ripe black cherry on the nose, with plum skin and floral notes. Full-bodied, with a healthy core of crushed black fruit, fine tannins and a long, fruity finish. Concentrated and fruity. Drink now, Wine Spectator recommends. Perfect for your football weekends. Hearty pastas and grilled meats of any kind will be thankful you brought this one along.
2. Fuedo Arancio Nero d’Avola Sicilia 2007 ($10) -- If you enjoy Pinot Noir, then you’ll enjoy Nero. An indigenous varietal to Sicily, Nero d’Avola is almost an identical match to American Pinot -- without the hefty price tag to match. No complaints with this wine. Clean flavors of ripe cherry and strawberry. Nice transition wine with the seasons. Best part with this little gem is its price. I have seen it retail for as little as $8, but it’s up to you to find on your own.3. Renzo Masi Chianti Riserva 2006 ($17) -- Very raisiny and ripe, with roasted coffee bean aromas. Big, juicy fruit and chewy tannins. A slightly overdone style, but enjoyable, Wine Spectator says.4. Sensi Chianti Riserva 2006 ($18) -- Ripe berries and fresh herbs on the nose. Medium-bodied, with velvety tannins and a fruity aftertaste of lightly toasted oak. Drink now, Wine Spectator suggests.Right wine can fit the sights and smells of the seasons
Posted October 2009 / By Fulmer Jones
I love the smells and sights of the seasons -- accompanied by a chilled Spanish Rose or an Italian coastal white. I've had the thought of lightly grilled langoustines with sea salt for days. Who knows, maybe grilled Lamp lollipops with rosemary and grapefruit the next night? My point is, get out there and make some delicious meals and make sure you have a few bottles of your favorite quaffers on
hand.
More people are drinking wine than ever before, which means that there is now MORE wine being produced than ever before. Just a little investigating and a visit to your local, trusted wine merchant should help in finding that perfect bottle for your next meal. It's no secret that my favorite wine regions are Spain, particularly the North, as well as Italy -- the whole country, from Friuli in the North all the way down to Sicily. And let's not forget Sardegna.Values abound in all these regions. If you like mid-priced whites ($12-$20 retail), then try the beautiful Albarinos from Spain's Rias Baixas region in the northwestern region of the country. Solid whites typified by lots of mineral and honey generally come packed with nice fruit that doesn't overwhelm the palate. Sounds just about right for those grilled prawns and a nice mesclun salad, doesn't it?Italian whites, outside the ubiquitous Pinto Grigio, are too often overlooked in my opinion. Whether it's Tocai from Friuli or vermentino and verdecchio from the northeastern coastal region of Le Marche, reliable Italian whites can be found and are very budget friendly. Depending on the producer, many whites can be found for $10-$15 retail. They make great partners for any kind of seafood imaginable, and can even be enjoyed while being sipped absentmindedly and enjoying an afternoon with friends.There has never been a better time to try new wines. If it's a varietal or producer you may be unfamiliar with, just ask your local merchant for help. That's what these men and women are there for -- to help you. Chances are, you're going to fall in love and next time, find yourself asking about a discount on buying a case.SPIRITS PAGE
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