SPÄTBURGUNDER – WHAT IS IT?

OK, here are your choices:

1. A new hamburger from Wienerschnitzel
2. A new line of shoes from Jimmy Choo
3. A new Russian satellite
4. Something you do when you don’t feel good
5. A new hybrid car from Volkswagen
6. The German name for Syrah
7. Late Burgundian
8. A hybrid grape variety that is a cross between vegetable and animal
9. Something that is discarded as having little value
10. A German rap group

Take a guess.

PINOT GRIS. IT’S FOR ME. DO YOU KNOW PINOT GRIS?

I doubt that very many people do know Pinot Gris. That’s a shame. It is one of the most food-friendly white wines (especially when domestic wines are considered) and is generally very affordable. So with that introduction, let me first provide a bit of history.

ALONG THE BURGUNDY TRAIL – VINTAGE 2009

Background And Table Of Contents I started going to Burgundy in 1981. In the early days, I was accompanied by Geoffrey Troy and Edward Lazarus and occasionally John Brincko. Later Geoffrey and I continued to visit Burgundy and we were joined by Ted Swinnerton. In recent years, John Brincko rejoined Geoffrey and me. Our most […]

More 2009 Wines

Continuing with our theme of affordable wines from the 2009 vintage, we have discovered some great red and white wines, including more Beaujolais and Rosé. There is something here for everyone!

A BARGAIN AT WHAT PRICE?

Maybe There’s A Reason? In June, in an article on inexpensive white wines, I wrote a note on a lovely Spanish white wine – Condesa De Sarabella 2009 Viura. I gave it a Highly Recommended rating and at $4.99 it is a great bargain.

Under The Radar 2009 Wines

We’ve been talking about the very favorable growing conditions in almost all parts of the world in 2009. So continuing with that theme here is a representative sampling of generally inexpensive 2009 wines that are distinctive and generally not well known. Hence, the “Under the Radar” theme. Be adventuresome. Try a few. I think you will be really glad you did and I expect you will find many new favorites.

2009 New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and Inexpensive 2009 White Wines

Following up on the 2009 vintage of the century theme, its very worthwhile to try the early arriving wines from the 2009 vintage. New Zealand was blessed with an excellent growing season and these early arriving Sauvignon Blancs show great appeal. They are fresh, clean and crisp and generally exhibit some combination of citrus, floral, herbal and grassy nuances. They match very well with summer fare of fish and salads and as a starter wine with hors d’oeuvres. Also, there are many other 2009 white wines that are inexpensive and offer really great value for the money. Check out the Pinot Grigios and an unusual, but really delicious Spanish white wine.

Recession Busters/Best Buys

Here are 28 wines, perfect for everyday drinking, and, priced at $10 or below, offering good value to the wallet or pocketbook and the palate. Eighteen of the wines are priced below $5. All are pleasant surprises, interesting, inviting and worthy of buying again. Until the last year or so, good wines in this price range were very difficult to find in the U.S., other than Two-Buck Chuck or wines found in stores’ bargain bins. These very affordable wines fill a vacuum in the American wine market: vin ordinaire and vino de tavola for the American table. Some are surprisingly good, some could benefit from additional aging and some are just nice, early-drinking quaffers. While quality and price are generally positively correlated, this is not always the case. You don’t need to be embarrassed to serve these wines to guests or to let them be the second wine served at a party. However, keep in mind that you can’t expect these wines to be perfectly balanced with great complexity and richness. While these wines may not interest a connoisseur, they are fruity and flavorful, perfectly quaffable on an everyday basis to the vast majority of the wine drinking public. Moreover, the wines are quite food friendly.