The place for all things wine, focused on serious wine discussions.

March Wine Focus - Wine Values ($20 and under)

Moderators: Jenise, Robin Garr, David M. Bueker

no avatar
User

Robin Garr

Rank

Forum Janitor

Posts

21609

Joined

Fri Feb 17, 2006 1:44 pm

Location

Louisville, KY

Re: March Wine Focus - Wine Values ($20 and under)

by Robin Garr » Tue Mar 04, 2014 10:36 am

When I'm looking for good value, I most often start my quest among Southern Rhones or cheap Tuscan reds. Here's one, not entirely successful but structured enough to settle down and work and play well with food.

Chateau Saint-Roch 2011 "Brunel" Côtes du Rhône ($13.99)

Dark purple, with a clear garnet edge. Black plums on the nose, good, simple black fruit and crisp acidity on the palate. Good food wine, really comes into better perspective with something good on the plate than it does for sipping alone, where it’s pleasant enough but somewhat one-dimensional. The lesson here is a good one: wine, or most wine, anyway, is made to go with food. If you want a cocktail, have the bartender mix you one.

Estate bottled, 50% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 25% Cinsault; 14% alcohol. U.S. importer: Shaw-Ross international Importers, Miramar, Fla. (Feb. 26, 2014)

FOOD MATCH: shepherds pie and gratin mashup as featured in the Feb. 21, 2014 article, Rich Comfort Food to the Extreme, turned into a plant-based dish by substituting a mixture of sauteed mushrooms and onions and a bit of soy-based "ground 'beef'" for the burger meat.
no avatar
User

Paul Winalski

Rank

Wok Wielder

Posts

7957

Joined

Wed Mar 22, 2006 9:16 pm

Location

Merrimack, New Hampshire

Re: March Wine Focus - Wine Values ($20 and under)

by Paul Winalski » Tue Mar 04, 2014 1:22 pm

Sam Platt wrote:Jaffelin Cremant de Bourgogne Grand Cuvee Speciale Blanc de Blanc Brut
PS: Does "blanc de blanc" imply "méthode traditionnelle?"


No. "Blanc de blanc" means that it is white wine made from white grapes (Chardonnay, in this case). "Blanc de noir" means it is white wine made from red grapes (such as pinot noir). If neither term is mentioned, the wine might be a blend of wines from both white and red grapes (this is the most common way Champagne is made).

I think the AOC Cremant de Bourgogne implies "methode traditionnelle".

-Paul W.
no avatar
User

Sam Platt

Rank

I am Sam, Sam I am

Posts

2330

Joined

Sat Mar 25, 2006 12:22 pm

Location

Indiana, USA

Re: March Wine Focus - Wine Values ($20 and under)

by Sam Platt » Tue Mar 04, 2014 1:45 pm

Thanks Paul. So a blanc de blanc can be either méthode traditionnelle or méthode champenoise?

I suppose I should know this, but I never really thought about it before.
Sam

"The biggest problem most people have is that they think they shouldn't have any." - Tony Robbins
no avatar
User

Joy Lindholm

Rank

Ultra geek

Posts

451

Joined

Tue Sep 28, 2010 10:41 am

Location

Denver, CO

Re: March Wine Focus - Wine Values ($20 and under)

by Joy Lindholm » Tue Mar 04, 2014 2:57 pm

Sam Platt wrote: So a blanc de blanc can be either méthode traditionnelle or méthode champenoise?


The two are the same method - just can't be called "champenoise" if it isn't from Champagne.
no avatar
User

Dale Williams

Rank

Compassionate Connoisseur

Posts

11112

Joined

Tue Mar 21, 2006 4:32 pm

Location

Dobbs Ferry, NY (NYC metro)

Re: March Wine Focus - Wine Values ($20 and under)

by Dale Williams » Tue Mar 04, 2014 5:16 pm

I think he meant blanc de blancs can be either charmat or methode champenoise.
I am pretty sure there are Limoux wines labelled BdB which are charmat.
no avatar
User

Howie Hart

Rank

The Hart of Buffalo

Posts

6389

Joined

Thu Mar 23, 2006 4:13 pm

Location

Niagara Falls, NY

Re: March Wine Focus - Wine Values ($20 and under)

by Howie Hart » Tue Mar 04, 2014 7:53 pm

For some labels in English, there is another distinction. "Fermented in this bottle" means methode champenoise. However, "Fermented in the bottle" implies the bottle transfer method was used. This requires the use of a specific piece of machinery that opens a capped bottle in such a way as to retain the pressure, then the bottle is emptied through a filter, to remove the yeast, into another bottle, where the dosage is added and it is then corked, all the while maintaining the pressure. Neither of these are charmat bulk process.
Chico - Hey! This Bottle is empty!
Groucho - That's because it's dry Champagne.
no avatar
User

Victorwine

Rank

Wine guru

Posts

2031

Joined

Thu May 18, 2006 9:51 pm

Re: March Wine Focus - Wine Values ($20 and under)

by Victorwine » Tue Mar 04, 2014 8:41 pm

Hi Sam,
You might find the following link interesting. There are several ways in which sparkling wines can be produced. As pointed out by Joy, “method champenoise” is identical to “traditional method”. As Howie pointed out only “method champenoise” (“traditional method”) and “transfer method” could state that the (second) fermentation occurred in a bottle. “Charmant method” is basically the same as “bulk method”, “close method”, or “tank method”. Wines labeled “Cremant” from France are usually made using the traditional method.

http://www.wineskills.co.uk/winemaking/ ... production

Salute
no avatar
User

Sam Platt

Rank

I am Sam, Sam I am

Posts

2330

Joined

Sat Mar 25, 2006 12:22 pm

Location

Indiana, USA

Re: March Wine Focus - Wine Values ($20 and under)

by Sam Platt » Wed Mar 05, 2014 11:55 am

Thanks to everyone for the clarification. To summarize:

1. The traditional method and the method champenoise are identical.
2. The method champenoise is simply the traditional method applied to sparkling wine made in the Champagen region.
3. Other sparkling wines may make use to the traditional method.
4. Methods other than the tradition method are used and may be designated for specific types of sparkling wines.
Sam

"The biggest problem most people have is that they think they shouldn't have any." - Tony Robbins
no avatar
User

Paul Winalski

Rank

Wok Wielder

Posts

7957

Joined

Wed Mar 22, 2006 9:16 pm

Location

Merrimack, New Hampshire

Re: March Wine Focus - Wine Values ($20 and under)

by Paul Winalski » Wed Mar 05, 2014 1:25 pm

In Champagne, the largest bottle size where the CO2 is introduced by fermentation in that very bottle is the Jeroboam (3 liters). For larger sizes, the in-bottle fermentation takes place in smaller bottles, from which the wine is decanted into the larger bottle.

-Paul W.
no avatar
User

Victorwine

Rank

Wine guru

Posts

2031

Joined

Thu May 18, 2006 9:51 pm

Re: March Wine Focus - Wine Values ($20 and under)

by Victorwine » Wed Mar 05, 2014 1:46 pm

In Champagne, the largest bottle size where the CO2 is introduced by fermentation in that very bottle is the Jeroboam (3 liters). For larger sizes, the in-bottle fermentation takes place in smaller bottles, from which the wine is decanted into the larger bottle.

Man! I wouldn’t want to perform riddling by hand a rack full of 3 liter bottles of Champagne.

Salute
no avatar
User

Sam Platt

Rank

I am Sam, Sam I am

Posts

2330

Joined

Sat Mar 25, 2006 12:22 pm

Location

Indiana, USA

Re: March Wine Focus - Wine Values ($20 and under)

by Sam Platt » Thu Mar 06, 2014 10:04 am

2011 Kung Fu Girl Riesling

Washington State - Charles Smith

Color: Light yellow

Nose: Citrus with some floral notes.

Taste: Semi-sweet. Peach and lime with salt. Decent acidity with a rather clipped finish.

Pairing: Aperitif and maybe spicy Asian foods.

My wife and I do not prefer this style of Riesling, but our friends guzzle the stuff. To keep them happy I have no problem stocking up at the $13 price point. I will say that many Charles Smith wines, including the Kung Fu Girl, offer very decent QPRs.
Sam

"The biggest problem most people have is that they think they shouldn't have any." - Tony Robbins
no avatar
User

David M. Bueker

Rank

Riesling Guru

Posts

34220

Joined

Thu Mar 23, 2006 11:52 am

Location

Connecticut

Re: March Wine Focus - Wine Values ($20 and under)

by David M. Bueker » Thu Mar 06, 2014 1:56 pm

The sweetness bothers you Sam? Not that I am a fan of hte wine, but just curious as to what you find objectionable.
Decisions are made by those who show up
no avatar
User

Sam Platt

Rank

I am Sam, Sam I am

Posts

2330

Joined

Sat Mar 25, 2006 12:22 pm

Location

Indiana, USA

Re: March Wine Focus - Wine Values ($20 and under)

by Sam Platt » Thu Mar 06, 2014 2:46 pm

David,

For some reason Rieslings with even minimal sweetness have begun to taste artificially sweetened and unbalance to me over the past 12 months or so. These are wines of a style that I use to love. I have even lost my taste for late harvest/BA/TBA Riesling as reflected in the fact I drank just a handful of such wines all of last year.

The clincher seemed to be tasting the excellent examples of aged, typically very dry Rieslings that were offered at MoCool this past fall. Perhaps my palate was spoiled. I need to break out some of my JJ Prumm’s and see if I can get my mojo back.
Sam

"The biggest problem most people have is that they think they shouldn't have any." - Tony Robbins
no avatar
User

Jon Leifer

Rank

Wine guru

Posts

788

Joined

Mon Apr 14, 2008 3:34 pm

Re: March Wine Focus - Wine Values ($20 and under)

by Jon Leifer » Thu Mar 06, 2014 10:46 pm

have been buying Kung Fu Girl Reisling for several years now.. nice wine, nice price, good value
Jon
no avatar
User

Alex Judge

Rank

Wine geek

Posts

38

Joined

Mon Nov 07, 2011 4:09 pm

Location

New York, NY

Re: March Wine Focus - Wine Values ($20 and under)

by Alex Judge » Fri Mar 07, 2014 12:13 am

Just hosted a wine tasting event for a club of mine last night - budget was ~$12.50 per bottle. Some of the winners were:

Aveleda vinho verde: super light and refreshing (perfect hot summer afternoon quaff), touch of carbonation, the crowd (for the most part unexperienced palates, not paying too much attention to what they're drinking) certainly enjoyed it, nothing complex in any way but quite enjoyable and perfect for an event like this, as for $6 a bottle it allows budget to be spent elsewhere :)

Coopers Creek sauvignon blanc, marlborough NZ: top crowd favorite, pretty much what you'd expect from NZ sauv blanc, but not quite as sharp and aggressively grassy/herbal as many at this price point, nice ($10.99/bottle).

Dr. Konstantin Semi Dry Riesling, finger lakes NY: not too sweet by any means, nice peachy/floral profile, $12.99/bottle

Wine by Joe Pinot Noir, 2011, Oregon: The most expensive at $14.49/bottle, very subtle flavors, quite light, nice touch of earth/spice

Ondarre Rioja Riserva, 2006: A nice Rioja for $12.99/bottle, lovely dark red fruits with a bit of cassis. Barrel aging is clear but doesn't overshadow the fruits, fairly well balanced

Penfolds Thomas Hyland Shiraz, 2011, Adelaide AU: Deep and inky, lots of dark fruit, blackberry, chocolate/coffee notes, not as strong/bold in fruitiness as expected, but with a touch of barnyard which I tend to enjoy, personally. $12.99/bottle

Not super in depth notes, but really just overall impressions from the next evening. Couldn't exactly be focused on tasting, as well, given I was serving. Did get to try all 10 wines though! :D
-Alex
no avatar
User

JC (NC)

Rank

Lifelong Learner

Posts

6679

Joined

Mon Mar 27, 2006 12:23 pm

Location

Fayetteville, NC

Re: March Wine Focus - Wine Values ($20 and under)

by JC (NC) » Fri Mar 07, 2014 12:47 am

I've had the Cooper's Creek S.B. in the past and enjoyed it. Also the Wine by Joe Pinot Noir and the Dr. Konstantin Frank Rieslings. This weekend I will open a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc as my first contribution to this month's focus. A German Riesling, a Zinfandel or a Barbera may come next.
no avatar
User

Jon Leifer

Rank

Wine guru

Posts

788

Joined

Mon Apr 14, 2008 3:34 pm

Re: March Wine Focus - Wine Values ($20 and under)

by Jon Leifer » Fri Mar 07, 2014 2:49 pm

The Aveleda and Dr Frank bottles are old favorites of mine, have some in the cellar..Haven't had the Coopers in some time but remember it as being tasty and good value
Jon
no avatar
User

David M. Bueker

Rank

Riesling Guru

Posts

34220

Joined

Thu Mar 23, 2006 11:52 am

Location

Connecticut

Re: March Wine Focus - Wine Values ($20 and under)

by David M. Bueker » Sun Mar 09, 2014 9:47 am

2012 Hofgut Falkenstein Niedermenninger Sonnenberg Riesling Spätlese feinherb
Lovely balance, just barely off dry. Lots of bright citrus fruit and a very stony back end. Invites the next sip, the next glass, and yes the next bottle. Drinking very well now and for at least several more years in my estimation.

I had forgotten how inexpesive ($19.99) this was.
Decisions are made by those who show up
no avatar
User

Shaji M

Rank

Wine guru

Posts

669

Joined

Thu Apr 05, 2007 3:24 pm

Re: March Wine Focus - Wine Values ($20 and under)

by Shaji M » Sun Mar 09, 2014 9:15 pm

2012 JP Brun Terres Dorees L'Ancien Beaujolais. Cherry, floral and some coffee (?). Decent tannins. Really good on entry, falls of a bit on the mid palate. Fun wine @ $16.99
no avatar
User

David M. Bueker

Rank

Riesling Guru

Posts

34220

Joined

Thu Mar 23, 2006 11:52 am

Location

Connecticut

Re: March Wine Focus - Wine Values ($20 and under)

by David M. Bueker » Mon Mar 10, 2014 8:24 pm

2006 Éric Texier Côtes du Rhône-Brézème - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône-Brézème (3/10/2014)
Just as good as my prior bottle a while back, but different. More leather, more spice, more supple and still time in hand for this wine. It's amazing that a $13 bottle (at the time) can be so good 8 years down the road. It's a credit to Eric Texier and a credit to Brezeme.
Decisions are made by those who show up
no avatar
User

Joy Lindholm

Rank

Ultra geek

Posts

451

Joined

Tue Sep 28, 2010 10:41 am

Location

Denver, CO

Re: March Wine Focus - Wine Values ($20 and under)

by Joy Lindholm » Mon Mar 10, 2014 8:39 pm

2012 Darting Dürkheimer Fronhof Riesling Kabinett Trocken
I'm sure I've mentioned this wine before, but this is one of the best value dry Rieslings I have found. Classic apple and mineral nose and so crisp and refreshing on the palate. Lively acidity to balance food, but not so searing as to make drinking on its own unpleasant. This is my summer house white wine, and a lovely match to this 70 deg day and my spicy yellow Thai vegetable curry. Can't beat this value at $16 retail for a 1L bottle!
no avatar
User

David M. Bueker

Rank

Riesling Guru

Posts

34220

Joined

Thu Mar 23, 2006 11:52 am

Location

Connecticut

Re: March Wine Focus - Wine Values ($20 and under)

by David M. Bueker » Mon Mar 10, 2014 8:41 pm

Darting provides great value from dry to dessert sweet.
Decisions are made by those who show up
no avatar
User

Rahsaan

Rank

Wild and Crazy Guy

Posts

9206

Joined

Tue Mar 28, 2006 8:20 pm

Location

New York, NY

Re: March Wine Focus - Wine Values ($20 and under)

by Rahsaan » Mon Mar 10, 2014 9:16 pm

David M. Bueker wrote:2006 Éric Texier Côtes du Rhône-Brézème - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône-Brézème (3/10/2014)
Just as good as my prior bottle a while back, but different. More leather, more spice, more supple and still time in hand for this wine. It's amazing that a $13 bottle (at the time) can be so good 8 years down the road. It's a credit to Eric Texier and a credit to Brezeme.


Wow. Nice. I finished my 06 Brezeme Pergauds last year and they were also great.
no avatar
User

David M. Bueker

Rank

Riesling Guru

Posts

34220

Joined

Thu Mar 23, 2006 11:52 am

Location

Connecticut

Re: March Wine Focus - Wine Values ($20 and under)

by David M. Bueker » Tue Mar 11, 2014 8:07 am

It certainly gives me confidence to hold my remaining 2008 Brezemes for a while longer.

Sadly my local shop has not stocked this wine the last several vintages. I struggle with the idea of on-line ordering of a $15 wine.
Decisions are made by those who show up
PreviousNext

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: AhrefsBot, Amazonbot, SemrushBot and 3 guests

Powered by phpBB ® | phpBB3 Style by KomiDesign