Tied for 12: Borsao Red Garnacha.
Tied for 12: Borsao Red Garnacha.
It’s easy to buy a 12-bottle case of wine of one brand. It’s much harder to fill that case with distinctly different, appealing and quality wines on a budget of $100.
I completed the challenge, presented to me by Mike Pigeon the Wine Butler, and it came down to making some extremely difficult choices.
As you can see from the final two selections, I was conflicted. I stuffed a 13th bottle into the case because I felt it was imperative to identify the best wines and values; I could not separate the penultimate pair.
The goal was to spend $100 or less and I accomplished it with $2.72 to spare on the “high-end” (Doural Red Tinto, $7.99) and $4.22 to spare on the “low-end” (Borsao Red, $6.49). The total for 12 bottles came to $97.28 and $95.78, respectively.
To my enjoyment, I learned a lot during this exercise.
First, the wine sellers in all the local stores I visited know their wines and the best values. You should not be timid to ask them questions and to try some of their selections.
Second, there are plenty of outstanding wines being produced throughout the world. There is nothing better than to discover a wonderful wine on your own and to drink it with friends who say, “Wow, where did you get this?” It gets even better when you tell them the price is less than $10. Right away they think you are the next Robert Parker.
Third, my 12-bottle case is full of surprises. I tasted nearly 30 wines and had no preconception where they would come from. In the end,the breakdown is as follows: Spain, 3; Italy, 2; Portugal, 2; Chile, 2; California, 2; Argentina, 1; and France, 1.
Here are the final selections.
The label may be hard to read but don’t let it stop you from trying this exceptional French Pinot-Chardonnay at $4.99 a bottle.
The label may be hard to read but don’t let it stop you from trying this exceptional French Pinot-Chardonnay at $4.99 a bottle.
11. 2011 Pinot-Chardonnay Domaine du Prieure D’Amilhac, VDP, France, $4.99 — A combination of Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay from the Languedoc region, this is the mother of all values. Chill and serve it as an aperitif or with salads, light seafood and cheese appetizers and guests will look at the French label and think you’ve hit the Lottery. When you tell them the price, they won’t tip their glass to the ground; they’ll tip it to the party hosts. Wine Spectator and Wine Advocate magazines have rated this wine from a low of 87 points to a high of 91 since the 2006 vintage. It’s dry, crisp and full of peach expressions. You can find this at the Wine ConneXtion in North Andover.
Doural Red Tinto from Portugal goes well with most foods, including pasta dishes.
Doural Red Tinto from Portugal goes well with most foods, including pasta dishes.
12. Doural Red Tinto, Portugal, $7.99 — The power of Portugal comes through in this balanced Tempranillo blend. The color is a dark violet, like the late Elizabeth Taylor’s eyes, and the wine is full of cherry and spice flavors. It finishes dry, making it a good pairing for most foods, including pasta dishes and barbecue. The average price is $9 but you can find it at Tutto Bene Wine & Cheese Cellar in Lowell at the above price.
12. (Tie) Borsao Red Garnacha, Spain, $6.49 — Here’s an extra that was just too good to pass up at this price. Borsao can be served slightly chilled if you so desire, and hallelujah! The complexity of flavors is incredible for a wine at this price: blackberries, cherry/chocolate, toasty vanilla and smooth to the finish.
The case is full
The French have kept the Domaine du Prieure a secret for too long. It’s an exceptional Pinot-Chardonnay at $4.99.
The French have kept the Domaine du Prieure a secret for too long. It’s an exceptional Pinot-Chardonnay at $4.99.
Week One
1. Castano Monastrell, Spain, $6.49
2. Alamos Chardonnay, Argentina, $7.99
3. Mark West Pinot Noir, California, $7.99
4. La Carraia Sangiovese, Italy, $9.99
5. Casillero del Diablo Red, Chile, $8.99
Week Two
6. Aveledo Vinho Verde, Portugal, $8.99
7. Flaco Tempranillo, Spain, $6.49
8. Project Paso Zinfandel, Paso Robles, $8.99
Week Three
9. Piazzo Barbera, Italy, $8.49
10. Montes Classic Series Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile, $9.89
Week Four
11. Domaine du Prieure Pino Chardonnay, France, $4.99
12. (Tie) Doural Red Tinto, Portugal, $7.99; Borsao Red, Garnacha, Spain, $6.49
Total spent: $95.78 to $97.28
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