Wallet Friendly Wines
January, in addition to being chock full of fitness resolutions, is when many turn an eye toward financial wellness. But, while pennies are pinched and bank accounts being fine tuned, remember that there’s no reason to leave wine out of the budget. We’ve got a host of wallet-friendly wines from around the world that drink way above their price point and are much more enjoyable than sit-ups.
Bodegas Lagarde Altas Cumbres Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Lagarde is one of the oldest wineries in the Mendoza region, dating back to 1897, with Malbec vines over 100 years old, Today, the winery and estate are run by third generation Pescarmonas, sisters Sofia and Lucila Pescarmona. Under their direction, Lagarde creates exceptional terroir character wines that reflect a strong sustainable commitment to the land and its people. Case in point: this exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon, named Altas Cumbres for the high elevation peaks that surround the vineyards. New to our “Cheap & Cheerful” section, this lush red features red fruits, plums, bell pepper, graphite, and spicy notes.
Chateau d’Oupia “Les Heretiques” 2019
This carignan from 40+ year old vines in Languedoc takes its name from a 13th century group in the area who resisted the rigid dogma of the Vatican. By eschewing the rules of the AOC and methods of his neighbors, Andre Iche creates a heretical wine with fresh dark berry fruit, violet perfume, juicy acidity, loamy minerals & garrigue. Full of rich, peppery red and black fruit, wonderfully clean and pure without sacrificing any personality this wine is a perfect everyday sipper that never disappoints.
Sambucese Grillo 2019 & Nero d’Avola 2019
The perfect dynamic duo in the kitchen! Sambucese specializes in approachable varietals such as this Nero d'Avola and Grillo that perfectly embody the spirit of the Sicilian table. Grillo is a native Sicilian grape that, after a long period of being ignored for other varietals that produced higher yields, is making a comeback in a big way. Light, easy-drinking, and fruit driven with captivating citrus, especially grapefruit and lemon zest on the nose and a nice crisp body this is an exceptional value Nero d'Avola is one of the most widely planted varietals in Sicily and with good reason. Fresh and versatile, the wine offers dark, intense red berries and plums with notes of fennel, spice, and soft, round tannins.
Bodegas Yllera “Boada” Rueda 2019
This lively blend of Viura and Sauvignon Blanc comes from the Yllera family, which has producing wine in Ribera del Duero for generations. Their experience shows in this crisp, mineral wine, which features aromas of green apple, peach, melon, citrus, and white flowers. On the palate, the wine is smooth and easy, delivering more of the soft tropical fruit and floral notes with elegance and balance. Try it with paella, fish, and creamy cheeses.
La Bastille Carignan-Merlot 2018
Les Vignobles Foncalieu is a union of cooperatives anchored in the heart of Languedoc. Their territory stretches from the Corbieres massif to the banks of the Mediterranean, from the Mistral- swept hillsides to the sun-caressed plains between Carcassonne and Beziers. This wine is a killer value made from a blend of Merlot and Carignan. Fruity, yet structured, soft and supple, this is an excellent everyday red perfect for meaty mains or on its own.
