Gougenheim Cabernet

Hello Wine Lovers!

Argentina Cabernet is arguably the best value for Cabernet in the world! There, I said it. I'm quite sure many of the wine world folks would say that is not true, but don't believe them! Stick with me and you will discover some unbelievable values from this wonderful place in South America called Argentina. Some would say to be careful with this grape as Malbec is the "premier" grape grown in Argentina, but the high altitude, lush soils and sunny days have been very agreeable with Cabernet!

Patricio Gougenheim was born of French parents and grew up around wine at the dinner table. He was give small amounts of wine with dinner at the young age of 7 and this is probably what led him to the wine industry later in life. He bought a winery in 2002, just as everyone else was bailing and started his journey. Since the beginning he has been one of the top rated and top quality wineries in Argentina.

You will find this wine to be a deep ruby color with aromas of black fruits, spices and a hint of vanilla oak with chocolate and spices and a nice long finish. This wine is much more complex and rich than the price tag of $8.99 at Wine Discount Center. Trust me when I say this, buy this wine for the holiday weekend and have it with grilled meats and enjoy!

Cheers!

J

Chateau Fonchereau Bordeaux

Hello Wine Lovers!

Another Bordeaux entry this week! You're asking how the heck am I finding Bordeaux wines under $10? Well, me too! I usually skip the Bordeaux aisle when looking to find a wine to write about since my entries must be $10 or less. But lately the Bordeaux aisle has been calling me. I took the challenge and I am pleasantly surprised with the level of quality and depth of the wines from this beautiful region at this price point!

Chateau Fonchereau Bordeaux Superieur, with your Binny's card (which I find much more important that a Jewel card) $9.99! You will find this wine to be deep purple in color with lovely notes of tobacco and dark plum and blackberry fruit with a touch of earthy undertones and nice, silky finish. You will be quite impressed with this wine the more you drink it. it will not let you down! Now a little about this great wine growing region. I promise to keep it relatively short...

Bordeaux Superieur is an appellation which covers the whole of the Bordeaux region, from Verdon-sur-Mer at the north-western tip of the Medoc to Sainte-Foy, 80 miles to the east. Bordeaux Superieur is a title in its own right, specifically covering both red and white wines. The reds have a slightly higher alcoholic content than standard Bordeaux, are aged for longer in oak barrels, a minimum of 12 months, and are produced from older vines. Bordeaux Superieur wines are produced from the classic grape varieties for this Region. The reds are made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Carmenere, Merlot and Malbec. The Bordeaux viticultural region stretches for 80 miles inland from the Atlantic coast. It is home to more than 10,000 producers, who turn out a vast quantity of wine in every vintage. These range from simple table wines to some of the world’s most expensive and prestigious labels. The majority of the vineyards are planted with red wine grapes, although some white varieties are used in the production of dry white and sparkling wines. The remainder go into the region's highly regarded sweet wines. There, I told you i could do it. Trust me when I say, "Go fill up your car with this wine".

Cheers!

J

Chateau Mylord Bordeaux

Hello Wine Lovers!

Today's entry is a French Bordeaux from the Chateau of Mylord. You may ask yourself,"What kind of Bordeaux is going to cost me less than $10 and is worth drinking?" Well my friends, it's this one! Binny's has it for $7.99 a bottle and for that cost you will be pleasantly surprised how nice it is. It is a blend of 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. You will find this wine to be fruity, uncomplicated, straight forward with loads of strawberry, black cherry and wild raspberry fruit intermixed with slight soil notes, and virtually no oak. Supple and round with a nice finish. Since this wine is made up of primarily Merlot, let me tell you a little about this grape.

Along with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot, Merlot is one of the primary grapes in Bordeaux wine where it is the most widely planted grape. Merlot is also one of the most popular red wine varietals in many markets. Merlot is one of the world's most planted grape varieties. As of 2004, Merlot was estimated to be the third most grown variety at 640,000 acres globally. This puts Merlot just behind Cabernet Sauvignon's 650,000 acres globally. Merlot is a popular grape for blending with the sterner, later-ripening Cabernet Sauvignon which tends to be higher in tannin than Merlot, and Merlot softens those tannins. According to Wikipedia, researchers at University of California, Davis believe that Merlot is an offspring of Cabernet Franc and is a sibling of Carménère and Cabernet Sauvignon. The earliest recorded mention of Merlot was in the notes of a local Bordeaux official who in 1784 labeled wine made from the grape in the Libournais region as one of the area's best. By the 19th century it was being regularly planted in the Médoc on the "Left Bank" of the Gironde. The popularity of Merlot stemmed in part from the relative ease in pronouncing the name of the wine as well as its softer, fruity profile that made it more approachable to "new" wine drinkers. Whether you like Merlot as a varietal, or you like it in a blend, I don't think you will be disappointed in this wine!

Cheers!

J

Summer Whites

Hello Wine Lovers!

So sorry for the lack of entries lately! You would think I was busy or something. Maybe it's just the lazy, hazy days of summer. Summer always wrestles up memories of vine ripe tomatoes from the garden, long hot afternoons, clear night skies, cooking on the patio... and of course crisp white wines to drink while you take in the smells and sounds of summer! That being said, I am writing about three nice, easy drinking, light and value driven wines.

First on the list, Aveleda Vinho Verde, from Portugal. This little number is packed with melon and lime flavors with just a touch of spritz and is so refreshing you will not want to stop! This sassy bottle will set you back $6.99 at Wine Discount Center.

Second, Dry Creek "Clarksburg" Dry Chenin Blanc, California. This wine is probably the best Chenin Blanc I have tasted this year! It is very juicy in the mouth with a long dry finish and in the middle you will find loads of floral aromas and peach and melon flavors. Another perfect wine for the patio! This looker will set you back $8.99 a date.

Last but certainly not least, Kendall-Jackson "Avant" Chardonnay. I know, I know... you're thinking Kendall Jackson Chardonnay, I am so tired of the wine! Well my friends, key word being "Avant". This wine from the producer of that over oaked, rich, creamy, sweet wine that single handily launched the wine revolution in America, is not like it's older sister. This Chardonnay only saw a little oak, 54% fermented in stainless steel and 46% fermented in neutral oak. The grapes are sourced from Santa Barbara, Mendocino and Sonoma Counties which give the wine complexity and a depth of flavors. You will find pear, green apple and lemon in the mouth and just enough acidity to please. "Avant" is from the French meaning "before" and their idea behind this is before oak has it's way with the wine it allows the true flavors of the grapes to shine through. Open up your wallets to the tune of $10.99 a bottle!

Cheers!

J