Sweet Spot Wines

The March Mens Wine Council tasted wines in the $13-$25 range.  This seems timely as retail customers are spending less for a bottle of wine than they did two years ago. In 2009 the $25 – $35 range was selling well.  New research tells us $15 to $20 is the new sales “sweet spot”  – often producing a quality experience the wine lover will gladly expose his or her credit card to.

It’s widely known that when people are given blind taste tests and asked to identify whether wines were cheap or expensive, they only do so-so . Participants were right about half the time—the same odds as if flipping a coin. The cheaper wines do the trick just fine for most of us; the flip side is that few people even seem able to tell apart the cheap from the expensive stuff. And, as my Council members say every time we meet, “If you can’t tell a difference, why in the world would you pay extra for one wine over another? “

In this tasting of five wines, two really were stars, right in that  $15-$20 sweet spot, and  are worthy of your cellar.  Below are the groups rankings first to last, food pairing winners, and my reviews of the wines.

Won Tons - a perfect pairing for many of the wines

Graffigna Reserve Malbec – Deep red with violet highlights. Expect aromas of very ripe dark berries, a touch of black pepper, and spice. On the palate delicate ripe tannins and complex finish with hints of coffee, vanilla and toast.  Suggested food matching:  Lamb ossobuco, salami, Stuffed Anaheim Chiles (* recipe below), garlic mushrooms, won tons, and bacon lettuce tomato appetizers.  An outstanding wine to serve with any brunch: Spicy and sassy.    $16

Brancott Estate Pinot Noir, ’09 – Deep garnet, exhibits cherry, plum and blackberry fruits. It has a jammy mid-palate displaying ripe cherry, subtle spice and rich tannins, with fruit weight carrying the full length of the palate to its finish. Let it sit 10 minutes before you taste it, or better yet, use a Soiree aerator.  Tastes best in a Riedel Vinum XL Pinot Noir glass ($59). Pair with tamales, pork, lamb, won tons, and dishes that incorporate mushrooms. $13

Robaliño AlbariÑo ~ This wine is very food friendly and lends itself to a smooth mouthfeel experience. I loved the  citrus, grapefruit, lemon peel and white peach flavors , with pronounced floral and almond notes. Light, elegant,  fresh and mouthwatering. This  AlbariÑo goes well with Tortilla Espanola, won tons, and Stuffed Anaheim Chiles.  $17

Ken, Tom, Linda and Scott review "Sweet Spot" Wines

’09 Jacob’s Creek Reserve Cabernet.  This wine is deep crimson red with purple hues showcasing fresh blackcurrant and dark berry fruit which are typical Coonawarra characteristics. We thought we could detect hints of black olive with nuances of cedar and vanilla from French oak. Generous ripe cassis flavors with tobacco lead to a rich, smooth finish. An ideal accompaniment to bacon based dishes, salami, garlic mushrooms, ossobuco, beef rib roast or mature cheeses. Try tasting it in a Riedel ($69) Vinum XL Cabernet Sauvignon for best results.  $16

‘09 Dry Creek DCV3 Sauvignon Blanc –  100% Sav Blanc.  Pineapple fills the glass with pear, kiwi,  and a hint of subtle ginger notes. On the palate, the wine is smooth, yet fat with more tropical fruit displaying a crushed minerality and refreshing acidity. Matches well with seafood and won tons.  Could be aged 3-5 years.  $25