Cheap Wine for a Sweet Farewell

Cheap Wine for a Sweet Farewell

From:
http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/blogs/editor/natalie_maclean/index.html

I'm wrapping up my blogging this week on Epicurious for a while and wanted to say how much I've enjoyed the conversations we've had here. I so appreciate your comments, encouragement and suggestions.

One of the more popular discussions we shared was about cheap wines, or should I say "good value" wines? For me, there's absolutely nothing wrong with not wanting to spend more than you have to to drink delicious wine. A higher price tag doesn't guarantee better taste, as recent studies have shown. So why not save some money for traveling to wine country?

Here are some of my favorite cheap wines from recent tastings. As always please add your own to this list:

2005 Lingenfelder Riesling Bird Label Qba Pfalz, Estate Btld., Pfalz, Germany: One of the best values on the shelves - consistent too! Layers of pears, peaches and melons. Closed with a screwcap. 11% alcohol MD (medium dry) Pair with seafood, salads, vegetarian dishes. $14.95 Score: 89/100.

2006 Montes Limited Selection Cabernet Sauvignon/Carmenère Apalta Vineyard, Colchagua Valley, Chile: A beautiful wine with ripe red fruit notes. Fantastic value! 14% XD $14.95 Score: 90/100.

2006 Viu Manent Reserva Malbec Colchagua Valley, Chile: Incredible balance and length. Pair with: smoked meats, spicy sausage. 14% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 90/100.

2005 S. Gevaert, Exploitant Château Le Barradis AC Bergerac, France: A simple, pleasant sipper with plum notes. Pair with: hamburger, steak, stew. 12% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100.