Thirteen Wines Done Dirt Cheap
Unlike my law school career, I'm ambitious for this week's column. It seeks to find thirteen wines that are each under twenty dollars. It also seeks to make reference to a song (and album) released before any GW Law student was born, with the sole exception of Terry Schoone-jongen.
But I digress. Lately I've been fortunate enough to enjoy some very terrific (and sometimes relatively expensive) wines through a sort of pseudo-socialist wine buying arrangement. See, e.g., Joon Song, Sketches of Wines of Spain, Nota Bene, Oct. 14, 2009, at 10-11 (purchasing a number of moderately-expensive Spanish wines and hosting a wine tasting to "recoup [my] monetary losses"). One of the (very few) criticisms of my columns this semester has been the fact that most of the wines are a bit pricy-at least in law school terms. Thus, I thought I'd dig through my personal archives and devote this installment to some delicious wines that can meet anyone's budget.
I've divided these wines into styles and then arranged the wines within each style by price range. I've also notated the varietal or grapes, the specific country and/or appellation, and when available have indicated where you can pick up a bottle in DC. Please note that I did not include vintages for most of my selections: although this is undoubtedly important, this adds another level of complexity we can avoid for now!
There are so many great wines out there: no need to overpay.
SPARKLING
Charles de Fere "Blanc de Blanc" Reserve Brut
France | Chardonnay | $12.99
Elegant and light, with toast and green apple. Used in cocktails at Founding Farmers. Available at the Wine Specialist.
Korbel Brut Rose
California | Pinot Noir and Chenin Blanc | $13.00-$15.00
Very fresh, with notes of strawberry. Pink, thus perfect for Valentine's Day. Available at most supermarkets.
WHITE
Charles Shaw "International Australian" Chardonnay
Australia | Chardonnay | $2.99
I never thought I'd say this about Two (or Three) Buck Chuck, but the International Australian version of the chardonnay is not bad for three bucks. It's not great, but it's better than most of what you can find for three bucks. Available at Trader Joe's.
Dr. Loosen "Dr. L" Riesling
Mosel Valley, Germany | Riesling | $9.00-$13.00
It comes in a screw-top, sure, but this intro Riesling from one of Germany's best producers is light, off-dry, and dependable. Great with Thai food. Available at the Wine Specialist.
Velt.1 Grüner Veltliner
Burgenland, Austria | Grüner Veltliner | $11.99
Grüner is touted as the next big white wine. It's lean and dry, and has an unmistakable finish of pepper. Pick it up at Whole Foods.
La Vielle Ferme Blanc
Cotes du Luberon, France | Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Ugni Blanc, and Roussanne | $12.00
Simple but eager to please with its crisp peach and pear notes. Available at Whole Foods-look for its easy-to-spot rooster and hen label.
François Chidaine Touraine Sauvignon Blanc
Touraine, France | Sauvignon Blanc | $12.99
A familiar name, no? Racy and tart, with a lean streak of minerality. Perfect for chicken and fish.
RED
Oracle of the Stars Pinotage
Western Cape, South Africa | Pinotage | $7.99
Smoky with nice acidity, would go well with barbeque. Find at the Wine Specialist or many other wine stores.
Maipe Malbec
Mendoza, Argentina | Malbec | $9.99
Dark and brooding, very sensual. Great expression of the varietal. Find at Cairo Liquors.
Jean Descombes Morgon Cru Beaujolais
Morgon, Beaujolais, France | Gamay | $8.00-$11.00
Light but not insubstantial. A thirst quencher of a wine that goes well with chicken and even fish. Available at Bell Wine & Spirits.
Domaine Clavel "Les Garrigues"
Languedoc, France | Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre | $12.00-$14.00
Medium-bodied, with dark fruits, nice tannins, stone, and herbs.
2006 Domaine Joulin Saumur Champigny Rouge
Saumur Champigny, France | Cabernet Franc | $17.99
Very smooth and light. Like strawberries mixed with gravel. Serve lightly chilled; great with eggs (so drink it with breakfast!). Available at the Wine Specialist.
Borsao "Tres Picos" Garnacha
Campo de Borja, Spain | Garnacha | $18.99
Powerful and expressive redolent with dark berries and leather. A heavyweight Spanish Grenache. A definite crowd-pleaser. Look for it at the Wine Specialist.
(Note: "Garnacha" is Spanish for Grenache.)
