| When thinking of this April, two things come to mind: | | | | medium-weight red. It is a blend of 86 percent cab and |
| paying our income taxes and hoping the economy has | | | | 14 percent Syrah. Food Pairings: Pairs well with lamb |
| finally bottomed out and will start recovering. Given | | | | and beef dishes. |
| these two financial matters, looking for wines that | | | | Luzon-Jumilla, Spain: Robert Parker rates this beauty |
| offer the best bang for your buck is timely. | | | | 88 points. It is a blend of 65 percent Monastrell and 35 |
| The economic recession is on a global scale, so good | | | | percent Syrah. He describes this red wine as smooth |
| value wines are to be found throughout the world. | | | | with savory fruit, good balance and a pure finish. The |
| Exploring wines you may have heard of but never | | | | tasting notes include spice, violets and blueberry. Food |
| tried would be a fun diversion from money matters. | | | | Pairings: Pairs well with Mexican and other spicy |
| My goal is to share some exciting and quality wines at | | | | dishes. |
| unbeatable prices. | | | | Antinori Toscana Santa Cristina, Italy: This red received |
| Wine Facts | | | | 85 points from Parker, and it is described as an easy |
| There are several regions in the world that have the | | | | drinking red with cherry, citrus and a fresh herb |
| reputation for quality wines at affordable prices. Value | | | | character. "This never lets you down for the buck." |
| wines include Sauvignon Blancs from Chile, New | | | | Food Pairings: Pairs well with pizza and pasta dishes |
| Zealand and South Africa, Rieslings from our Pacific | | | | (particularly pasta bolognese). |
| Northwest and Austria, Malbec from Argentina, | | | | Casa Lapostolle Sauvignon Blanc, Chile: The Casa |
| Carmenere and Cabernet reds from Chile, Shiraz and | | | | Lapostelle winery routinely offers great value wines |
| Shiraz-Cab blends from Australia, Barbera red wines | | | | with critical acclaim. Parker rated this expressive and |
| from Northern Italy, Tempranillo, Grenache and | | | | pleasing white 86 points and describes this as a light to |
| Monastrell (Mourvedre) reds from Spain, and red wines | | | | medium bodied wine. Food Pairings: Pairs well with light |
| from the Douro and the Dao regions of Portugal. | | | | salads and fish. |
| As a generality, these regions have transformed from | | | | Domaine d'Andezon Cotes du Rhone, France: One of |
| an emphasis of quantity to quality production. These | | | | the great value wines south of Chateauneuf du Pape, |
| winemakers have dramatically reduced their yields per | | | | this red wine is a blend of 90 percent Syrah and 10 |
| acre and have focused on their wine making | | | | percent Grenache. Parker gives the 2007 vintage 89 |
| techniques to allow the varietals natural flavor profiles | | | | points and describes this wine as possessing a lovely |
| and their terroir (combination of soil and climate) to | | | | texture, crisp acidity, medium to full-bodied with a long, |
| become more pronounced. | | | | smooth finish. This Rhone wine offers sweet |
| While their quality is greatly improved, these wines still | | | | blackberry and cassis fruit with hints of spring flowers. |
| offer great values to the knowledgeable shopper. | | | | Yum! Food Pairings: Pairs well with roasts and beef |
| Armed with this information, I explored several local | | | | stews. |
| retailers to find exceptional bargains from some of | | | | NV Jonesy Old Tawny Port, Australia: This incredibly |
| these internationally famous wine regions. I found the | | | | valued port wine received 93 points from Parker and |
| folks at Binny's to be in step with this theme, as their | | | | is a blend that averages 46 years. Parker says this |
| current tastings feature 70 percent value wines to | | | | tawny delivers plenty of pleasure with a bouquet of |
| meet customer demand. | | | | sweet candied fruit and hazelnuts. Tawny Ports offer |
| Bill's Picks & Pairings | | | | a light, nutty style. Food Pairings: Pairs well with rich |
| These value wines (all under $13) offer wonderful food | | | | chocolate desserts and cheeses (blue cheese is |
| pairing opportunities. | | | | always a favorite). |
| Avalon Cabernet Sauvignon, California: Robert Parker | | | | Whatever the occasion, it's always a joy to share a |
| gives this red 85 points and describes it as an elegant | | | | quality bottle of wine at an affordable price. |