First in an ongoing series
My mission is to find value-priced wines that are drinkable and enjoyable. The parameter that I set for this quest is that I buy 6 bottles of wine for a total of $72. Today, I’m shopping at Kappy’s at Wellington Circle in Medford. Kappy’s may not be upscale, hip or whatever, but it is huge with 1000’s of wines and it’s the closest wine store to me. What I have in mind to purchase is a white, some warm and sunny reds – now that winter has descended upon us – and an aperritif. Ready, set, shop!
- I find my first wine in the Loire section – Cave de Saumur “Les Pouches” 2008. This is 100% Chenin Blanc from a co-op in Saumur. What’s notable is that the wine is from a single vineyard – unusual for a co-op. Price $11.99
- On the “Featured” rack, I find my first red – Ramilanos Old Vines Garnacha Calatayud. A warm wine – simple and fresh – from sunny Spain! Again, this wine comes from a co-op. Price $8.99.
- My second red is the best deal of the day, Cedre Heritage Malbec 2007 Cahors from Chateau du Cedre. This is from one of the leading estates in Cahors and cited by Andrew Jefford in his seminal work “The New France”. The blend is 90% Malbec and 10% Merlot. The grapes are hand-harvested and 30% of the wine spends time in new oak. A steal at $12.99!
- From the premier village of the Cote du Rhone Villages appellation comes Le Vieux Logis Cairanne 2007. Produced by the Cave de Cairanne, the grapes are hand-picked, the wine a blend of all things Rhone – Grenache, Syrah, Carignan and Mouvedre. On sale for $11.99.
- I always like having a lighter red in my cellar, so I pick a Beaujolais - Chateau de Thulon Beaujolais Villages 2008. Again, this comes from a producer recommended by Jefford, Jean-Marc Burgaud. Anecdotally, the wine is produced at his great aunt’s chateau. $11.99.
- And finally, the aperifif. My choice for an aperitif is sherry and the style of sherry that I drink changes with the seasons - in summer, fino; in autumn, amontillado; and in winter, oloroso. Since sherry is misunderstood and underappreciated by American wine drinkers, good values are easy to find. I find an oloroso from Barbadillo, one of the historical bodegas, for $9.99.
Now, at the cash register, the moment of truth arrives. My wines total $67.94 – but with that pesky sales tax on alcohol – the total is $72.19. And that’s close enough for another successful foray on Plonk Patrol!
