Another in an ongoing series.
I was energized, expansive and focused, having just returned from a weekend at Kripalu – two days of yoga, deep relaxation and restorative message. I was ready for Plonk Patrol! I would be a Wine Warrior in quest for the Perfect Plonk! Since I had to do some grocery shopping, I would make my quest at the Whole Foods Market at River St. in Cambridge. I used to wine shop here but the wine section has been through several transformations and I ended up not been intrigued with the selection. However, in its present incarnation, there is a stand-alone section devoted entirely to value wines – $14.99 and less. And for the eco-minded, there is also a section of organic wines. Let my quest begin.
I was looking for a few whites, a few reds and the unusual – I do have a penchant for the eccentric. Though my preference in the winter is red, I do enjoy having the occasional white as an aperitif, particulary if I’m having a nibble of some of my favorite goat cheeses before dinner – Selles-Sur-Cher, Crottin de Chavignol or Garrotxa.
- Domaine La Croix Belle Le Champ des Lys Les Cotes de Thongue 2006. This spunky wine, a blend of grenache blanc and viognier with some sauvignon blanc and chardonnay thrown in, is grown according to the precepts of sustainable agriculture. Having enjoyed the wine from the last Plonk Patrol that came from the Les Cotes de Thongue, the Domaine Bourdic Zappa 2007, I thought this would be a good thing.
- Bon Cap The Ruins Sauvignon Blanc South Africa 2009. I’ve had good experiences with South African wines – I find them well made and very clean tasting, so this wine from the largest privately owned organic vineyard and winery in South Africa went into the shopping cart. For those interested in travelling to South Africa, Bon Cap also has food and lodging and hosts weddings.
- Le Paradou Cotes du Luberon 2008. A blend of 60% grenache and 40% syrah, this custom cuvee is a collaboration between the importer Jon David Headrick and winemaker Frederic Chandiere. Again, like Domaine La Croix Belle, the vineyard and winery operate under sustainable guidlines.
- Cannonau di Sardegna Riserva 2005. From the island of Sardinia comes this expression of cannonau or, as the grape is known in France, grenache; in Spain, garnacha. This wine is produced by Sella and Mosca, a winery started over a century ago by two Italian patriots and now one of the largest wine estates in Europe. I usually don’t go for the mass produced but this was a featured wine – so I’ll give it a swirl.
- Gerard Bertrand Pinot Noir Reserve Speciale 2007. I used to drink a pretty little pinot noir from the South of France - La Valmoissine by Louis Latour. When I discovered the wine, it was around$10 a bottle. Sadly, with the dollar and the euro in contention and flux, it now retails for $14. Thus was I thrilled to find this pinot from the South of France. Gerard Bertrand is a negociant eleveur – he buys wines from small growers and then releases them under his own label.
- Bodega Juan Gil Wrongo Dongo Monastrell Jumila 2008. When I saw this wine on the menu at Franklin Cafe Southie, I knew I had to order it just to say it outloud; and once wasn’t enough, so I ordered a refill to say it again. Wrongo Dongo! Wrongo Dongo! This is a quaffer! All warm and Spanish spicey. And it was on sale. By the way, monastrell is the French grape varietal mourvedre.
The quest was nearing an end – judgement was at hand. Would I fulfill my goal of six bottles for $72? Please note – Whole Foods offers a 5% discount on six bottles of wine PLUS a free wine carrier. My total with discount? $66.88. Plonk quest success.
