2014 Bodegas Juan Gil Monastrell

Year: 2014

Producer: Bodegas Juan Gil

Region: Jumilla, Spain

Grape(s): Monastrell

Alcohol: 15%

Body: Medium+

Dry/Sweet: Dry

Tasting Notes: Red berry fruit, spice, smokiness

Pairings: Aged hard cheeses, smoked salmon or marlin, grilled steak, veal or portobello mushrooms, foods with umami and spices such as lavender, rosemary and thyme.

Price (approximately): $13

 

My Musings:

Apologies for taking a week off. Hopefully you were able to locate and consume a vinous beverage nonetheless. The schedule has been packed with events from the Hawaii Food and Wine Festival last week and the annual Wine Bloggers Conference this week. Exciting times! Stay tuned for live updates during the conference with wine reviews, interviews with winemakers and a few recommendations!

This week my bargain wine recommendation takes us to Jumilla, Spain, a characteristically hot and arid subregion of Murcia off the Mediterranean coast. Here Monastrell (or Mourvèdre in France) is the shining star, producing full-bodied, complex and powerful wines. Like Cabernet Sauvignon? If so, you will likely love this.

The Juan Gil Monastrell is rich with plum and red berry flavors, spices and earthy elements reminiscent of dried herbs.  A harmonious balance of fruit, oak and spice, with some smokiness and medium round tannins. A really fun wine and good expression of Monastrell. If you haven’t tried this varietal, this is a perfect opportunity at a bargain price. Although my favorite wine regions for this grape are located in southern France, the Spanish region of Jumilla is a great value Monastrell that is certain to please the palate. 

Good news! This wine is relatively easy to find, even in Hawaii. I procured from Costco in Honolulu, but have also seen it at Tamura’s Fine Wine & Liquors and Fujioka’s Wine Times.

Cheers!

2013 Brancaia "Tre" IGT Rosso Toscana Super Tuscan

Year: 2013

Producer: Brancaia Winery

Region: Tuscany, Italy

Grape(s): Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot

Alcohol: 13.5%

Body: Medium+

Dry/Sweet: Dry

Tasting Notes: Dark fruit, cherry, spice, coffee

Pairings: Barbecue, pizza and pasta dishes, aged hard cheeses, mushroom risotto

Price (approximately): $17

 

My Musings:

This week we are bargain hunting in Super Tuscan Territory.

Originally crafted by winemakers who refused to follow the traditional Chianti appellation requirements, Super Tuscan blends have developed cult followings for their delicious, approachable and uniquely-styled wines. Super Tuscans became so popular, in fact, that the Italian wine regulations established a separate distinction primarily for Super Tuscans - Indicazione Geografica Protetta (or "IGT") - that contained less stringent requirements, thereby affording vinters more flexibility in the winemaking process. Cult wine followings often, though unfortunately, share one common characteristic - exorbitant price.  Quality Super Tuscans are no exception, with a price tag typically in the $30 range and higher. Not exactly a bargain wine for the weekday table.

Occasionally, however, an affordable Super Tuscan comes along that carries all of the characteristics that make this style so popular, yet priced to keep a few extra dollars in your pocket. Enter the 2013 Brancaia "Tre" Rosso Toscana.

This wine is a blend of 80 percent Sangiovese, with 10 percent each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. An inviting medium ruby color with a bouquet of black fruit, cherries, coffee and spices. The palate is greeted with a soft, round flavor profile, elegant tannins and balanced acidity. A thoroughly enjoyable wine and excellent introduction to this cultish collection out of Tuscany. For less than $20, pick up a few bottles to enjoy with some pizza, pasta dishes, or even a barbecue in the backyard. It is a very versatile wine that can be enjoyed on many occasions (and with many foods), from a bargain wine for the weekday table, to parties with friends or just enjoying a quiet evening with some bread and a cheese plate. One of my new favorite bargain wines!

In Honolulu, pick up a bottle at Fujioka's Wine Times or NK Wine Shop in the Chinatown District. For Big Island folks, I believe I saw this bottle at Kamuela Liquor Store a while ago. Hope there are a few bottles left!

Cheers!

2015 Château de Saint Cosme Côtes-du-Rhône Syrah

Year: 2015

Producer: Château de Saint Cosme

Region: Côtes-du-Rhône, France

Grape(s): Syrah

Alcohol: 14.5%

Body: Medium

Dry/Sweet: Dry

Tasting Notes: Black Fruit, Sour Cherry, Licorice, Tobacco, Black Pepper

Pairings: Barbecue and grilled meats, roast pork, aged hard cheeses, mushroom risotto

Price (approximately): $17

 

My Musings:

A bit of a surprise to me initially for a Côtes-du-Rhône wine because it is made with 100% Syrah, rather than the characteristically lighter bodied, food-friendly red blends that are brilliant for the dinner table. Syrah isn't what you would classify as lighter bodied, with its medium-to-firm tannins and tobacco, leather and black pepper flavor profile. This wine, however, managed to find the sweet spot - almost as though it were a combination of the Northern and Southern Rhône Valley. Pleasant aromatics of black fruit, sour cherry, licorice, pepper and tobacco entice the nose. On the palate, acidity characteristic of the region frames the fruit, leather, tobacco and black pepper spice. Tannins were medium and firm, particularly on the finish, and the wine probably could have benefited from a quarter to a half a percent less ABV. However, still a pleasant wine that can be enjoyed with a wide variety of foods. The tobacco, black pepper and medium tannins afford pairings with grilled meats and hard, aged cheeses. However, unlike a typical Syrah, the wine was solidly medium-bodied and would not overpower lighter dishes, such as roast pork, duck or mushroom risotto. It is also pleasant just to sip on a cool autumn evening with a few friends!

Pick this up in Honolulu at Fujioka's Wine Times for under $17 bucks! A great bargain wine in one of my favorite regions in the world.

Bonus Time!

For those Costco fans out there, I will throw in a bonus this week. We also opened the 2011 Kirkland Signature Ribera Del Duero Gran Reserva. For $12.99, really a delightful wine and a great expression of the Spanish appellation and its most famous grape, Tempranillo. Ribera del Duero neighbors the more prestigious Rioja appellation and, in many respects, is the little brother. Some excellent value wines come out of this region, and this bottle is no exception.  On the back of the label, if you read the fine print (which of course I do, being a lawyer and all), you will notice that Kirkland Signature has sourced this wine from Bodega Viña Solorca, a reputable producer whose non-Reserva wines are often priced above $13! Once again, Costco brings the deals. This and the Ti Point Sauvignon Blanc are the best Kirkland Signature wines I have tasted all year.

Cheers!

 

 

2014 Peachy Canyon Westside Zinfandel

Musings by the Glass - Bargain Wines - Peachy Canyon Westside 2014 Zinfandel

Year: 2014

Producer: Peachy Canyon, Westside

Region: Paso Robles, Central Coast, California

Grape(s): Zinfandel

Alcohol: 14.8%

Body: Medium-Full

Dry/Sweet: Dry

Tasting Notes: Strawberry, raspberry, cherry, vanilla, white pepper, baking spice

Pairings: Venison, brisket, Mongolian Beef, Korean Barbecue (Kalbi), aged cheeses

Price (approximately): $14

 

My Musings:

A classic expression of Zinfandel at a bargain price. A wonderful, deep ruby color gave way to expressive aromas of ripe red fruit (strawberry, cherry and raspberry) with sweet tobacco, vanilla and baking spice. White pepper notes lingered in the nose. On the palate, ripe fruit of strawberry, blackberry and raspberry jam dominate in a fruit-forward wine, but accented nicely with sweet tobacco, vanilla and spice (allspice, nutmeg, clove).  When the bottle was first opened, white pepper was rather dominant on the nose and palate, but this mellowed over time. Medium, soft tannins provided structure and the persistent spice pleasantly balanced the palate.

This would pair excellently with most red meat, especially venison or a brisket. Grilled preparations in particular would accentuate the smoky tobacco and spice. For pasta, red sauce would hold up nicely, perhaps a lasagna or meat lover's pizza with sausage. For Asian inspiration, look to Korean barbecue (Kalbi!), Mongolian Beef, and the classic Chinese stir fry of beef and broccoli.

Cheers!

2012 Las Rocas de San Alejandro Viñas Viejas Garnacha

Year: 2012

Producer: Las Rocas de San Alejandro

Region: Calatayud, Spain

Grape(s): Garnacha

Alcohol: 15%

Body: Medium-Full

Dry/Sweet: Dry

Tasting Notes: Cherry, strawberry, cranberry, licorice

Pairings: Rabbit paella, Mongolian beef, grilled meats, ratatouille

Price (approximately): $16

 

My Musings:

Garnacha (Grenache in France) is often a blending grape for powerful red blends produced in prestigous regions such as France’s Châteauneuf-du-pape or Spain’s Rioja and Priorato. But it can shine on its own, and does so brilliantly in a few Spanish appellations, including Calatayud, where this wine originates.

For a 2012, the wine took longer than expected to open up, so decanting and a little patience is recommended. The nose is greeted with alluring aromas of red fruit (cherry, ripe strawberry and subtle dried cranberry) balanced with herbs, spice and licorice. The palate enjoys smoky and tobacco elements that blend harmoniously with the herbs and spices, while the red fruit still stands strong. A powerful wine with medium, firm tannins and a wonderful, long finish.

This wine has great pairing potential. The herbal and spice characteristics pair brilliantly with dishes containing similar herb and vegetable elements. For example, ratatouille or a winter vegetable gratin. Staying on a Spanish theme, try a hearty paella with rabbit and other gamey meats. If you are feeling a bit more exotic, Mongolian beef, and its sweet/savory Hoisin-based sauce, would be a great balance with the herbs and spices of the Garnacha. Finally, items on the grill pair nicely with the smoky elements of the wine and medium- to full-body, such as a burger or steak. To accent the spicy and herbal elements of the wine, toss on a few grilled mushrooms and herbs.

Cheers!

 

2014 Hānaialiʻi Merlot

Year: 2014

Producer: Smith Devereux

Region: St. Helena, Napa Valley, California

Grape(s): Merlot

Alcohol: 15.1%

Body: Medium-Full

Dry/Sweet: Dry

Tasting Notes: Black cherry, plum, chocolate, vanilla, oak

Pairings: Dark chocolate, grilled tri-tip, rack of lamb or barbecue ribs, Kalbi, aged cheeses

Price (approximately): $18

 

My Musings:

Named after Amy Hānaialiʻi Gilliom, one of my favorite local Hawaiian artists. She also produced one of my favorite Christmas albums, so be sure to pick that up in time for the holidays.

Wow, this Merlot is true to Napa form: big, bold, alcoholic and drinks like a Cabernet Sauvignon. Wonderful spicy and oaked flavors of black cherry, currant, blueberry, chocolate and vanilla. Velvety on the palate and a great, lingering finish. Fits the American palate brilliantly, and is great paired with grilled items (lamb, beef or ribs), Korean Kalbi, aged and salty cheeses (such as aged cheddar and Parmigiano-Regianno), or with some dark chocolate and Christmas music (stash this one away for a few months, you will thank me then). Often priced at $30, this may get lost in a sea of Napa Merlot, but at Costco's value price of $17.99, it is definitely worth adding one (or two, or three) to the cart.

The bottle design is a part of Hānaialiʻi. Literally. I will let her explain:

“The tattoo is an interesting part of my life ... This one, the one that is on my bottles, I did after my father passed. This is a growth tattoo, and you don’t normally put a growth tattoo on the left side of your body, mostly you put them on the right side. But I wanted it to look like a jewelry piece. This is the pika design, the octopus design ... It’s all significant, my father is here. It signifies growth, like the octopus going into different areas with the tentacles, like me with my music.”

Cheers!