2 Cheap Rossos

Tuscany-Toscana Rosso 2007 Giordano Collection

For a Tucsan Rosso, which is most likely heavy on sangiovese , this lovely blend needs an hour of air time prior to consumption. It turns out to be a very nice full body red but with suprisingly little finish. Very good for cheese and pate hour. *** $9.95

Colosi Sicilia Rosso 2007 

Varietal Nero d'Avola

Italy : Region Sicily
Producer Cantine Colosi

Bruce- This wine says on the lable, "a dry red wine." Certainly not an understatement. After a few sips, rehydration is recommended. This wine came off too sweet, with a bit of a burn going down. Don't get me wrong, it's not awful, just not my cup of tea. Makes an acceptable backup wine as your party guests continue to imbibe. Worth the price. **1/2 $8.99

                                                    Kent- Good for the money, I might rate it slightly higher. ***

Tapena Garnacha 2008

A Spanish red, this interesting wine is really quite nice. Surprisingly smooth for a 2008, this is a drink now wine. A very unique floral nose and a full bodied taste with hints of Grapefruit. A great combo of earthly grit and fruit. Very dry, it would go well with a variety of meats or cheese and pate. A great value that will impress while keeping your cheap cred. May be well worth case price. *** $8.00

We have good news on the cheap red front!!  We tried a little Rioja from Spain and what a surprise.  Based on the price, we weren't expecting much, but upon seeing the lovely ruby red and savoring the floral nose, we were encouraged.

Vina Zaco

Wine-Rioja

Year-2006

Grape-Tempranillo

Winery-(Bodegas) Bilbainas

Region: Rioja Alta

Bruce:  As it turns out, this naughty little red had suprising body with lots berry flavor and a hint of citrus and just the right amount of tanin to make this a very tasty wine.  Though not quite hearty enough for the big prime steaks, (evidently a shorter growing season produces a wine that is lighter on the palate) it would go very well with Lamb, Pork Roast or Ribs.  Or just knocking it back with the gang. ***1/2 $11.99

Kent:  Might be interesting to A/B it against a crianza (aged for at least two years) or a Rioja Reserva (aged for at least three years) to see the difference.  I'm inclined to rate it slightly lower, say,*** but will need to knock out a couple more bottles to be sure!

 

Cheap Malbecs from Argentina

Everyone says you can't go wrong with a good Malbec from the Mendoza region of Argentina. We may beg to differ. Though we are sure these good Malbecs exist, in our cheapness we hit two double bogeys. Submitted for your approval we have tasted two of said Malbecs. 

The first, a 2006 Bodega Norton Reserva, underwhelmed us immensely. Though the better of the two we tasted, this thin fairly lifeless red boasts on its label "elegance and complexity" but showed as much complexity as some fermented Welch's grape juice. ** $13.00

Our second selection, 2008 Maipe Andean Culture, though not really planter wine, had no nose whatsoever. The label claims "Maipe was the Lord the Winds for the ancient Andean Indians." Unfortunately this wine only gave us the winds. With no tannin or body and barely any fruit to make this wine even slightly distinctive, this is truly a wine for those who are on their 10th bottle. * $9.95

We promise better wines...stay tuned.