A bottle lasts for us about 2 days. And, we drink it everyday with dinner. So, if we routinely drank $20 bottles, $10/day with something extra every once in a while is a fair amount. What I want, and cannot find in the US, are the "everyday" wines so available in Europe, and so acceptable in quality.
4
I've made sure to include a couple bottles of Cotes du Roussillon which for me can satisfy all that your Northern Rhone can, certainly some vintages, and a Muscadet or picpoul (which I learned from you), which, are certainly affordable - even the good ones - and just great when the shellfish come out.
It's so sad to come back to the wine scene here from Cape Town, where we lived for the past 11 years. There we paid $4.00 to $8.00 for really good wines, $8.00 to $12.00 (rarely did we go that high) for excellent ones. One can pay a lot more there, but there is no need to do so.
Thanks to The Times for not forgetting readers who don't drink $50+ bottles every night.
I would also urge readers to search out the wines of Portugal, particularly the bold reds of Dao and the very sophisticated reds of the Douro region. (We found the Alentejo region wines to be less appealing, although there are exceptions.) Portuguese wines are sometimes hard to find in the U.S., but they often represent exceptional value. And don't be put off by the low, low prices. We are currently imbibing a $6.39 red that drinks like a $20-$25 bottle.
On a recent trip to that nation, we spoke to representatives of multiple wineries and they told us Portugal simply doesn't make enough wine to have a stronger U.S. presence. You may have to do a little bit of homework and visit multiple wine shops (what a chore!), but it will be well worth your time to find the Portuguese offerings.
I would also urge readers to search out the wines of Portugal, particularly the bold reds of Dao and the very sophisticated reds of the Douro region. (We found the Alentejo region wines to be less appealing, although there are exceptions.) Portuguese wines are sometimes hard to find in the U.S., but they often represent exceptional value. And don't be put off by the low, low prices. We are currently imbibing a $6.39 red that drinks like a $20-$25 bottle.
On a recent trip to that nation, we spoke to representatives of multiple wineries and they told us Portugal simply doesn't make enough wine to have a stronger U.S. presence. You may have to do a little bit of homework and visit multiple wine shops (what a chore!), but it will be well worth your time to find the Portuguese offerings.
2
I have also been impressed by the reds of the Douro region which, until recently, I only thought of for Port. But WHERE do you shop for Portuguese wines (in NYC)?
For Portuguese wines in the NY area, I would do a Google search to find local stores. You can then check the individual wine shop web sites to see some of the (non-Port) Portuguese offerings before traveling there. I admit that these wines are not easy to find or are in limited supply.
Through an online search, I finally found a local source for rose' port -- a fairly new offering from producers -- that makes an incredibly refreshing drink with lime, mint and even a splash of sparking water. It's still pretty rare in the U.S.
If you know of a Douro wine you already like or would like to try, you can always see if the winery has a web site or e-mail contact and send a message directly. For example, there's one group of serious winemakers who have come together to present themselves as the "Douro Boys" (douroboys.com) with a whimsical site. That's a great place to start.
Through an online search, I finally found a local source for rose' port -- a fairly new offering from producers -- that makes an incredibly refreshing drink with lime, mint and even a splash of sparking water. It's still pretty rare in the U.S.
If you know of a Douro wine you already like or would like to try, you can always see if the winery has a web site or e-mail contact and send a message directly. For example, there's one group of serious winemakers who have come together to present themselves as the "Douro Boys" (douroboys.com) with a whimsical site. That's a great place to start.
It would be nice if you attached a small(in size) picture,etc listing the wine names in the article, perfect for pocket or purse.
2
$20-$25+ is not everyday wine.
I just bought a case of everyday wine for $10 a bottle -- here it is:
2x Renzo Masi Chianti Rufina (list price $12)
2x Erik Banti Carato from Tuscany ($10)
2x Lame-Delisle-Boucard Bourgueil Cuvée Prestige ($12)
2x Domaine des Cassagnoles Vin de Pays des Côtes de Gascogne ($10)
2x Ravines NYS Dry Riesling ($14)
2x Bodegas Abanico Rioja Hazana Vinas Viejas ($11)
With a case discount we're talking less than $10/bottle. Whites, reds, Italy, France, Spain, US. We're not talking grand cru here, just great EVERYDAY drinking wines.
I just bought a case of everyday wine for $10 a bottle -- here it is:
2x Renzo Masi Chianti Rufina (list price $12)
2x Erik Banti Carato from Tuscany ($10)
2x Lame-Delisle-Boucard Bourgueil Cuvée Prestige ($12)
2x Domaine des Cassagnoles Vin de Pays des Côtes de Gascogne ($10)
2x Ravines NYS Dry Riesling ($14)
2x Bodegas Abanico Rioja Hazana Vinas Viejas ($11)
With a case discount we're talking less than $10/bottle. Whites, reds, Italy, France, Spain, US. We're not talking grand cru here, just great EVERYDAY drinking wines.
6
My most memorable bottle was a $3.00 bottle of 1972 Robert Mondavi Cabernet, purchased(circa 1978) at a "Wine Department Going Out of Business" sale at something like Shark Valley tourist attraction on US 41 south of Tampa. They had a climate-controlled room for the wine!
Put it up for storage and opened it in 1982. Complexity and substance at its best.
Put it up for storage and opened it in 1982. Complexity and substance at its best.
1
I remember buying a "Planeta" red wine for under $10, than the wines were discovered - can't get one for that price anymore - and so it goes. After these comments - Spanish wine prices are going up!
As an UpState NY farmer, we see wineries outside of the finger lakes region really starting to blossom. Support from New Yorkers will lead to more and improved choices. The NYTimes should review more of these NY wineries to help folks make decent choices for everyday wines.
My everyday wines are usually from Spain, but I will continue to explore these local wine choices and perhaps become a local winery in the future, myself.
As an UpState NY farmer, we see wineries outside of the finger lakes region really starting to blossom. Support from New Yorkers will lead to more and improved choices. The NYTimes should review more of these NY wineries to help folks make decent choices for everyday wines.
My everyday wines are usually from Spain, but I will continue to explore these local wine choices and perhaps become a local winery in the future, myself.
4
I agree with you on the comment related to price/performance of Old world vs CA wines. I would any day pick a French Bordeaux at $15 over an equivalent priced Norcal cab. Napa, Sonoma and even lesser regions are quickly pricing themselves out of a lot of budgets. I do quibble about your $20+ range...we need one around $10-12 for every day drinking wine.
3
I learn a lot from most of these articles, but I have to agree with the (many) comments concerning what is considered the price for an everyday wine.
I also found it quite amusing that in the intro, Eric reveals that he is a true New Yorker: you build your home with a bedroom and a bathroom. I guess you can do without a kitchen since there is always take-out and delivery! Classic!
I also found it quite amusing that in the intro, Eric reveals that he is a true New Yorker: you build your home with a bedroom and a bathroom. I guess you can do without a kitchen since there is always take-out and delivery! Classic!
4
Many years ago I was reading a wine list at a restaurant in Alexandria Bay, New York. I have never forgotten one of its observations.
"A meal without wine is like a life without love."
"A meal without wine is like a life without love."
7
Can someone please explain why wine is so much less expensive in Europe than in the United States. That seems to be the consensus from European readers so I assume it's true. I agree it's appalling to pay $20 for a daily bottle of wine, especially if the same wine sells for much less in other countries. Maybe it's shipping costs, maybe it's the arcane distribution system in the various states. Maybe Paul Krugman and Eric can do a joint article and enlighten us.
5
The southern Rhone is not just a region where some of the best wines in the world come from (like Chateauneuf du Pape), it also gives us some of the best red wine values in the world, like Cotes du Rhone. A surprising omission. Also, I am sorry to say, $40 does not buy an "entrancing" Burgundy any more. Bunch of other good choices in there though
3
The wine I buy here in Italy, I used to buy on the shelf in the states for 18 bucks. Here is those wines are 4 euros, and NOBODY buys them. I think they send them across the pond. I can get a super bottle of wine for 8 euros and real quality for 11 euros. and....... The average Italian does not swirl the wine in the glass, sniffing it, they just trust the trattoria to have chosen a good house wine.
3
Faively's Mercurey Clos de Myglands is not Corton but it's not that bad at $40.
I wish the article included pictures showing examples of the recommended wines.
4
Having a savvy wine merchant who discounts cases, mix-and-match cases and, for long-time customers even single bottles, 20% brings the price point down.
2
I have Eric's taste in wine (mostly French), but we have different price ranges for "everyday". Who doesn't love Saint Joseph? I'd dump the Lambrusco and add Cote du Rhone. I wouldn't consider a Loire sauvignon blanc a "frill" . Good column.
6
That's a wonderful list of essential wines! You pretty much nailed it for me. As an ardent fan of Italian wines, I would add a refreshingly crisp pinot grigio and a bottle of sparkling Prosecco to accompany light seafood dinners. And for a cold autumn's night a mysteriously velvety South African pinotage to bring warmness and comfort.
3
"Zinfandel, a wine of limited versatility":
Thanks for telling the truth about today's versions of Zinfandel. Trouble is, it doesn't have to be. It became this way thanks to the fad for overripe grapes and high alcohol. This is now beginning to ebb in California. It will take a winemaker with guts and vision to bring it back to the table as a truly versatile wine, but I can recall Paul Draper of Ridge being quoted as saying the best Cabernet he ever tasted was a 20-year old Zin.
Thanks for telling the truth about today's versions of Zinfandel. Trouble is, it doesn't have to be. It became this way thanks to the fad for overripe grapes and high alcohol. This is now beginning to ebb in California. It will take a winemaker with guts and vision to bring it back to the table as a truly versatile wine, but I can recall Paul Draper of Ridge being quoted as saying the best Cabernet he ever tasted was a 20-year old Zin.
5
With a little care, even some every day Zins can be versatile, if you give them a little time.
Two to three years, which seems to be the most common selling age for commercial Zins, is too young. Four to five years old works better. Some of the fruit has faded and allowed some complexity has returned. Even something like Gnarly Head, which is as commercial as they come, will show some unexpected grace if you hold the 2013 vintage until 2017.
However, unlike higher quality Zins that can be aged much longer, the commercial ones go downhill around the 5 year mark.
Two to three years, which seems to be the most common selling age for commercial Zins, is too young. Four to five years old works better. Some of the fruit has faded and allowed some complexity has returned. Even something like Gnarly Head, which is as commercial as they come, will show some unexpected grace if you hold the 2013 vintage until 2017.
However, unlike higher quality Zins that can be aged much longer, the commercial ones go downhill around the 5 year mark.
2
I drink (and buy) very little California wine, but I have long been a fan of Zinfandel. But not, as you describe, the current style. When I do come upon one that is like the older style I remember, I'll buy it. Dry Creek is one. Ridge is another, but the price has escalated drastically.
3
In our house "food friendly" is the prerequisite, so the type of foods we gravitate to dicate our favorites. Our "house" red and white are a Beaujolais and a Macon. Both will pair with most meals without breaking the bank. Trenel offers a great Beaujolais Village for under $12, with their cru villages avaiable for under $!5. Drouhin's Macon Village is still around $12 if you buy by the case. A tempranillo is our go to "stand in" if we are looking for a different and slightly "bigger" red with dinner, and they too can be easily found for under $15. Burgundy is always our first choice for special occasions, especially if the neighbors bring the bottle.
2
And don't forget Cotes du Rhone -- Guigal's is about $13.
4
There are great wines outside of Europe, you know! I live in Australia and we get lots of delicious Australian and New Zealand wines for under $20/bottle. I'm surprised a decent-yet-affordable Marlborough sauvignon blanc or Australian shiraz did not make your list.
6
Australian wines are fine and well priced--and I like your chatty labels!
2
Spot on Eric! We love your suggestions. Some of our favorites from past Wine School selections have been Langhe Nebbiolo, St. Joseph and Chablis. Recently we have discovered and enjoyed Ravines Dry Riesling from the Finger Lakes. There is great pleasure to be had when pairing a well made wine with tasty food! Thank you for your recommendations.
1
Being here on the end of California wine country, I really enjoyed reading the comments here. Not trying to be a shill for the brand, but I came across a great resource for outstanding wines for the price and I wanted to share it. Check out Cameron Hughes. He sources juice from all over and then crafts outstanding bottles at a fraction of the price you would have paid. Sometimes you will know the vineyard, but in the very least you'll know the growing region - and it'll be numbered as a "lot". When it's gone it's gone. Lot 476 right now is an outstanding Arroyo Seco Chardonnay. It's $15 (can find it cheaper at Costco or when they offer promotions on the site) and it drinks like a $40+ bottle - outstanding. Many of my favorites I find from Cameron Hughes, and while not an everyday bottle - he has amazing Napa Cab's for right about $30 that you'd likely pay $100+ a bottle for.
4
What the comments are showing here is that there are many different ways to drink and enjoy wine - different price points, certainly, but also different preferences for region, varietal, and label. No wine writer can serve all of these types of wine drinkers. I give Eric credit for being one of the most accessible wine writers out there - not that you can afford everything that he writes about (nether can I), but because the overall character of his work includes a wide range of types, places, prices, and styles.
My basic case would differ in some respects - got to have a decent Rhône GSM in there for example, but with all the regions, all the varietals, and all the labels out there, could any two people agree on twelve bottles of wine? Or should they?
Maybe we need to lighten up a bit - enjoy what you enjoy. There is no need to be defensive about it. Life is too short and there is too much wine out there for that.
http://jimlockardonwine.com/
My basic case would differ in some respects - got to have a decent Rhône GSM in there for example, but with all the regions, all the varietals, and all the labels out there, could any two people agree on twelve bottles of wine? Or should they?
Maybe we need to lighten up a bit - enjoy what you enjoy. There is no need to be defensive about it. Life is too short and there is too much wine out there for that.
http://jimlockardonwine.com/
3
I live in Italy. Wine here is very inexpensive, even the expensive ones. However, for my everyday drinking I buy both a red (merlot) for me and a white (chardonnay) for my wife in 5 liter boxex. Well, of course, inside the box is a special airtight bag with a spout. 5 liters is the equivalent of just about 7 bottles of wine. Both wines would sell in the $20 a bottle range in the US. Here, the 5 liters are 9 euro! lol. Yes, 9 euro or about $1.50 a bottle. From our Lazio region. Fantastic. One final word is the many people in our area make their own wine and wouldn't spend a penny on store bought wine.
7
Yup - my mother in law here in Australia loves her boxed wine. It is true that some of them are atrocious, but not all of them. Some of them are pretty good, and they can be a great value!
1
At the end of the meal, i would replace the sherry by red port wine, late bottled vintage if you can get it.
1
Fino is not a dessert wine, Marie; drink it either before dinner or with dinner -- particularly shellfish and pork. Port after is always good.
2
Any wine drinker who drinks so many sweet wines can't be trusted!!
6
Beware the so-called, self anointed 'Beaujolais'. Even if it claims to be Appellation Controlee and 'Mise en Bouteille' at the domaine, there is a significant risk, whatever the price, that it contains Italian or Spanish wine shipped into 'the Beaujolais' after dark in a large tanker. Often the wine maker needs more 'umf' in making his wine, possibly due to a poor summer and using 100% local wine won't achieve two decent fermentations. Tasting before buying is essential; price is not a guarantee!
2
Call me a peasant but for everyday red wine drinking I highly recommend the Black Box Cabernet. For $19 to $21 a box it's a steal, the equivalent of four bottles that stays fresh for at least a month. Serve it in a decanter and you won't believe the compliments you'll receive. Reverse snobbism at its best!
7
Four of us have been doing Eric's (I feel I'm on a first name basis by now) monthly wine tasting since it's start early last year. I highly recommend it. We have enjoyed comparing the pricier wines he recommends to cheaper versions of the same types of wines. We taste from cheapest to most expensive. Price is not the deciding factor on drinkability! We haven't figured out if its handling and turnover in our state store system, the skill of the vintners, what we're eating, the idea that a BIG wine is worth more even though it can be hard to drink... But as often as not we prefer a less expensive, usually lighter wine. So don't fear the sale items. And another tip: if you're going to hold an open bottle more than a day decant it into a smaller bottle sealed tight so there is no air space. It'll last indefinitely.
4
What a wonderful article and comment section. My husband and and I would like to learn to drink wine with our meals and there are so many suggestions in the comment section in addition to the author's basic premises. We are retired and live just outside a small town in central Illinois and I doubt that we would routinely buy a $20 bottle of wine but perhaps a $10 to $12 bottle of wine would fit our lifestyle. Right now our level of experimentation is with craft beers and White Zinfandel. I am surprised that the author recommends so many European wines. One of my finest experiences was a wonderful night spent with a dark red wine from Chile. I also had no idea that there was a method for preserving your wine overnight. All in all certainly a peach of a read!
Since there is probably a Walmart not too far away from you, let me recommend the Oak Leaf brand, proprietary to Walmart, made by the same winery that produces Charles Shaw a.k.a., Two Buck Chuck, but a bit cheaper ($2.28 in the wine capital of the US, Napa of all places!) Similar to vin ordinaire or vin du table in Europe--wines to be enjoyed with dinner on Tuesday night.
The idea of spending about $250 for 12 "everyday bottles" of wine strikes me as absurd! Here in Hungary, I can spend about a third of that and get a variety of very nice Hungarian wines, and even include a French or Italian wine (chianti, perhaps). I've had "table wines" in France, Italy, Slovenia, Austria, the Czech Republic and in Croatia that were very nice and also very affordable. Americans pay far too much for wine in the U.S.
10
If you think Americans pay too much for wine, try living in Tokyo! Just got back from Paris, where every day I drank lovely wines, high end, low end, all wonderful, all reasonably priced. Doesn't exist here in Tokyo. One pays a fortune for good wine, if you can find it at all. I envy you in the great wine-making regions of the world.
In whose world is "everyday" wine $20-$35 a bottle? Not my world.
FWIW in Paris, everyday table wine is 4-8 Euro. The French think of it more like a food ingredient -- it's like buying potatoes or onions. There are no points awarded for overpaying -- it's part of the grocery budget.
FWIW in Paris, everyday table wine is 4-8 Euro. The French think of it more like a food ingredient -- it's like buying potatoes or onions. There are no points awarded for overpaying -- it's part of the grocery budget.
17
Very true. In Europe wine goes on the table along with the cutlery plates and bread. There are many decent table wines in the US for less than 10$ both American and foreign. A "middle ground" Beaujolais at 18-25$? That's a lot for a such a young wine.
2
When I first started drinking wine (circa 1993), I remember finding very drinkable bottles in the $6 - 8 dollar range. Either my tastes have drastically improved, or inflation has totally run amok with wine prices since then! If I had had to shell out 20 - 25 dollars for an "everyday" bottle back then, I would have stuck to beer drinking.
3
When I started drinking wine seriously in the late 1970s, one of my first purchases was a CASE of 1970 Les Forts de Latour for $75. A BOTTLE of the 2005 can be yours for $225 or so -- $250 at Sherry-Lehman.
I finished my last bottle of the 1970 about two years ago -- it was marvelous.
I finished my last bottle of the 1970 about two years ago -- it was marvelous.
I'm a Reisling fancier. I have tried a great many and have settled on Robert Mondavi California Select at $35 per large bottle. Cheap at twice the price......
When in '70s Germany, I used to buy a liter of Worms' Liebfraumilch for a $1 equivalent and my vintner friends' other varietals for not much more. Now I can't find these here and their competitors' are selling for $15+. Sigh. %-/
1
Ripple goes good with everything!
Totally agree with jlafitte, a Torrontes, from Argentine (white) is a terrific and tasty wine, $8-9, Alamos makes a really good one. It's become our go to wine. And, yesterday had what I thought was a "pink" proseco, but upon looking more closely, it was a dry Spumante rose-delicious, low alcohol (like many Ialian whites) and we loved it. $19 before 15% discount.
2
A good Verdelho Madeira.
High acidity allows it to match a variety of foods, anything from Sushi to Fried Chicken. You can start a meal with it or even finish.
High acidity allows it to match a variety of foods, anything from Sushi to Fried Chicken. You can start a meal with it or even finish.
Any consideration towards sake? There are good $20-$25 bottles that are not only perfect matches for sushi but also many Asian inspired dishes, especially seafood.
1
With a mind to limiting expense,
Old world:
Beaujolais
Chinon
Rioja
Chianti
Chablis
Sancerre
Kabinett or Spatlese Riesling
Cava or Prosecco
New world:
West coast Pinot Noir
Zinfandel
Australian Malbec
Baker's dozen: Torrontes
Old world:
Beaujolais
Chinon
Rioja
Chianti
Chablis
Sancerre
Kabinett or Spatlese Riesling
Cava or Prosecco
New world:
West coast Pinot Noir
Zinfandel
Australian Malbec
Baker's dozen: Torrontes
1
Unfortunately, haven't been able to find any good affordable Chianti's lately. Any suggestions?
Rocca di Castiglione about $16 is very good; somewhat simpler and less expensive, but not bad. is Mellini. Frescobaldi's Nippanzano, a Chianti Rufina, is excellent at about $18.
1
Riesling is our go to every day white, we just find it to be much food friendlier than any of the Chardonnay based whites (although for good white fleshed seafood, Chablis is wonderful, it's a more expensive treat). Asimov's European suggestions are all good, but Pacific Northwest options like St. Michele's entry level Rieslings or for a step up their Eroica are excellent.
For reds Oregon Pinots are extremely versatile, but we'd include some Columbia Basin Syrahs and Syrah based blends as well to go with heartier dishes. An Andrew Rich Coup d'Etat was excellent the other night.
For reds Oregon Pinots are extremely versatile, but we'd include some Columbia Basin Syrahs and Syrah based blends as well to go with heartier dishes. An Andrew Rich Coup d'Etat was excellent the other night.
5
The wines are fine, but the list is very Euro-centric. On the west coast, , there is a vast selection of excellent wines which are excellent and are in the price ranges of which you write.
The NY Times has done similar lists in the past, and while a NY state wine is invariably listed, West Coast wines are for the most part ignored.
The NY Times has done similar lists in the past, and while a NY state wine is invariably listed, West Coast wines are for the most part ignored.
13
Yes, only in NYC does $20-25 sound like a perfectly reasonable price for an everyday bottle of wine. Personally I've spent many years exploring the opposite end of the rapport qualité:prix spectrum, looking for maximum value for money in food-friendly wines. Robert Parker and Stephen Tanzer have made the exploration quite easy and fun over the years.
As an example: any Francophile would agree that cru Beaujolais is the most versatile red at table, but prices are prohibitive. Jorge Ordonez's Viña Borgia old-vine grenache from Spain makes a worthy substitute and can be had for $8 a bottle, or $6 in a readily-available wine-in-a-box format.
I second expert importer Dan Kravitz's recommendation of a good Côtes du Rhône as the second most versatile choice, but why spend the $12-15 a bottle the good ones from importers such as Eric Solomon or Kermit Lynch bring in when you can drink the superb "From the Tank" red (or their equally excellent white and rosé) boxed wine from small producer specialist Jenny et Francois for the equivalent of $9 per bottle?
Make a game out of looking for the highest-scoring wines under $15 per bottle in Parker and Tanzer's annual best-buy lists and then keep to versatile, food-friendly grape varieties (i.e. excluding oaky, plodding Cabs, boring Merlots and the like) and you'll end up with a bevy of 89-93 point, terroir-driven wines from Spain and France brought in by Solomon, Katcher, Kravitz and other specialists. Let the 1% spend more for less.
As an example: any Francophile would agree that cru Beaujolais is the most versatile red at table, but prices are prohibitive. Jorge Ordonez's Viña Borgia old-vine grenache from Spain makes a worthy substitute and can be had for $8 a bottle, or $6 in a readily-available wine-in-a-box format.
I second expert importer Dan Kravitz's recommendation of a good Côtes du Rhône as the second most versatile choice, but why spend the $12-15 a bottle the good ones from importers such as Eric Solomon or Kermit Lynch bring in when you can drink the superb "From the Tank" red (or their equally excellent white and rosé) boxed wine from small producer specialist Jenny et Francois for the equivalent of $9 per bottle?
Make a game out of looking for the highest-scoring wines under $15 per bottle in Parker and Tanzer's annual best-buy lists and then keep to versatile, food-friendly grape varieties (i.e. excluding oaky, plodding Cabs, boring Merlots and the like) and you'll end up with a bevy of 89-93 point, terroir-driven wines from Spain and France brought in by Solomon, Katcher, Kravitz and other specialists. Let the 1% spend more for less.
24
Can I get more information on the Jorge Ordonez Vina Borgia grenache box wine?
I'd go with cotes du rhone (Kermit lynch's house blend is $13) because they work with everything, a Washington state merlot (chateau st Michelle or Columbia crest work just fine) if you want a sipping red, a NY State unoaked Chardonnay (Wiemar's is spot on), Gruet bubbly (blanc de noir is under $15).
3
Two Thoughts :
I think something like Schloss Gobelsberg Gobelsberger Gruner Veltliner or one of the better liter bottles are a perfect food wine and match with so many foods, of course that is so "8 years ago", as the hipster somms have moved on, but its a great staple wine. Bourgogne Passetoutgrains, because they are so unpopular can be an even better deal than Good Beaujolais, I have been drinking the Alain Hudelot-Noëllat one, that for the 2013 vintage due to a good dollar can be had in DC at least for 12 dollars, its a great, versatile food wine. There are also some amazing under 15 dollar lighter style Garnachas from Spain like the Bernabeleva Camino de Navaherreros that are awesome. This goes with so many foods.
I think something like Schloss Gobelsberg Gobelsberger Gruner Veltliner or one of the better liter bottles are a perfect food wine and match with so many foods, of course that is so "8 years ago", as the hipster somms have moved on, but its a great staple wine. Bourgogne Passetoutgrains, because they are so unpopular can be an even better deal than Good Beaujolais, I have been drinking the Alain Hudelot-Noëllat one, that for the 2013 vintage due to a good dollar can be had in DC at least for 12 dollars, its a great, versatile food wine. There are also some amazing under 15 dollar lighter style Garnachas from Spain like the Bernabeleva Camino de Navaherreros that are awesome. This goes with so many foods.
3
I'd replace Champagne with a good Cremant de Bourgogne or Limoux. Those appellations have made incredible strides in quality, and the wines are half the price of Champagne.
7
So, $25 a day five nights a week, $125 per week, $500 per month for a daily wine. It would be nice to afford that. What about the $10 variety?
8
Who says you have to drink the entire bottle in one night?
5
The best sommelier consultation I ever had, at a top LA restaurant, began with the man stating, "First of all, it's just grape juice."
6
Seriously, for us, aged and retired academics, a $25 bottle would be set aside for an occasion or a gift. We drink wine daily, but we need wines well under $20. Can we get real?
34
Ménage a Trois Red
Rodney Strong Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc
Rodney Strong Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc
3
Do you have a Costco anywhere nearby? The Kirkland Chard is allegedly from Sonoma-Coutrer; it's $6.99 and a terrific daily drinker. The Apothic red blend is $7.99, and wonderful - inky, full bodied with dark fruit.
2
I buy a fab screwcap Underwood Pinot Noir from Oregon here for $11, goes with everything. $20 wines aren't in my budget either.
How very excellent! The kind of distraction I need now, so thanks for the timely article. My go-to wines (right now) are, in no particular order: Alsatian riesling, a good Rioja (my "splurge"), Cava/Prosecco or Michigan sparkling wine (L. Mawby makes excellent sparkling wines), Morgon or other cry Beaujolais, Sauvignon blanc from the Loire, Albariño, almost any good Portuguese red, and at least one Italian red (often Sicilian like bro d'Avola).
These may not be "everyday," but I try to keep these on hand. I also like to keep a bottle or two of Provençal rosé year round.
These may not be "everyday," but I try to keep these on hand. I also like to keep a bottle or two of Provençal rosé year round.
5
The styles/types of wines mentioned in the article are fine, and a great basis for anyone's wine needs; however, as others have mentioned here, for many people the price range is just a bit high to be called inexpensive or moderately-priced. There are so many very good wines that stay under or just approach $20, especially whites, that one does not have to move up to that next "level" of $25-$40. Just use this as a guide to look for "types" of wine, then make selections based on the price range you are comfortable with. Sauvignon blanc for whites, chianti or even a blend for reds, and absolutely Prosecco for bubbly (this is a steal, so many good labels that are very inexpensive) - the biggest challenge is a finding a good, inexpensive Pinot Noir, which happens to be my favorite. I am concentrating most recently on the Oregon/Washington Pinot's, great value and variety; ultimately, for everyday wines what I save on whites allows me to spend a bit more for Pinot's, but have had success with the upper West Coast...so life is good.
4
I love these wine articles that tout "everyday" wines that cost from $20 to $35. I'm not exactly impoverished but that's not an "everyday" price for me. I would love someone to do an article on wines costing $10 to $15.
94
I feel the same way. The funny thing is, the prices quoted in the story for particular wines are too high. In pretty much any category mentioned you can find good wines at lower prices.
4
In my four years of working and living in Paris (in the 1960s) I learned that the white equivalent (i.e., low-priced and popular) of Beaujolais was Muscadet from the Loire.
When I returned to the USA it was difficult to find. Based on this article it is still virtually unknown.
When I returned to the USA it was difficult to find. Based on this article it is still virtually unknown.
2
It's not unknown at all. I see many bottles of muscadet at every wine store I go to--even Trader Joes. It just apparently isn't a wine that Asimov felt was worthy of inclusion on this list.
Wine for me does not standalone but begs for food. From what I gather then, Eric, your meals are composed of lighter fare (less red meaty, stews, game, etc.). This would be my selection and the number depends on the weighting among ingredients/seasonings/cuisine:
Sparkly (Champagne as an appertif or for lighter East Asian dishes) or TWO (cava, prosecco, etc. for intense Asian dishes that overpower subtle qualities and clash with high acidity).
Sherry (fino/manzanilla, light appetizers; amontillado or oloroso, intensely seasoned, meat appetizers/East Asian dishes)
Chardonnay/pinot grigio/albarino, lightly or non-oaked (lightly seasoned seafood/chicken/pork)
Riesling/chenin blanc/oaked chardonnay/Rhone white (heavier sauced seafood/chicken/pork or Southeast Asian dishes)
Beaujolais/mencia (all except light seafood)
Sangiovese (pasta to lightly seasoned poultry/meats)
Pinot noir/tempranillo (vegetarian to lightly seasoned poultry/meat)
Bordeaux varietal (red meat)
Rhone red/nebbiolo/aglianico (stew/game)
Late harvest/port (dessert or cheese)
And, except for Champagne, NONE costs more than $20, most around $10-15.
Sparkly (Champagne as an appertif or for lighter East Asian dishes) or TWO (cava, prosecco, etc. for intense Asian dishes that overpower subtle qualities and clash with high acidity).
Sherry (fino/manzanilla, light appetizers; amontillado or oloroso, intensely seasoned, meat appetizers/East Asian dishes)
Chardonnay/pinot grigio/albarino, lightly or non-oaked (lightly seasoned seafood/chicken/pork)
Riesling/chenin blanc/oaked chardonnay/Rhone white (heavier sauced seafood/chicken/pork or Southeast Asian dishes)
Beaujolais/mencia (all except light seafood)
Sangiovese (pasta to lightly seasoned poultry/meats)
Pinot noir/tempranillo (vegetarian to lightly seasoned poultry/meat)
Bordeaux varietal (red meat)
Rhone red/nebbiolo/aglianico (stew/game)
Late harvest/port (dessert or cheese)
And, except for Champagne, NONE costs more than $20, most around $10-15.
10
Odd choices. This is a really sloppy, slapdash column. "Zinfandel, a wine of limited versatility"? That's nuts. How could you miss with a Ridge Three Valleys - the ultimate every day red. Or a fun Bogle Phantom (pick up a case)? From Italy, Monte Antico Toscano IGT is the all time champ for weeknight pasta & red sauce. There are so many strong US wines at around $15. And a great California Chardonnay - any stamped "reserve" or "grand reserve" at TJ's will always be drinkable. If you're not a chard person then definitely sauv blanc - not at all "a frill". Basically anything on the top or 2nd shelf of a Trader Joe's will be a good adventure.
11
I agree, I thought the Zinfandel comment was off-base; but knowing Mr. Asimov's preference for lower-alcohol, more minerally wines (read: thinner), it's not a surprise. I think a Zinfandel or a Zinfandel analogue (Primitivo, Priorato) is a no-brainer, depending on what your ordinary menu is (and what time of year it is as well). Going into cooler weather, I want heftier wines.
1
Since you brought up Rieslings, New York State wineries produce a wide range of award winning Rieslings, from very dry to very sweet, and the prices are quite reasonable. NY wineries make quite respectable Gewurztraminers as well. France is not the only place making great, moderately priced wines.
However, my real interest is in the dry complex reds. While you touch on the Italian wines a bit, one must have a red for really special occasions, and that would be a Brunello.
However, my real interest is in the dry complex reds. While you touch on the Italian wines a bit, one must have a red for really special occasions, and that would be a Brunello.
4
Well structured, unbiased, non parochial commentary, Eric. I applaud you and thank you. Cabernet Sauvignon a luxury for you ? For me, as a varietal it is simply the least versatile food wine. Thus, it is never on my table.
3
Good point about Cabernet. While I like California Cabernet, I agree that it's the least versatile food wine. It goes great with hamburgers, though, so I buy a good Chilean Cab for that.
Sauvignon Blanc and Malbec. Done.
11
My everyday wines? Whatever Costco has on sale. Sometimes, our Safeway supermarket has a 10% off 6 bottles, and additional 30% off too. I'll come home with lots of bottles then. Mostly Cabs, Zin, Syrah, Pinot, Chianti. I guess that means I'm not a discerning and discriminating wine enthusiast!
Regarding white wines - I am told there are lots of songs about red wines in Bulgaria. There is one song in Bulgaria about white wine and it goes something along the lines of "oh white wine, why couldn't you have been a red wine." I generally reserve a dry white wine for fondue. Chacun a son gout.
Regarding white wines - I am told there are lots of songs about red wines in Bulgaria. There is one song in Bulgaria about white wine and it goes something along the lines of "oh white wine, why couldn't you have been a red wine." I generally reserve a dry white wine for fondue. Chacun a son gout.
19
No chart? No pictures of the bottles? This cries out for a graphic.
28
A very nice list with helpful explanations of your reasoning. Might you do the same for a case with say a $250 limit, $300 if you have to go higher? I'd be curious to see where you would "splurge" in that price range and where you would save.
1
JBC - I'll play.
My palate is French (because I used to live there) though I do drink around....
For us, a case of everyday wine for $150-$200 would include some of:
Cotes du Rhone - Perrin ~$10
Beaujolais - Brouilly ~$13
White Burgundy - Macon Villages ~$14
Loire - Vourvray ~$14
Pinor Noir - Mercury or Santenay ~$27+
Sprarkling - Minotto Prosecco ~$10, yes I know it is Italian
Also, although not French, we do drink a lot of Apothic red for ~$8
Enjoy !
My palate is French (because I used to live there) though I do drink around....
For us, a case of everyday wine for $150-$200 would include some of:
Cotes du Rhone - Perrin ~$10
Beaujolais - Brouilly ~$13
White Burgundy - Macon Villages ~$14
Loire - Vourvray ~$14
Pinor Noir - Mercury or Santenay ~$27+
Sprarkling - Minotto Prosecco ~$10, yes I know it is Italian
Also, although not French, we do drink a lot of Apothic red for ~$8
Enjoy !
Not bad, but my list is a little different and bit lower in price -- this is an everyday list:
cru Beaujolais $20
Mercurey/Bourgogne/Marsannay $25
Chianti classico $15-25
Rioja reserva $20
Saumur Champigny $20
CDR/Gigondas/Rousillon $15-25
Crozes Hermitage/Saint Joseph $20 -35
Macon villages $15
Sancerre $20-25
German riesling kabinett or spaetlese (Mosel or Rhein) $20
Alsatian riesling $15-25
Cava $10-20
I've included Cava rather than Champagne because this is an everyday list. For the same reason, I've included Macon villages rather than St.-Veran and I've left out the Fino, as much a I love it, but I've also left out Tawney Port (minimum 10-year old), which I love even more.
BTW. I have some of all of these in my cellar (which is in my cellar) and I have just checked prices and availability in Manhattan and Westchester.
cru Beaujolais $20
Mercurey/Bourgogne/Marsannay $25
Chianti classico $15-25
Rioja reserva $20
Saumur Champigny $20
CDR/Gigondas/Rousillon $15-25
Crozes Hermitage/Saint Joseph $20 -35
Macon villages $15
Sancerre $20-25
German riesling kabinett or spaetlese (Mosel or Rhein) $20
Alsatian riesling $15-25
Cava $10-20
I've included Cava rather than Champagne because this is an everyday list. For the same reason, I've included Macon villages rather than St.-Veran and I've left out the Fino, as much a I love it, but I've also left out Tawney Port (minimum 10-year old), which I love even more.
BTW. I have some of all of these in my cellar (which is in my cellar) and I have just checked prices and availability in Manhattan and Westchester.
8
I run a wine import company.
People put too much emphasis on price. This is not always an indicator of the quality of the wine.
We were seeing this Spanish wine we import, selling for $7-9.00, and not moving from the shelves. The price was bumped to $15, suddenly it sold out. The only reason, was people would look at price, and ignore it. When they saw the same wine at $15, I guess they assumed that the wine was good now, and it sold out. It was the same wine.
As a note, this wine got 92 points this past week, it is really good, inexpensive wine. But it just does not sell at $7-9, it has to be sold at $15+ to attract attention, or it sits on the shelve ignored.
At the same time, California wines usually include 25% of other wine than what is written on the label. You can pay $100 for a Napa Cab Sauv, but you should know that 25% of that bottle, is anything but the wine you thought you bought. This is somehow legal, I never understood why. Also a lot of Napa wine, are grapes grown elsewhere, including foreign countries, but since they are crushed, fermented, blended and bottled in Napa, Ca, they can be called ‘Napa Valley Wine’; yes, this is legal too.
Go by points, it’s a much better indicator than price.
People put too much emphasis on price. This is not always an indicator of the quality of the wine.
We were seeing this Spanish wine we import, selling for $7-9.00, and not moving from the shelves. The price was bumped to $15, suddenly it sold out. The only reason, was people would look at price, and ignore it. When they saw the same wine at $15, I guess they assumed that the wine was good now, and it sold out. It was the same wine.
As a note, this wine got 92 points this past week, it is really good, inexpensive wine. But it just does not sell at $7-9, it has to be sold at $15+ to attract attention, or it sits on the shelve ignored.
At the same time, California wines usually include 25% of other wine than what is written on the label. You can pay $100 for a Napa Cab Sauv, but you should know that 25% of that bottle, is anything but the wine you thought you bought. This is somehow legal, I never understood why. Also a lot of Napa wine, are grapes grown elsewhere, including foreign countries, but since they are crushed, fermented, blended and bottled in Napa, Ca, they can be called ‘Napa Valley Wine’; yes, this is legal too.
Go by points, it’s a much better indicator than price.
42
...and an even better indicator than points is the recommendation of a knowledgeable and honest wine shop proprietor. I often break my own rule and just pick bottles off the shelf, but I try to stay disciplined and describe to the owner or employee what wine I have liked and what I'm looking for. It leads to a much better success rate, and it often leads to much better value.
1
It might help to read the wine labels on the front and back.
At least for California wines, Labels will tell you the blends and where the grapes come from, among other things. If the label says Cabernet and then Calfornia, it means the grapes can come from any where in California. The more narrow the geographic location, the more restrictive the grapes. Hence, if the geographic designation is Napa Valley, all the gapes come from Napa.
PS. Single grape variety wines tend to be less interesting unless you are truly tuned in. And then to be truly cool you would be buying from a single variety from a special section in one vineyard, unfiltered, of course.
At least for California wines, Labels will tell you the blends and where the grapes come from, among other things. If the label says Cabernet and then Calfornia, it means the grapes can come from any where in California. The more narrow the geographic location, the more restrictive the grapes. Hence, if the geographic designation is Napa Valley, all the gapes come from Napa.
PS. Single grape variety wines tend to be less interesting unless you are truly tuned in. And then to be truly cool you would be buying from a single variety from a special section in one vineyard, unfiltered, of course.
2
Wow...it's been a while since I heard someone defend Parker Points.
1
I'll play. I'm in the wine business, odd that I've never put such a list together before!
basic red: I'll take Cotes du Rhone over Cru Beaujolais; less money, more reliable, just as versatile, and well-chosen at least as interesting.
basic white: I'm in on the St Veran, or Macon Clesse, or Bourgogne Blanc.
the rest:
California Cabernet (not Napa). Reasonably priced, inimitable, easier to drink than inexpensive Bordeaux.
Alsace or German Riesling Trocken.
red Savigny-les-Beaune and Carneros Pinot Noir. My only double-up on varietals is Pinot Noir, not Riesling.
dry Chenin Blanc - Loire, South Africa or California.
California Sauvignon Blanc. Not New Zealand because if I want grapefruit juice I'll buy grapefruit juice.
Argentine Malbec.
Rioja Crianza or Riserva, nice to have something with some age and secondary character.
!!!ROSE!!!
Bubbly - Cremant de Loire, Alsace or Bourgogne, or a good California.
I'm going less expensive than Eric, almost everything near or under $20 except for the red Burgundy from Savigny.
Dan Kravitz
basic red: I'll take Cotes du Rhone over Cru Beaujolais; less money, more reliable, just as versatile, and well-chosen at least as interesting.
basic white: I'm in on the St Veran, or Macon Clesse, or Bourgogne Blanc.
the rest:
California Cabernet (not Napa). Reasonably priced, inimitable, easier to drink than inexpensive Bordeaux.
Alsace or German Riesling Trocken.
red Savigny-les-Beaune and Carneros Pinot Noir. My only double-up on varietals is Pinot Noir, not Riesling.
dry Chenin Blanc - Loire, South Africa or California.
California Sauvignon Blanc. Not New Zealand because if I want grapefruit juice I'll buy grapefruit juice.
Argentine Malbec.
Rioja Crianza or Riserva, nice to have something with some age and secondary character.
!!!ROSE!!!
Bubbly - Cremant de Loire, Alsace or Bourgogne, or a good California.
I'm going less expensive than Eric, almost everything near or under $20 except for the red Burgundy from Savigny.
Dan Kravitz
56
Ok, I'm in the game, too...
Agree with the first two...thereafter
petit chateau over any New World cab at same price
Alsace or German riesling as is (NO trocken, it's that sugar/acid balance that makes it desirable)
chenin blanc or a Rhone white
yes, double up on the pinot
Not CA sauv blanc because if I want herbal grassiness, I'll go mow my lawn
sorry, malbecs is all texture and no flavor
YES on the Rioja and rose
Cava or prosecco for my money over the other bubblies.
You can check out mine.
Agree with the first two...thereafter
petit chateau over any New World cab at same price
Alsace or German riesling as is (NO trocken, it's that sugar/acid balance that makes it desirable)
chenin blanc or a Rhone white
yes, double up on the pinot
Not CA sauv blanc because if I want herbal grassiness, I'll go mow my lawn
sorry, malbecs is all texture and no flavor
YES on the Rioja and rose
Cava or prosecco for my money over the other bubblies.
You can check out mine.
3
Readers, listen up. When Dan Kravitz talks about wine, people should listen.
Dan, where in mid-coast Maine can we find the excellent range of selections you recommend?
I know that if I were going to pick *120* wines there'd be no Lambruscos or Beaujolais, for which I have slightly less respect than Paul Giamatti did for Merlot in Sideways. I agree with other readers about the list's unfortunate and easy Old World biases, but if we're going with Europe, I would far prefer Nero D'Avolas, Barberas (or better still, Barbarescos, which can be purchased in decent quality at this price range at Costco) and reds from the Languedoc and if whites Gruners or Alto Adige Gewurz's. And don't even get me started on NZ Sauv Blancs, Aussie Shirazes, Chile and Argentina Malbecs and Carmeneres without even going into what you can find on the West Coast (other than the rather pat Oregon Pinots) and New York. Disappointing.
4
This almost seemed like a walk-through of my favorite wines from wine school. Does this mean we're doing sherry soon Eric?
6
Come on, no mention of any Washington state wines? I know I live in Walla Walla, one of the top producers of great Washington wines and may be a bit prejudiced. But still. There are some wonderful everyday wines here for less than $25--some even very drinkable ones for less than $20.
17
There's wine news, wine reviews and there's marketing...
Thanks to those who pointed out the great values available in fairly priced wines, i.e., the kind I've been drinking for the past half century or so.
Spanish wines are great bargains...
Thanks to those who pointed out the great values available in fairly priced wines, i.e., the kind I've been drinking for the past half century or so.
Spanish wines are great bargains...
5
Nice Choices, but what about a Temparnillo from Rioja or a Ribera del Duoro from Spain. Cava is a great alternative in the 10-15 range Cordineu makes I believe an Anna'a Reserve (Quite Nice) Also Nino Franco Prosecco around $15 p/bottle. Castle rock fro Willamette Valley at under $10 is steal for a descent Pinot Noir. Then there is Washington State the awesome $11.99 Reisling Kung Fu Girl (great bottle). Love the column.
17
C'mon, Eric--only one American wine (as an alternate), and nothing at all from Spain, Argentina, Chile, Australia, and South Africa? Do you really mean to suggest that the only versatile and affordable wines out there are French?
54
Sorry to tell you, that's a fact. The cost structure of wine production in the US is far higher. Why? The newer winery owners generally are doing it for the trophy value.So splurge upfront on the land (bid up), the consultants (fly in), labor (just do it). After a few years, one finally figures out that a small fortune in the wine business is often made with a big one!
And a trophy wine just cannot be bought for $25. That would be damaging to the brand!
And a trophy wine just cannot be bought for $25. That would be damaging to the brand!
4
There are some powerful flavorful Cotes du Rhones that are more affordable. Those by Guigal are typically $14-16, and can be found for less.
20
You are so right! The Guigal Cotes du Rhone, both Blanc and Rouge, are invariably delicious and very reasonable price-wise.
2
Just had a white Cotes du Rhone last night from a top-notch producer (Roger Perrin) which cost $11.
3
I think Eric's deliberately avoiding wines like Guigal's and others that would be described as "powerful". They do well in tastings but they're not what I'd want with a normal dinner after a long work day.
A truly dry riesling is a joy to drink, so why choose an "entry-level" bottle? On the pricey-but-worth-it side of this list at $25 is Trefethen, which has been a winner with this style since 2008.
Dry Alsatian rieslings can indeed be marvelous.
Dry German rieslings can be pleasant, even very good, but never as great as a traditional kabinett or spaetlese -- let alone an auslese. Beerenauslesen and TBAs are in a different category.
Dry German rieslings can be pleasant, even very good, but never as great as a traditional kabinett or spaetlese -- let alone an auslese. Beerenauslesen and TBAs are in a different category.
3
Spoken like a genuine riesling lover! A dry or trocken riesling is a mere dry, white wine.
Notwithstanding disclaimers to the contrary, my tastes run to US wines, primarily because if I like a wine, I can easily get more. French wines are good, but if I like one, it's difficult to find the same wine again.
2
And for a "working/middle class" wine lover? Have you tried to find? What about a well made Tempranillo from Spain??
26
Lambrusco? Really?
Well, I guess as long as the box will fit in the refrigerator, we might as well.
We're almost out of Strawberry Hill anyway.
Well, I guess as long as the box will fit in the refrigerator, we might as well.
We're almost out of Strawberry Hill anyway.
5
It is not that bad, but have not had any in a while, well I was in college. I will be trying Lombroso again!
:) Not all Lambruscos are created equal. Real Lambrusco is red, frizzante, labeled secco, and at least 11% alcohol. Those "other versions" (7/8% alc) are not served in restaurants in Modena or Reggio Emilia. They were specifically invented for the USA in 1965. Today, you can find hundreds of labels of genuine ("dry, earthy") Lambrusco in NYC. Well worth discovering and having on hand --- for your next burger, pizza and cured meats.
11
You're kidding right? Good lambrusco, real lambrusco is a joy. You owe it to yourself to seek some out at a good wine store.
12
OK fine with the wine selections. Now to answer the more basic question. In a household of two, what do you do? A bottle a day is too much, prohibitively expensive for every night, and does not store well once opened. Or have I missed something here.
10
I've tried lots of ways and found what's best is to keep a selection of corkable empty bottles - I have 6 oz (from airplanes), 8 oz. (maple syrup), 12 oz (wine 1/2s), 18 oz (olive oil). The drill is to open the fresh bottle, immediately pour off into the desired size, to the top, what won't be drunk, cork and save for later, and enjoy the rest. Refrigeration not necessary.
Surprisingly, sometimes the 2nd or 3rd day the wine tastes better. Works best for young wines.
Surprisingly, sometimes the 2nd or 3rd day the wine tastes better. Works best for young wines.
3
We find that some of the vacuum systems keep the wine quite nicely overnight. I would not go much beyond that, however.
3
Get a Vacu Vin wine saver and buy some extra rubber stoppers for multiple bottles (and for when you lose them). You won't regret it.
10
Like Jonas observes, $20-$30 is not an everyday wine for me. But the choices were great fun to read. For me the big surprise is the absence of even one Spanish wine. In the quoted price ranges you could buy splendid Spanish wines, whether red, white, or sparkling.
23
At the request of the "Admiral" I have boosted our every day wines from the $7-12 price range to the $11-20 price range. At these prices we are quite happy and can notice the difference. At the ranges recommended, since we have a bottle with dinner, it would be a choice of food or wine, however, not both
13
Bravo Eric-we have been pouring more wine down the drain, than drinking- too much alcohol, too ripe, no structure, etc. your idea of going back to basics makes a lot of sense. I always liked a good cru Beaujolais, but felt I had to have a premier cru Burgundy. And yes, a Macon is just fine for many fish, etc dishes. So, we will buy a case of yeoman wines, and every now and then, when we feel flamboyant, we can reach for the grand cru-while knowing we always have Chateau Reliable(and under $35) to rescue us from the currant, must have fruit bomb. Thank you for the common sense advice!
3
make vinegar, never poor down the drain!
5
I find it interesting that your choices are so Euro-centric. I am not arguing with your wines; they are all ones I would enjoy, as well, but I think you have short-changed the New World in your selections.
28
He's telling it like it is. And the new world wines, while coming of age, are not "basics." Can't argue with his choices. He does suggest a couple of NY, Oregon, and California. But let's face it -- the better wines (really) are on the other side of the Atlantic.
8
with all due respect, that thinking went out of date 50 years ago. Cali wines - with possible 5 Premier Cru exceptions - lead the world these days. the product coming out of Washington and Oregon is right behind.
2
When it comes to reds, I would agree with Ellen. But not any more with the whites. US wineries produce whites that can go head to head with anything Europe can produce. And, the US is catching up with the reds.
1
Thanks for the shout out to upstate NY! I don't live there, but have friends who do, and they are always extolling the quality of their wines. In addition to Ravines, I like Dr. Konstantin Frank.
4
A Primitivo from Puglia. Or, better yet, a Negro Amaro from Salice.
15
I'd change that Sicilian red from the Etna region for a well made Barbera d'Asti anytime of day!
3
I miss in your list quite good south american wines (Chile,Argentina, and why not Brazilian sparkling ones?).
3
Well, a good article if the last word in the title were "beginner" instead of "lover". And, a nice hat tip to the oft-overlooked German Rieslings. Cited examples Selbach-Oster and Merkelbach are 2 of many lovely German offerings.
Now...off to find some of that $30 (?????) Duval-Leroy!!!
Now...off to find some of that $30 (?????) Duval-Leroy!!!
1
I love your writing but with all due respect there are dozens of great wines in the 10-15 dollar range. 20-25 dollars is not most wine drinkers' range for everyday wines. That being said I understand who your audience is. Cheers.
109
I too would like to see how this list plays out at the $10-15 range.
1
I largely agree that Jonas is correct that there are numbers of, I personally would say, very fine wines between 10 to 18 dollars, but as in any story, the reporter has to work much harder to ferret out the tiny details. And the newspaper would have to foot the bill for that research.
But you might try gambling on a less expensive wine in the same category that Eric Asimov selects. On occasion, I've hit the jackpot!
But you might try gambling on a less expensive wine in the same category that Eric Asimov selects. On occasion, I've hit the jackpot!
3
A pretty good set of choices, I think, but I might be inclined to replace the Beaujolais with a Loire cabernet franc or even a Marcillac.
8