Money Saver: Delicious Wine for a Bargain
If you’re reading this, you are probably someone who loves wine, but doesn’t want to fork out $100 for a decent bottle. If you’re a casual drinker, with only an evening of entertainment, or perhaps a nice dinner in mind, there is no need to purchase expensive bottles of wine. After all, we all know that wine doesn’t tend to last long (if you know what I mean…). The majority of the wine that I’m going to list, is priced below $30, yet all have a very distinguished, sophisticated taste that will please even the toughest critics.
This will be a series of several articles, and I will be starting with my three favourites, all from different regions.
Masi Campofiorin Rosso del Veronese, Veneto Italy, 2008/2009 – $19.99
My Favourite Version of the Masi Collection.
2009 was a rather strong year for wine – in particular reds. This wine goes through a process known as “appassimento”, which is essentially a specific way to dry the grapes. It allows for the wine to become much more concentrated. The Campofiorin continues the tradition, by using the classic Veronese grape to produce a very nice, aromatic red blend. Masi brings forth an excellent balance, a smooth texture and a very lengthy finish, blended with traditional flavours. You can expect cherries, violets, plums and vanilla, with leathery undertones.
7 Deadly Zins, Old Vine Zinfandel, California, 2006-2009, $15-25(depending on location)
7 Deadly Zins is an easy drinking wine that is sure to please all of your guests. It contains plenty of fruit on the nose, with a subtle spice on the back end. It is very warming, and quite mellow. It has a subtle richness, that tends to last a long time on the tongue, which is quite nice.
Pair with: Burgers, ribs, other similar meats
Beronia Reserva, Doca Rioja, Spain, 2006, $17.99-20.00 (depending on location)
I have always been a fan of the Beronia Reserva. This wine is from Rioja, one of Spain’s most famous wine regions. It as an elegant taste, that far exceeds it’s price. It is a medium bodied wine, integrated with nice aromas of dried red fruit; Cherry, Sandalwood (mainly). It is made with Tempranillo grapes, which tend to be spicy and very earthy. It has nice structure, with a long finish. I think it is a beautiful wine, that you can really drink with any meal.
Pair with: Anything really. Goes nice with a Risotto.
Honorable Mentions -
Marchesi Torrigiani Guidaccio – The scents of tobacco, liquorice and herbs are what you’ll smell when you open a bottle of Marchesi. A vert fruit-forward wine, that is a Sauvignon-Merlot blend.
Chateau Pindefleurs – Medium-full bodied wine and good concentration, with hints of plum and tobacco, with a spicy finish. Goes very well with lamb.
L.A Cetto Petite Sirah – This smooth, subtle wine delivers a chewy mouthful. Chocolate is the most prevalent flavour, in this bargain-wine. Cetto will go perfectly with barbecued ribs, or vegetables.
You don’t need an expensive wine to get that delicious taste you’re after. In fact, I’ve been told numerous times and can attest – through my own personal experiences, that “you know a wine is expensive, if you don’t like it”. Often the cheaper wine’s have a very fruity aroma, which is usually the more popular. Whether you’re entertaining friends, or spending a night at home with you’re significant other, these three wine’s will surely impress.
About the Author: Ryan Booth
Ryan Booth is a Finance Major, who is pursuing his CFP designation in Ontario. He enjoys fine wines, shopping for new suits, and Matt Damon movies. At Terre Magnum, Ryan covers several topics ranging from wine, to business. He is also a self-proclaimed song writer, and guitarist, whom will never turn down talking about stocks, how useless bonds are, or investment advice. Follow him on Twitter @RyanHBooth 