Wines
of the Week: Under $20, 90 Points
We
continue our series focusing on high quality wines, with wide
distribution, that can be found for $20 or less. This week were
going all international with our picks. So add them to your
shopping list, scoff at those more expensive bottles, and enjoy
quality, even on a budget!
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Condes
de Albarei 2014 Albariño
Winery:
Condes de Albarei
Grape(s): 100% Albariño
Region: DO Rías Baixas, Spain
Year:
2014
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
Peaches and grapefruits play well together on the nose.
A bright, crisp acidity shows itself on the palate as
ample peach, lemon, and grapefruit flavors co-mingle with
mineral accents. If you love seafood, this is a wine to
put on your shopping list.
Rating: 90 |
|
Brancaia
2013 TRE Rosso
Winery:
Brancaia
Grape(s): 80% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot,
and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Toscana, Italy
Year:
2013
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
Lose yourself in ripe cherries with accents of herbs and
rose petals on the nose. Those lush cherry flavors dominate
the palate, but there's some nice undertones of floral
earth and fresh thyme. More fruit-driven than most of
its Italian comrades, match it with chicken cacciatore.
Rating: 90 |
|
Amalaya
2015 Malbec
Winery:
Amalaya
Grape(s): 85%
Malbec, 10% Tannat & 5% Syrah
Region: Salta, Argentina
Year:
2015
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 10-15
Review:
A mix of floral and fruity comprises the nose as blueberries
and blackberries meet violets and rose petals. Cocoa tannins
frame blueberry, blackberry, and dark cherry flavors that
are complicated by floral earth, game, and anise notes
on the palate. Rich and layered for Malbec in its price
range, it will pair very nicely with your favorite Mexican
dish.
Rating: 90 |
By
Jason Barlow
Other
Related Links:
96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
|
*Wines
rated with a "+" need
a bit more time to reach peak quality
but will
do so over the coming years
|