2024 Varvaglione 1921 Susumaniello Rosé: A Puglia Prize

Apulia, also known as Puglia, is an Italian region which occupies the "heel" of the Italian "boot," bordering the Adriatic Sea on its east coast. This region is best known for its red wines, especially those made from Primitivo and Negroamaro. However, you can find other interesting red grapes there, although their total acreage may be small. One such grape, of ancient lineage, is Susumaniello. 

The name, "susumaniello," may derive from the term "somarello," which roughly translates as "small donkey." This may refer to the hardiness of the grape, as the donkey can handle a great load, or it may refer to the grape bunches, which some claim resemble an overloaded donkey. DNA analysis indicates the grape is a cross between Garganega and Uva Sogra, and there are some claims that the grape originated in the Dalmatian region of Croatia, although proof of such is largely lacking. However, as it's known Primitivo originated in Dalmatia, it wouldn't be a stretch to consider Susumaniello had a similar journey. 

During the 20th century, Susumaniello fell out of favor, as it became low yielding, and farmers preferred to work with more productive vines, like Primitivo and Negroamaro. However, in time, the low yields of Susumaniello became seen as a strength, indicative of higher quality, by a number of wineries, and the grape was saved from extinction. It's now used as a blending grape, as a single varietal, and in Rosé wines. 

Varvaglione 1921 is a family-owned winery based in Leporano, on the coast of the Ionian Sea, in Puglia. It was established just over 100 years ago, making it one of the oldest wineries in southern Italy, and is currently owned and operated by the fourth generation of the Varvaglione family. The winery focuses on the native grapes of the region, including Primitivo, Negroamaro, Malvasia Nera, Aglianico, Verdeca, Falanghina, Malvasia Bianca and Fiano. They own about 150 hectares of vineyards, and also purchase fruit from low grape growers. They are also certified sustainable. 

I recently received a media sample of the 2024 Varvaglione 1921 Susumaniello Rosé (about $19), which is produced from 100% Susumaniello and has a 13% ABV. The wine is aged in stainless steel, with periodic suspension of the lees. With a vibrant pink color, the nose is alluring with plenty of red fruit aromas and hints of spice. On the palate, it is crisp and dry, with bright red fruit flavors of strawberry, raspberry and cherry, along with subtle spice notes. On the lengthy finish, there's hints of minerality, and it's simply delicious. This would be excellent on its own, although it would also be an excellent food wine. 

Overall, this was an impressive Rosé, perfect for the summer, but which would be great year round. It would make a very good choice for Thanksgiving dinner. And at under $20, this wine is a good value as well. 

A New Wine Shop in Melrose: Victoria Hill Wine, Spirits & Gourmet

There's a new wine shop in Melrose.....

About 15 years ago, Beacon Hill Wine & Gourmet, owned and operated by Rebecca & Gene Beraldi, was established in Melrose, and I worked there for 12 of those years. In mid-August, the Beraldis sold the store, which is now known as Victoria Hill Wine, Spirits & Gourmet. I have remained as an employee at the new store. 

The new owners, Vijay, Andy, Brian and Puja, are very sincere people and they intend the shop to be an artisan wine, beer and spirits shop. They are not seeking to turn it into a package store or convenience store. They have been expanding the available selections on a variety of levels. Obviously, with the new ownership, there have been changes at the wine shop, but they have largely been positive, and the owners have been very open to suggestions about such changes. 

For example, one of the minor changes is that Rosé wines are now stocked in the chiller, which I believe is an excellent idea. This has been met with positive feedback from many customers. Another change is that numerous different beers, especially IPAs, are now stocked in the chillers, although many old favorites are still stocked, and that new beer selection has also been met with raves from the beer customers. 

A variety of new wine selections have also been added, with many more coming in the next few months, including wines from Portugal, Georgia, Greece, Lebanon, Moldova, Croatia, and more. Customers will have many intriguing choices in what wines to purchase. I've had some input in the new wines and Sakes that have been brought in, such as the Ramos Pinto Ports, including their amazing 20 Year Old Tawny. Another example is that I also suggested wines from Lebanon, from the famed Chateau Musar (pictured above). Come see me at the store and I'll show you all of the new wines.

Chartreuse, the acclaimed liqueur made by Carthusian monks, is also now available at the shop. As devotees of this spirit know, there has been a shortage of Charteuse for several years, and it has been difficult to find in local shops. So, if you're interested in this French herbal liqueur, you now know where you can find a bottle. Although it might sell out soon, so take action if you want to purchase a bottle. 

We're conducting Wine Tastings every Saturday, from 1-4pm, sampling new wines, as well as every Thursday night, starting at 5pm. Soon, we will also be conducting Beer Tastings on Friday nights, and additional special tasting events might occur on other nights. Please come by at any of these times to expand your palate and taste some delicious and fascinating new wines!

We will be holding a special Sake Tasting event on Saturday, September 28, in honor of International Sake Day on October 1. We shall have several Sakes to sample, accompanied by some nibbles, and everyone who attends the event will receive a special handout with information about Sake, including a food recipe and a couple cocktail recipes. More information about this Sake event will be posted soon. 

If you live in Melrose, check out Victoria Hill and see what your new neighborhood wine, beer & spirits shop has to offer. If you live outside Melrose, please also check out Victoria Hill as you are likely to find a number of selections that aren't available at your neighborhood wine shop. Victoria Hill is intended to be a destination spot, where people from all of the surrounding communities will want to come because of its unique and diverse selection.

Victoria Hill Wine, Spirits & Gourmet

538 Main Street, Melrose

(781) 665-3332

Monday to Wednesday: 10am-8pm, Thursday to Saturday: 10am-9pm; Sunday: 10am-7pm.

2023 Parajes del Valle Bobal Ecologia Rosado: A Delicious Spanish Rosé

Parajes del Valle, which was established in 2018, is located in Jumilla, in the southeast region of Spain and occupies about 65 hectares. Monastrell is the most dominant grape in that region. Their wine maker is Maria Jover, who is about 28 years old, and once worked at the famed Vega Sicilia. Her objective is to produce wines with minimal intervention and true to the terroir of the region. 

The winery has also extended its operations into the Manchuela D.O., which is located more in the center of Spain, and bordering Jumilla. The primary grapes in this region include Bobal, Tempranillo, Garnacha, Monastrell, Macao, and others. Wines from this region are less commonly found in the U.S. despite the quality of their wines. 

The 2023 Parajes del Valle Bobal Ecologia Rosado (about $16-18) is made from 100% Bobal, organically grown, from the Manchuelo DOP. Bobal is indigenous to the region of Utiel-Requena, but it's grown in a few other regions, such as Manchuela, and its history extends back at least to the 15th century. Bobal derives its name from the Latin term "bovale" which refers to the shape of a bull’s head. For this wine, the Bobal grapes are from high-elevation vineyards, which average 45 years old, with solids rich in clay and limestone. 

The Bobal grapes are pressed, without maceration, and fermented with native yeasts in concrete. The wine is then aged in concrete tanks until bottling. With a 12% ABV, the Rosé has a darker pink color with an alluring nose of red fruits with subtle herbal notes. On the palate, it's dry and crisp, with delicious and complex flavors of raspberry, cherry, and strawberries and more subtle citrus and melon flavors. It's also accented with intriguing herbal notes, a touch of minerality, and possesses a lengthy and pleasing finish. An excellent Rosé, it works well on its own during this hot summer weather but also is very food friendly, and does well with seafood. Highly recommended!   

Locally, this wine can be found at Bin Ends.

Rant: Summer Is NOT Rosé Season!

The advertisements and media articles have begun, and will continue for the next several months, promoting the upcoming Rosé season. Distributors are promoting Rosé season to their wine store customers, who will start stocking a variety of Rosé wines. Everyone is being told that Summer is Rosé season. 

However, there's a major problem with all of this: Rosé season doesn't exist! 

It's a pervasive myth, a wrongful stereotype, that spring and summer herald Rosé season. The simple fact is that Rosé is appropriate year-round, even in the winter. Many of those perpetuating the myth of Rosé season know better, but they choose to ignore the truth. Stop deluding the public and embrace the reality of Rosé every month of the year. 

Sure, a chilled Rosé can taste wonderful on a hot, summer day, but it can equally satisfy when you are at home during a snow storm. It's extremely food friendly, and there is absolutely no reason why you shouldn't enjoy it with the same roast chicken or seafood dish you serve in the summer or winter. 

Even though many people drink more white wine than red in the summer, most continue to drink white wine all year round, including the winter. Why should Rosé be any different? For example, Rosé is a great choice for your Thanksgiving feast. And it doesn't matter how cold it might be on Thanksgiving, or even if it snows. 

The situation has slowly improved during the last several years but change is still needed. The myth that Rosé wine is just for the summer needs to be shattered. Wine writers should promote Rosé year round rather than jump on the bandwagon and only proclaim that summer is the season for Rosé, misleading the public. If these writers recommended Rosé year round, then Rosé consumption would grow even more. 

There are some wine stores which stock Rosé throughout the year, which they should, and if your local shop doesn't, then you should recommend that they stock it. And if they don't bring in some Rosé, then seek elsewhere for this wine. 

From 2017 to 2021, worldwide consumption of Rosé has risen to about 9.5% of all still wine consumed. Rosé production, from 2001 to 2021, has also risen by 25%. France is the largest consumer of Rosé, drinking about 35% of all production, while the U.S. is in second place, consuming about 15%. Germany is in third place with about 7%. Rosé wine continues to grow, and will get even larger if people embrace the fact it is a year-round wine, and not just a seasonal one. 

 I drink Rosé all year round and strongly encourage everyone else to do so as well.

2021 Glooscap First Nation X Benjamin Bridge Rosé: A Taste of Nova Scotia

During my last visit to Nova Scotia, I visited the Benjamin Bridge winery, although I didn't do a wine tasting as the winery was too busy with a private function. However, I bought a few wines which intrigued me, as I knew the winery had a good reputation and had enjoyed one of their wines previously. 

The winery was founded in 1999 by Gerry McConnell and the late Dara Gordon, who were both lawyers, and "held similar values in their respective areas of practice, including the rights of workers, gender equality, and improving the Nova Scotia economy." Their twin daughters, Ashley & Devon McConnell-Gordon, now lead the winery. Since 2008, their head winemaker has been Jean-Benoit Deslauriers, who previously worked in wineries in California and Chile, specializing in sustainability.  The winery claims to be "Nova Scotia's Sparkling Wine House."

Their vineyards are located in the hills of the Gaspereau Valley in Nova Scotia. According to their website, "What came to be known as the vineyards of Benjamin Bridge in 1999, are in fact a part of Mi’kma’ki - the unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq Nation and home to the Peace and Friendship Treaties. Consistent with the essence of these Treaties and as allies, we wish to humbly acknowledge our friendship with Glooscap First Nation, with whom we’ve begun a lifelong relationship of reconciliation, with an annual public event at the vineyard featuring food, storytelling, and learning." 

The winery became allies and friends with the Glooscap First Nation, who helped teach them about the   land called Mi’kma’ki. As their website also states, "This allyship with Glooscap First Nation embodies something many are now coming to learn: we must look at the past to not only understand present-day circumstances but also that our actions today have implications for future generations and that the solutions for balance and wellbeing must be reflective of that specific ecosystem and place." 

Out of this allyship, the winery created a special Rosé to honor that friendship. The 2021 Glooscap First Nation X Benjamin Bridge Rosé ($20.89) was produced through this collaboration, with joint decisions on everything from the choice of varietals to the label design. A portion of the profits (although the percentage is not stated) go to directly support community activities for the Glooscap First Nation.

The wine, with a low 10% ABV, is a blend of 45% Ortega, 43% Riesling, 7% Gamay, and 5% Pinot Gris. Ortega is a new white grape to me, which was cross bred, in 1948 in Germany, from the grapes Müller-Thurgau and Siegerrebe. It was created with cold-hardiness in mind, and was named after the Spanish philosopher Jose Ortega y Gasset. It's an early ripening grape, and can produce a variety of wines. Although it's most common in Germany, it can also be found in England, Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark and all across Canada. 

The wine has a light salmon color and aromas of citrus and floral notes. On the palate, there's a melange of delicious flavors, with a prominent lime taste, tropical fruit and subtle red fruit flavors. It's bright, crisp, and fresh, with a touch of effervescence and a moderately lengthy finish. It doesn't taste like a usual Rosé, but more like an intriguing white wine, which is likely due to the fact it was produced from mostly white grapes. This wine would be delicious on its own, but would pair well with seafood, light chicken dishes, and more. I'm definitely interested in checking out more wine made from the Ortega grape. 

Chateau de Berne: Organic Provence Rosé

While walking down the aisles of the recent Boston Wine Expo, I stopped to sample some Provence Rosé at a table for Chateau de Berne, which is part of the Provence Rosé Group by MDCV.  

The area which is now occupied by Chateau de Berne was once settled by ancient Romans, who planted vineyards in the area. By the 12th century, Cistercian monks took over the estate and it was eventually donated to Saint Bernard de Clairvaux, who encouraged the monks to cultivate vineyards, and his name inspired the name of the property. 

Today, the estate, located in the Côtes-de-Provence appellation, spans about 1700 acres, with about 1300 being devoted to woodlands and 432 acres devoted to vineyards. They have been certified organic since February 2021, growing about ten different grape varieties, although the dominant grapes are Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah. The property also includes a 5 Star Relais & Chateau hotel, a Michelin star restaurant, a spa, and more.

Most of their vineyards, about 80%, are planted on chalky plateau, at an altitude of 300 meters. "Cool nights, combined with a broad daytime temperature range, allow the grapes to mature at a slower pace, thus enhancing the wine’s freshness and delicate aromas." The limestone of the plateau also provides a minerality aspect to their wines. 

The 2021 Chateau de Berne Romance Rosé (IGP Méditerranée), with a 12.5% ABV is a blend of  Grenache Noir, Cinsault, Syrah, and Merlot. With a bright nose of red fruits, on the palate, the wine is light and fresh, dry and crisp with lush red fruit flavors and a touch of floral elements. It's an easy drinking Rosé, perfect on its own, although it would pair well with food too. At about $16, it's a good value as well. 

The 2022 Chateau de Berne Inspiration Rosé (AOP Côtes-de-Provence), with a 12.5% ABV, is a blend of Grenache Noir, Cinsault, and Syrah. This is a more complex and elegant Rosé, with an interesting melange of red fruits, citrus, floral elements, subtle spice notes and a backbone of minerality. It's also dry, crisp, and fresh, with a lengthy, pleasing finish. Each sip brings different elements to your mouth. Again, this would be delicious on its own, or paired with food. At about $21, this is also a very good value for such a complex and tasty wine. This was my favorite of the three Rosés I tasted. 

The 2022 Chateau de Berne Ultimate Rosé (AOP Côtes-de-Provence), with a 12.5% ABV, is a blend of Grenache Noir, Cinsault, Syrah and Rolle. This is another complex and intriguing Rosé, which is dry, crisp and fuller-bodied, with delicious red fruit, citrus, herbal notes and floral elements. This wine would also be good on its own, although I think it would be even better paired with food. At about $28, it is a bit more of splurge. 

Rant: Rosé Season Doesn't Exist!

 

The advertisements have begun, and will continue for the next several months, promoting the upcoming Rosé season. There's a major problem though, as Rosé season doesn't exist! 

It's a pervasive myth, a wrongful stereotype, that spring and summer herald Rosé season. The simple fact is that Rosé is appropriate year-round, even in the winter. Many of those perpetuating the myth of Rosé season know better, but they choose to ignore the truth. Stop deluding the public and embrace the reality of Rosé every month of the year. 

Sure, a chilled Rosé can taste wonderful on a hot, summer day, but it can equally satisfy when you are at home during a snow storm. It's extremely food friendly, and there is absolutely no reason why you shouldn't enjoy it with the same roast chicken or seafood dish you serve in the summer or winter. Even though many people drink more white wine and red in the summer, most continue to drink white wine all year round, including the winter. Why should Rosé be any different? For example, Rosé is a great choice for Thanksgiving.

The situation has slowly improved during the last several years but change is still needed. The myth that Rosé wine is just for the summer needs to be shattered. Wine writers should promote Rosé year round rather than jump on the bandwagon and only proclaim that summer is the season for Rosé, misleading the public. If these writers recommended Rosé year round, then Rosé consumption would grow even more. 

There are some wine stores which stock Rosé throughout the year, which they should, and if your local shop doesn't, then you should recommend that they stock it. And if they don't bring in some Rosé, then seek elsewhere for this wine. 

From 2002 to 2019, worldwide consumption of Rosé has risen about 20%, and constitutes about 10.5% of all still wine consumed. France is the largest consumer of Rosé, drinking about 35% of all production, while the U.S. is in second place, consuming about 15%. Germany is in third place with about 7%. Rosé wine continues to grow, and will get even larger if people embrace the fact it is a year-round wine, and not just a seasonal one. 

 I drink Rosé all year round and strongly encourage everyone else to do so as well. 

Pink Day: A Celebration of Croatian Rosé & Olive Oil

“Pink Day is a celebration of pink wines, but also spring, optimism, joy of life and positive energy.“ Such a great sentiment!

Pink Day! A fun festival of Croatian Rosé, both still and sparkling, with over 50 Croatian wines available for sampling, as well as wines from other regions. As I love Rosé, I was excited to attend this event during my recent trip to Croatia, and it didn't disappoint. I found plenty of delicious wines, it wasn't too crowded, and there were other items of interest as well, such as olive oil. 

Pink Day was founded in March 2013, created by Sanja Muzaferija, the president of Women on Wine (WOW),  WOW, which was established in 2011, helps connect women and wine. "The aim is to enhance visibility of women in the wine sector, and to connect women wine professionals and wine enthusiasts. All women who have some sort of direct or indirect relationship with wine. Wine merchants, women winemakers, women enterpreneurs , winemakers’ wives, sommeliers, oenologists, wine journalists or just simply – winelovers!"

According to their website, a few of the objectives of Pink Day include:
• The popularization and promotion of Croatian Rosé still and sparkling wines.
• Educating a wider audience on the benefits of wine, especially on women’s health.
• The promotion of female entrepreneurs in the wine business.

WOW has organized numerous wine events, and Pink Day is one of their highlights each year. Previously, the event had been held on International Women’s Day at the Mimara Museum, but the 2020 Zagreb earthquake damaged that building so the event needed to be moved. Thus, on May 21 & 22, 2022, Pink Day was held at the Lauba – House for People and Art,

Lauba is a unique spot, a combination of art gallery, restaurant, and meeting space. I was taken with the feline-like statute outside the Lauba, peering into the window. I'll also note that I enjoyed some tasty Sweet Potato French Fries at their restaurant, which sold a few snacks during the event. Sometimes those fries can be limp and soggy, but these were nicely crisp, with a fine sweet taste. 

The event, open to the public, hosted numerous Croatian producers of Rosé, as well as a small number of producers from several other countries, including Austria, Slovenia, Serbia, Czech Preublic and more. Although I was primarily there to taste Croatian wines, I samples a few wines from the other countries, especially Serbia. 

Besides the Rosé tables, the event also had a special section, Green in Pink, which showcased local olive oil which you also could sample. Croatian olive oil is highly regarded and has won numerous international awards over the years. Plus, there were several tables of spirits producers, many offering pink-inspired cocktails. Finally, there were also seminars on both Rosé and olive oil. So much to experience at this fascinating event, and one I'd highly recommend you attend next year. 

There's also a fun tradition that attendees should wear pink, or at least dress with some element of pink. I made sure to wear a dress shirt with pink in it. In addition, Pink Day engages in a variety of charitable endeavors, from women's health issues to helping impoverished families. 

After tasting about 50 Rosé wines, I came to a few conclusions about Croatian Rosé, and all were positive. First, the general quality of all the Rosé was generally excellent, including the Sparkling wines. Second, the Rosés were primarily dry, often reminding me more of French-style Rosé. Third, the Rosés produced from Frankovka (aka Blaufränkisch) were impressive. That was surprising as I wasn't aware that Frankovka was so popular in the Slavonian region of Croatia. 

I want to highlight a dozen Rosés that I tasted, although I'll note that there were numerous other Rosés that I enjoyed as well. 

2020 Ilocki Podrumi Frankova Rosé: Made from 100% Frankovka. Fresh and fruity, including strawberry and raspberry flavors. A little herbal accent, good acidity, and a refreshing taste. Great summer wine, and good friendly as well. 

Ilocki Podrumi Princeps Sparkling Rosé: Also made from 100% Frankovka, in the classic method. Very dry, crisp, with subtle red fruit flavors and a pronounced minerality. Excellent wine!

2021 Vina Poletti Rosella: Made from Red Rose Muscat, an indigenous grape in Istria. On the nose, there were sweet fruit aromas and spice notes, but on the palate it was crisp and dry, with typical Muscat notes, bright red fruit flavors, and a subtle floral element. A more unique and complex flavor profile.

2021 Vinarija Pinkert Rosé: Made from 100% Frankovka. An easy drinking Rosé but one that isn't simple. Bright and fresh, crisp and dry, with flavors of strawberry and stone fruit, and a hint of herbal notes. 

Vina Zigante Vero Brut Sparkling Rosé: Produced from indigenous Teran and made by the classic method, this bubbly was crisp and dry, with excellent acidity, tiny bubbles and complex flavors, including red fruits, peach, herbal elements, and a touch of brioche. An excellent wine.

2020 Vina Zigante Aurora Rosé: Produced from Teran, this wine was interesting and delicious, with subtle flavors of strawberry and raspberry, with some herbal notes, and a touch of earthiness. Crisp, dry and well balanced.

2021 Opus Rosé: From the Komarna region, this wine is made from the indigenous Plavac Mali, and is easy drinking, crispy, dry and tasty, with pleasing red fruit flavors and a touch of stone fruit. 

2021 Kutjevo Rosé Premium: Made from a blend of Pinot Noir and Zweigelt, this wine was easy drinking and complex, with delicious red fruit flavors, good acidity, a touch of minerality, and a lengthy finish. 

Sipun Trojiscina Rosé: This wine is made from Trojiscina, an ancient indigenous grape in the Kvarner region, especially on a few islands, including Susak, Cres, and Losinj. Sipun is currently the only winery producing wine from this grape. The Rosé was interesting, dry and crisp, with flavors of raspberry, grapefruit and peach. Subtle, complex and refreshing. A definite winner.

PZ Vrbnik Valomet Extra Brut Sparkling Rosé: Produced from indigenous grapes on the island of Krk, this bubble is clean, dry and delicious with tiny bubbles, mineral notes, red fruit flavors, and a touch of brioche. There was some intriguing complexity with hints of herbs and a pleasing, long finish. 

2021 Vina Tomic Opolo Nobile: Made from Plavac Mali, from the island of Hvar, this wine was easy drinking with red fruit flavors, floral notes, and a touch of brininess. Bring on some oysters!  

2021 Cuj Rose: Made from a blend of 70% Teran, 20% Merlot, and 5% Hvartica, this wine was fresh and crisp, fruity and herbal.

And as for olive oil, my personal favorite was from Oleum Moris, under the brand of Oio Vivo. It is located in south Istria in the largest olive oil region. They have about 15,000 olive trees, growing 7 different olives, and they produce 6 different olive oils. I was especially impressed with their Zizolera, an indigenous olive that is nearly extinct and now grows only in a tiny area. It is made in a lighter style yet it has a medium intensity; rich fruit flavors, a bit of green pepper and tomato, and a spicy kick on the finish. Complex and intriguing, this is an excellent example of the quality of olive oil from Istria.

Win Burke, Todd Godbout, and I relaxing after our Rosé tasting marathon. Overall, Pink Day was a fun event, with plenty of excellent Rosés, delicious olive oils, and more. I was very happy that I attended, and it earns a hearty recommendation from me. It should return next year so you have plenty of time to make plans to attend. Kudos to Sanja Muzaferija and Women on Wine for hosting such a compelling wine tasting event. 

(Please Note: Photos #2, 8, 9, 12, 14-17 are courtesy of Todd Godbout.)

2021: Top Ten Wines Under $20

What were some of my favorite wines of the past year?

As 2021 has arrived, it's time to reflect upon the past year, to remember and savor pleasant memories. I've already posted a couple of my annual Favorite Lists, My Favorite Restaurants and My Favorite Food-Related Items, and it's time now to starting covering my Favorite Wines. This first list are my Top Ten Wines Under $20. 

This list includes wines that not only I enjoyed, but which I also found to be particularly compelling for various reasons. They might be especially delicious, something more unique or just excellent values for the price. They all stand out, for some particular reason, above the other wines that I've tasted this past year.

This is a purely subjective list, based on my own preferences, and makes no claims about being the "best" wines out there. It is primarily the wines which spoke to me the loudest, even when they were subtle wines. These are all wines that I strongly recommend and which I believe many other wine lovers would also enjoy.

The wines are not listed in any particular order and each choice is linked to my more detailed prior review. All of these value wines are worth your consideration but please also note that the prices are approximations and the actual price may vary in your area. In addition, some of the wines might not be available in your local region, though you might be able to order them from the winery or an online store, dependent on your state's shipping laws. 

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1) 2020 Ameal Loureiro ($18)
It's no surprise that there's more Portuguese wines on this list than any other country. Portugal often offers many delicious value wines. This wine is produced from 100% Loureiro (from 20 year old vines), sits on the lees in stainless steel for about 7 months and has a 11.5% ABV. Although it's from the Vinho Verde DOC, this isn't what you may think of as such a wine. I fell in love with this wine from the first sip. It possessed an intriguing nose, stone fruits and floral elements, and on the palate, its complexity and rich flavors burst through. It was crisp, fresh and dry, with a delightful melange of citrus, peach, floral notes, minerality and subtle herbal touches. This wine was well-balanced with a lengthy and delicious finish. I'd highly recommend buying this wine by the case, to impress your guests during the year.

2) 2020 Esporao Bico Amarelo ($12)
This Portuguese wine, from one of my favorite producers, is a blend of about 40% Loureiro (from Quinta do Ameal) and 30% each of Alvarinho & Avesso (sourced from nearby growers). With an ABV of 11.5%, the wine remains on the lees for 3-4 months, and possesses no effervescence. On the palate, it's light, crisp and refreshing, with bright notes of lemon, citrus and floral elements. It's a simple wine, in a good way, something to just sip and enjoy, especially on a fine summer day. It would also pair very well with seafood or light dishes. 

3) 2019 Uivo Renegado ($15)
This Portuguese wine is rather unique, a field blend of more than 25 indigenous grapes, both red and white, in a rough 50/50 mix. The vines are 70+ years old, and grow on 2 hectares of schist and granite at an altitude of about 650 meters. The grapes are trod by foot in large granite lagares, and undergo spontaneous fermentation with wild yeasts. About 5% of the wine is aged for six months in 2-3 year old chestnut barrels and the rest is aged in cement. It's also not fined or filtered, and has only an 11.5% ABV. The wine has a dark pink color, resembling a Rosé, and on the nose, there are red berries and subtle herbal notes. On the palate, it's crisp and fresh, with tasty cherry and strawberry flavors, and a savory element, a subtle melange of herbs and spice. There is also a hint of spritz, which enhances the refreshing nature of the wine. It possesses plenty of complexity, especially at this price point, and has a pleasing finish too.  

4) 2017 Chateau Vartely Individo Saperavi ($16)
From Moldova, this wine is made from 100% Saperavi, aged for about 12 months in oak and has only a 13.5% ABV. This was a pleasing, easy drinking wine, one which should appeal to many different palates. It possessed a fruity aroma, with only a hint of spice, and on the palate, the fruit was prominent, delicious notes go ripe plum, blackberries and black cherry, with subtle spice notes and a hint of herbs. It was silky and smooth, with a moderately long and enjoyable finish. Simply delicious, although it wasn't a simple wine! You could enjoy this wine on its own, although it would work well with a wide variety of foods, from pizza to burgers.

5) 2020 Tussock Jumper Chenin Blanc ($11.99)
From South Africa, this wine is made with 100% Chenin Blanc and has a 13.5% ABV. It was produced with minimal cellar intervention, and spent about four months aging on the lees. I found this vintage similar to that of 2017, possessed of crisp acidity, tropical fruit flavors, and some subtle mineralogy. There were some peach notes in this vintage, and it had a pleasing and fairly long finish. I paired the Chenin Blanc with some simple seared scallops, and it was a fine pairing. This wine is very food friendly, and perfect for the summer, sipping on its own, or paired with salads, chicken, and seafood. 

6) 2017 Vina Skaramuca Plavac Premium ($16)
This Croatian wine is made from 100% Plavac Mali from vineyards in Pelješac and the Dingač. It was fermented in stainless steel, aged for 6 months in large 3000L barrels, aged for another 6 months in the bottle, and has a 13% ABV. This is a lighter, easier drinking Plavac Mali, with plenty of tasty red and black fruit flavors, good acidity, and some subtle spice notes. This is an everyday wine, perfect on its own or with everything from pizza to burgers, tacos to salmon.

7) 2017 Fronton de Oro Tinto ($19.99)
From Spain's Canary Islands, this intriguing wine is a blend of Listán Negro and Tintilla de Rota.  The wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks, and then aged in mostly used American oak for about three months. With only a 13.5% ABV, only about 4,000 cases of this wine are produced. This is a medium-red colored wine, with an appealing nose of red fruits, floral notes, and hints of spice. On the palate, there's a freshness to the wine, with delicious and juicy tastes of cherry, blackberry, and plum. Good acidity, nicely balanced, a hint of earthiness, and on the finish, there's a nice peppery kick. With a nice complexity, this wine very much appealed to me. It would pair well with burgers to pizza, barbecue to salmon.

8) 2020 Bott Freres Rose d'Alsace ($19.99)
The wines of Alsace also have a special place in my heart. This tasty Rosé is made from 100% Pinot Noir, from 20 year old vines in chalky soil, and was aged in stainless steel tanks for about 8-10 months. With a 14% ABV, the wine has a rich pink color and an appealing aroma of fresh red berries and floral notes. On the palate, it's fresh and crisp, with tasty red fruit flavors, especially raspberry and strawberry, with a floral accent, and a nice streak of minerality. Well balanced, complex, and with a lengthy finish, this Rosé is absolutely delicious, perfect on its own or paired with food. 

9) 2020 Sainte-Famille Lost Bell Baco Noir ($19.99)
Nova Scotia wineries are producing some interesting and delicious wnes. This Nova Scotian wine is made from 100% Baco Noir, although the winery website doesn't provide any details on this wine and its production. It has an 11% ABV, making it one of the lower alcohol red wines I've had in some time. It's a dark colored wine, with pleasant black fruit aromas and a hint of spice. On the palate, it's medium-bodied, easy drinking, with lots of juicy black fruit flavors, including blackberry and black cherry. It's an everyday wine, fine on its own, although it will pair well with everything from burgers to pizza, pasta to stews. It is a relatively simple wine, but not a one-note wine.

10) Jost Vineyards Selkie Rose Frizzante ($19.99)
Also from Nova Scotia, this sparkling wine is produced from a "proprietary blend" of grapes, which may include a couple hybrids, DeChaunac and Marquette. It's a lightly sparkling wine, produced by the Charmat method, and only has a 8.5% ABV, making it much lower alcohol than many sparkling wines. It doesn't appear this wine underwent any oak aging. The Rosé has a bright oink color and an appealing nose of bright red fruits. On the palate, it is fresh and crisp, with a light effervescence and delicious red berry flavors with hints of citrus, and a mild sweetness on the finish. It's tasty on its own, although it would pair well with a variety of dishes, including dishes with a bit of spicy heat, as the mild sweetness would work well. 

Seven countries/regions made the list this year, with Portugal in first place, occupying three spots on the list. Nova Scotia was in second place with two spots, and the other countries, Moldova, South Africa, Croatia, Spain, and Alsace, occupying one spot. As for wine types, the list is also broken down into one Rosé, three Whites, five Reds, and one Sparkling. I have other wine recommendations on my blog and you just have to search for them. 

If you have some of your own recommendations for excellent wines under $20 you've enjoyed, please add them to the comments.

Jost Vineyards Selkie Rosé Frizzante: Fresh, Effervescent & Tasty

Back in 1978, the Jost family, including Hans Wilhelm Jost and his son Hans Christian, planted a vineyard on the Malagash Peninsula in Nova Scotia, and in 1983, they would receive their winery license as Jost Vineyards. They opened to the public in 1986, and eventually became the largest winery in Nova Scotia. In 2012, the winery was sold to Carl & Donna Sparkes, of Devonian Coast Wineries, who kept on the Jost to help operate the vineyard and winery. 

Jost Vineyards makes a variety of wines, including their Selkie brand, named after mythological creatures found in Scottish, Irish, and Faroese folklore. A Selkie is a magical seal which can transform into the form of a beautiful, human woman. They sometimes fell in love with mortal men, but then would be torn from remaining with their love or returning to the sea. Similar shape changing creatures can be found in the mythology of many other cultures.

As Jost's website states, "An elegant creation of our inimitable terroir, Selkie Refresh and Selkie Rosé could come from nowhere but here. True to its name, Selkie wines can transform any afternoon, evening, or moment into something magical."

I recently drank the Jost Vineyards Selkie Rosé Frizzante ($19.99), which is produced from a "proprietary blend" of grapes, which may include a couple hybrids, DeChaunac and Marquette. It's a lightly sparkling wine, produced by the Charmat method, and only has a 8.5% ABV, making it much lower alcohol than many sparkling wines. It doesn't appear this wine underwent any oak aging. 

The Rosé has a bright oink color and an appealing nose of bright red fruits. On the palate, it is fresh and crisp, with a light effervescence and delicious red berry flavors with hints of citrus, and a mild sweetness on the finish. It's tasty on its own, although it would pair well with a variety of dishes, including dishes with a bit of spicy heat, as the mild sweetness would work well. With salmon topped by a spicy seasoning, the wine was a very nice pairing. This wine would be a hit at holiday parties. 

2020 Bott Frères Rosé d'Alsace: Great For the Holidays

With Thanksgiving this week, many people are thinking about which wines to drink with their turkey dinner. It's important to realize that Rosé is not just a summer wine, especially considering how well it pairs with a wide variety of foods. Rosé works well on your Thanksgiving table, and it will pair well with other holiday dishes during the rest of this year. 

I love the wines of Alsace, from their Crémant d'Alsace to their intriguing White wines. You might not realize that they make some delicious Red wines too. Pinot Noir is the only authorized grape for AOC Red wines, and that applies to their Rosé wines as well. Unfortunately, very little is currently imported into the U.S. although hopefully that will change.  

Within Alsace, Pinot Noir is planted in nearly 11% of their vineyards, and they produce about 105,000 hectoliters of wine with Pinot Noir, which appears to include Crémant d'Alsace, Rosé and Red still wines. Pinot Noir has a lengthy history in the Alsace region, with some claiming it extends back to the ancient Romans. During the 15th and 16th centuries, Alsace Pinot Noir was even more valued than all of their white wines. For unknown reasons, that changed over time so that their wine wines came to dominate.

Within the various terroirs of Alsace, it has been learned that Pinot Noir grows best in their clay and limestone soils, while Pinot Noir grown in more gravel and sandy soils is best suited for use in Crémant d'Alsace and Rosé. In addition, due to climate change, temperatures in Alsace have risen, making it easier to ripen their Pinot Noir. Some of the best areas to grow Pinot Noir are also designated Grand Cru, but only for white wines. Currently, Pinot Noir cannot be designated as Grand Cru though there are efforts to change this and it seems likely that within several years, Grand Cru Pinot Noir will be authorized.

In general, Alsace Pinot Noir tends to present bright red fruit flavors, crisp acidity, and vibrant freshness. Many are intended to be consumed while young though some have the potential for aging. Oak aging is sometimes used, and when it is, it is more of a light touch, allowing the fruit to take center stage. Curiously, their Pinot Noir is usually bottled  in "flutes," those bottles you most commonly see used for Riesling.

The Bott Frères winery was founded in 1835 by Philippe Louis Bott, the son of a brewer and an winegrower. It's primarily located in Ribeauvillé, an old medieval town known for the ruins of three fortified castles. The winery currently has about 50 acres of vineyards, sustainably farmed (and moving towards organic), and produces only about 15,000 cases of wine annually. 

The 2020 Bott Frères Rosé d'Alsace ($20) is made from 100% Pinot Noir, from 20 year old vines in chalky soil, and was aged in stainless steel tanks for about 8-10 months. With a 14% ABV, the wine has a rich pink color and an appealing aroma of fresh red berries and floral notes. On the palate, it's fresh and crisp, with tasty red fruit flavors, especially raspberry and strawberry, with a floral accent, and a nice streak of minerality. Well balanced, complex, and with a lengthy finish, this Rosé is absolutely delicious, perfect on its own or paired with food. This is an excellent holiday wine which will impress your guests.

2019 Lightfoot & Wolfville Rosé: A Crisp Treat From Nova Scotia

A couple months ago, when I visited Nova Scotia, I bought a case of wine, to explore some of what Nova Scotian and other Canadian wineries are now producing. I knew little about the wines I bought, willing to take a chance and see what I might find. I've enjoyed Nova Scotian wines before, which are extremely difficult to find in Massachusetts. Although the modern wine industry in Nova Scotia is only about 40 years old, its history extends back over 400 years. 

In 1611, Louis Hébert, a French settler and apothecary, brought some vines from France and planted a small vineyard in Bear River, Nova Scotia." A second vineyard would be planted in 1633. Jump forward almost 350 years, to 1980, for the first commercial vintage by Roger Dial of the Grand Pré Winery in the Annapolis Valley.  The second winery, Jost Vineyards, opened in 1985. 

Today, there are about 22 wineries in Nova Scotia, with nearly 1,000 acres of vineyards, about 90 grape growers, and over 70 different grapes (both hybrids and vinifera). The wine region can be divided into four general regions: Annapolis Valley, Gaspereau Valley, South Shore, and the Malagash Peninsula. The total annual production of wine is only about 211,000 cases, which is a relatively small amount. In comparison, there are plenty of California wineries which produce much more than the entirety of Nova Scotia. 

According to the Wines of Nova Scotia website, "Here in Nova Scotia, our vineyards are never more than 20km from the ocean, and the vines grow in the remains of an ancient seabed. Having the World’s highest tides, a mixture of sandstone and slate soil and being surrounded by large bodies of water all contribute to a unique yet ideal viticultural climate." It's also stated that the signature attribute of Nova Scotian wines is their acidity, produced by its unique cool climate. 

From my new case of wine, the first bottle I've sampled was the 2019 Lightfoot & Wolfville Rosé (about $21). Lightfoot & Wolfville Vineyards is a relatively new winery, founded by Michael & Jocelyn Lightfoot, which began planting vineyards in 2009, and produced their first wines in 2015. The Lightfoot family have been involved in farming for eight generations in the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia, and their winery is located in Wolfville. The winery has about 40 acres of vines, split into two vineyards, along the shores of the Minas Basin, an inlet of the Bay of Fundy.  

As their website states, "Our commitment to regenerative agriculture practices is driven by a duty to protect and promote the vitality of our soils for future generations, and has led us to successfully pursue organic certification through Ecocert Canada and biodynamic certification by Demeter Canada. Minimal-intervention vinification from healthy, balanced fruit allows us to produce distinct wines that faithfully convey the purest sense of time and spirit of place."

Their website also notes, "The ultimate result is wines that are firmly rooted in a distinct sense of place, characterized by vibrancy, freshness, finesse, and a brilliance and clarity of flavor that can only be achieved in very cool climate regions."

The 2019 Lightfoot & Wolfville Rosé is a blend of Pinot Meunier, L'Acadie Blanc and Frontenac Noir. L'Acadie Blanc is a hybrid grape, developed during the 1950s to be hardy in colder climates, and is mainly planted in Nova Scotia. Frontenac Noir is also a hybrid, created in the 1970s in Minnesota, and is another hybrid developed to do well in colder climates. The wine was fermented in stainless steel and has only an 11% ABV.  

The Rosé had a nice pale pink color with a delightful nose of red fruits and a touch of herbal accents. On the palate, it was crisp, dry and clean, with juicy red fruit flavors of strawberry, watermelon and peach, with subtle touches of herbs. It was refreshing and delicious, with a moderately long finish. It was tasty on its own, but would also pair well with a variety of foods. I enjoyed the wine with some fried trout, and it was a fine pairing. This is definitely a style of Rosé that I greatly enjoy and would be a great choice for your Thanksgiving table. 

I'd love to check out more wines from Lightfoot & Wolfville.

2019 Oenops Apla Dry Rosé: The Beauty of Simplicity

"Simplicity is not a simple thing."

--Charlie Chaplin

It was surprising to me to see a quote by Charlie Chaplin on the label of a Greek wine, but if it's relevant, then why not use it?

Oenops Wines was founded in 2015 by Nikos Karatzas, who previously studied in Bordeaux and worked as the winemaker at Ktima Pavlidis. The name of the winery, Oenops, means "wine-face," and there is mention of an Oenops in The Odyssey. The winery is now located in an old pie factory in a building just outside Drama in Eastern Macedonia. Nikos sources grapes from vineyards in Drama and Macedonia, carefully choosing what he desires for his wines. 

The 2019 Oenops Apla Dry Rosé ($14.99) is a blend of indigenous grapes, 50% Xinomavro, 30% Limniona, and 20% Mavroudi, all from sustainable vineyards which are 15-45 years old. The grapes are fermented in concrete tanks and the wine is aged on the lees for about four months before bottling. 

The wine's name, Alpa, means "simply or plainly" and reflects Chaplain's quote. It seems that this Rosé is intended to be a simple wine, something easy drinking. It certainly is easy drinking, though it is far from simple, being fairly complex, especially at its low price point. With a 12.8% ABV, this Rosé has a rich pink color and an appealing nose of red fruits and citrus, and a savory hint. On the palate, it is crisp and dry, with delicious flavors of strawberry, cherry and hints of savory, almost a touch of tomato. The finish pleasantly lingers and it's a nicely balanced wine. 

A nice value Rosé that over delivers at its price point.

2019: Top Ten Wines Under $20

What were some of my favorite wines of the past year?

As 2020 approaches, it's time once again to reflect upon the past year, to remember and savor many pleasant memories. As 2019 winds down, I'll be posting my annual series of Favorite Lists over the next few weeks, covering food, wine, spirits and other drinks. These lists should provide a comprehensive summary of my favorites from this past year, allowing my readers to more readily locate such gems, the best of my recommendations.

My first Favorites List of 2019 is my Top Ten Wines Under $20. For the previous 11 years, this list has included only wines Under $15, but over time, wine prices have obviously risen and it has been more difficult to find compelling wines under this price point. I've finally decided to raise the price point of this Favorites list, although these wines still remain excellent values. You can still find some compelling wines under $15, but it gets harder each year.

This list includes wines that not only I enjoyed, but which I also found to be particularly compelling for various reasons. They might be especially delicious, something more unique or just excellent values for the price. They all stand out, for some particular reason, above the other wines at this price point that I have tasted this past year.

This is a purely subjective list, based on my own preferences, and makes no claims about being the "best" wines out there. It is primarily the wines which spoke to me the loudest, even when they were subtle wines. These are all wines that I strongly recommend and which I believe many other wine lovers would also enjoy.

The wines are not listed in any particular order and each choice is linked to my more detailed prior review. All of these value wines are worth your consideration but please also note that the prices are approximations and the actual price may vary in your area. In addition, some of the wines might not be available in your local region, though you might be able to order them from the winery or an online store, dependent on your state's shipping laws.

1) 2016 Dow Vale do Bomfim ($12.99)
This wine is a blend of 30% Touriga Franca, 20% Touriga Nacional and 50% Field Blend of indigenous grapes. With a dark red color, it possesses an appealing fruity aroma with floral accents. On the palate, there is a tasty melange of red and black fruit (especially cherry and plum), peppery spice with some licorice notes. Mild tannins, a moderately long finish, and decent complexity for this price point. This is an excellent example of the great values you can still find in Portugal.

2) 2017 Herdade do Rocim Amphora Vinho Tinto ($17.99)
A blend of indigenous Portuguese grapes including 50% Moreto, 30% Tinta Grossa, 15% Trincadeira, and 5% Aragonez. The vineyards are organic and the wine was fermented in a talha (amphora), without any temperature control and using indigenous yeasts. At only 12% ABV, the wine has a deep red color with an interesting nose of earth and red fruits, with a mild floral note. On the palate, it was fresh, with deep and complex flavors of plum, black cherry, and blackberry, an earthy backbone, and a mild tomato accent. The tannins were well integrated, the acidity was good, and the finish was fairly long. And at its price, it is a good value for the quality, complexity and taste of this wine.

3) 2017 Chateau Mercian Yamanashi Koshu ($16.99)
You probably can't buy this wine in the Boston area, but there is a single restaurant in Massachusetts, Kamakura, that carries it, and this is where I tasted it. The wine is from Japan, made from the intriguing Koshu grape. This was an excellent summer wine, with plenty of acidity, bright citrus and peach notes, a streak of mineralogy, and a pleasing and fairly lengthy finish. There was a mild richness to the wine as well as a touch of salinity. This would pair great with seafood, including raw oysters.

4) Karavitakis Little Prince Red ($12.99)
This is another wine which I first tasted at a local Greek restaurant, the new location of Gre.Co in the Seaport. They only have two wines, a white and a red, both from the Karavitakis winery. This red wine is a blend of 65% Kotsifali and 35% Mandilari, both indigenous Greek grapes. The wine is smooth and easy drinking, but there is still depth to this wine, with pleasant black fruit flavors, including plum and black cherry. There is a freshness to this wine as well, and it pairs very well with a lamb gyro.

5) NV Cricova Crisecco Vin Spumant Alb Brut ($11.99)
This Sparkling Wine, from Moldova, is a blend of 90% Fetească Albă (an indigenous grape) and 10% Muscat, and is produced by the Charmat method (like most Italian Prosecco). I enjoyed it at a wine dinner at the Moldova Restaurant in Newton. At 12.5% ABV, this bubbly is aromatic, with a distinctive Muscat nose enhanced by some citrus notes. On the palate, it is dry, crisp and tasty, with flavors of apple, pear and subtle citrus. A very pleasant and easy-drinking, and at this price point, an excellent value as well.

6) NV Mirco Mariotti "Set e Mez" Rosato ($19.99)
I tasted this Italian Sparkling wine, from the Emilia-Romagna region of Northern Italy, at BISq, pairing it with their Fried Chicken. The wine is produced from the indigenous Fortana grape, made by the méthode ancestrale, with native yeasts. It was delicious, dry and complex, with pleasing red fruit flavors and a touch of earthiness. A nice depth of flavor and it worked great with the Fried Chicken.

7) 2015 3 Rings Shiraz ($19.99)
This Australian wine, made of 100% Shiraz, possessed a dark purple color and a nose of black fruits enhanced by spice notes. On the palate, it was a full bodied and muscular wine, with deep and complex flavors of plum, black pepper and raspberry, with a vein of pepper and other bold spices. However, it wasn't a jammy fruit bomb, and the alcohol was well balanced. The finish was fairly lengthy, the tannins bold but not overwhelming, and it has a spicy kick. This is a wine of power, but it isn't overpowering. The complex taste will please and with a juicy steak, the wine shines even greater.

8) 2017 Laurent Cazottes Champetre Blanc ($17.99)
On their wine list, Forge & Vine in Groton, has some interesting natural wines, including this one from the Gaillac region of south western France. It is produced from 100% Mauzac Blanc, a grape that is indigenous to this region. The wine is fermented in stainless steel with native yeasts, aged in tank on its fine lees, and isn't fined or filtered. The wine is also certified organic and Biodynamic. With a 12% ABV, this was an impressive white wine, one would like to enjoy all summer long. It was crisp and light, fresh and clean, with delicious citrus, especially lemon and pear notes. Excellent acidity, a lengthy finish, and a few floral hints. Pure pleasure and it would be a great pairing with seafood too.

9) 2018 Westmount Pinot Noir Rosé ($19.99)
From Oregon, where Pinot reigns king, this Rosé certainly was impressive. With a 12.9% ABV, it possessed a medium pink color and an alluring nose of fresh red fruits with a hint of tropical fruit. On the palate, it was dry, crisp and fresh, with bright strawberry and watermelon, and subtle hints of more tropical fruits and citrus. A tasty, refreshing and well-balanced wine, it was excellent on its own though it would also be very food friendly.

10) Bodegas Williams & Humbert Canasta Cream Sherry ($19.99)
Made from a blend of Oloroso and PX, this Spanish Sherry had a rich, brown color, and an alluring nutty aroma, enhanced with dried fruit notes and a little brown sugar. It has an excellent complexity, with a silky, creamy body and only a mild sweetness. The Oloroso was the primary star of this sherry, with a minor, but important, supporting role from the PX. The melange of flavors intrigued my palate, with enticing notes of nuts and caramel, a touch of raisins and dried figs. The finish was persistent and satisfying, prolonging the pure enjoyment of the taste. A killer value in a dessert wine.

Eight countries/regions made the list this year, more than the five from last year. Portugal took the lead with two spots on the list (the same as last year). The other countries/regions on the list included Japan, Greek, Moldova, Italy, Australia, France, Spain, and Oregon. There is plenty of diversity on this list, and it is also the first time that Japan has appeared on these lists. As for wine types, the list is also broken down into two Rosé, two Whites, four Reds, one Sparkling, and one Fortified.

One interesting trend this year is that half of the wines on this list were tasted at restaurants. Obviously their price at a restaurant will be two to four times the usual retail price, but most of these wines can also be found at your local wine shop, or they will be able to order them from you. Restaurants with good wine programs can present delicious and intriguing wines, and you simply have to be adventurous to find those wines. Ask the sommelier for some recommendations and be willing to be a vinous explorer.

I have other recommendations for wines under $20 on my blog and you just have to search for them. Even if some wine prices are rising, you can still find value wines all over the world, in every region, though some regions provide a greater range and diversity of value wines. It is important to remember that though wine stores sell plenty of wines in this price range, not all of them are of equal value. Wines in this price range do not have to be one-dimensional wines that all taste the same.

You can find wines of character and complexity, though you might need to spend a little more time seeking them out. Wine blogs can help you in that regard, pointing out wines that you might not otherwise know about. Tasting the wines before you buy them is another way to find such values. Or simply ask your trusted wine store staff for advice and suggestions. For more advice on finding value wines, please check out my article on the subject.

If you have some of your own recommendations for excellent wines under $20, please add them to the comments.