2015: Favorite Wine-Related Items

What were some of my favorite wine related items of the past year?

Let me continue the lists of my best recommendations and favorites of 2015. I have already posted my Top Ten Wines Under $15, Top Ten Wines Over $15 and Top Wines Over $50 lists. This post will now concentrate on some of my Favorite Wine-Related Items, which are not specific wine recommendations. This is certainly not a complete list but it is more a sampling of compelling and memorable matters I have experienced and posted about over the past year.

This is also a purely subjective list, based on my own preferences, and makes no claims about being the "best" of anything. But all of the items here have earned my strong recommendations and I hope you will enjoy them as well. For more wine related items, you can just search my blog posts for the past year.

Analysis Of My Favorite Wines: In my three prior Top Wine lists, I mentioned a total of 38 wines, which included wines from 10 different countries. At the top was Italy, with 11 wines. In second place was Spain with 6 wines and third place went to France with 5 wines (three of them from Alsace). About 60% of my picks came from just these three countries. Uruguay made a strong showing with 4 wines, and California had 3 wines on the lists. South Africa, Brazil, Uruguay and Bulgaria each had 2 wines on the list while Greece had a single spot. As for wine types, the list is also broken down into 15 Reds, 9 Sparkling, 7 Whites, 6 Fortified and 1 Rosé.

Favorite Discount Wine Stores: Consumers always want bargains, excellent value wines which won't stretch their wallets. You can buy the cheap, mass-produced commercial wines which can be found in almost any wine store or instead, you can seek out excellent, value wines which put to shame those cheap wines. Certain discount wine stores provide not only excellent prices but also an interesting selection and good service. I want to highlight three such stores which continue to do an especially good job, places where I go to seek bargains: Bin Ends in Braintree & Needham, Wine Connextion in North Andover, and Rapid Liquors in Stoneham. Shop at any of those stores and you won't be disappointed.

Favorite Wine Stores: This is a small list of wine stores which consistently impress me with their selection and service. Each shop is worthy of your patronage and wine lovers should make the effort to visit these places if you have not done so yet.
Lower Falls Wine Company in Newton Lower Falls
Winestone in Chestnut Hill
Wine-Sense in Andover
Wine Bottega in Boston's North End
Central Bottle Wine & Provisions in Cambridge
Beacon Hill Wine & Gourmet in Melrose (where I also work part-time)

Favorite Wine Book: It is one of the most ignored wines, seen more as a cocktail ingredients rather than a compelling wine on its own. A compelling new book, Vermouth: The Revival of the Spirit that Created America's Cocktail Culture by Adam Ford, provides a fascinating look into this fortified wine, giving you plenty of reasons to explore Vermouth. You'll find a history of Vermouth, an exploration of some American producers, and plenty of Vermouth-based cocktails. You'll realize the complexity and diversity of Vermouth and see why it is a special wine worthy of your attention.

Favorite Wine Dinner: It is extraordinary that for the third year in a row, an Alsatian wine dinner took the honors in for this category. Dining with Dominique Schoenheitz and her son Adrien, of the Schoenheitz Winery, at Bergamot was educational, fun and delicious. As usual, the fine wines of Alsace impressed, showing diversity, complexity and value. In addition, three wines from this dinner were mentioned in my Top Ten Wine lists. The food, from the Salmon Head, to the Popcorn Ice Cream, was creative and tasty, exactly what I expect from a great restaurant like Bergamot. And our conversation was stimulating, covering a diversity of topics including wine, Alsace, vinegar flies, sexism, taxes and more.

Runner-Up Favorite Wine Dinners: This category was a tie, with wine events at restaurants which are very close to each other in Inman Square, Cambridge. First, there was a Natural Wine Dinner at Puritan & Co. The good folks at Mise Wines presented five intriguing natural wines which paired well with the excellent cuisine, from Black Bass to Crispy Duck. One of the wines from this dinner ended up on one of my Top Ten Wine lists. Second, there was a Greek wine dinner, with the Parparoussis Winery, at BISq. Once again there were five wines which were paired with a Greek inspired dinner, including a stellar Roast Leg of Lamb. One of the wines from this dinner also ended up on one of my Top Ten Wine lists.

Favorite High-End Wine Dinner: As I've mentioned before, pairing Sparkling Wine with every course of dinner works very well, It should be more than a mere apertif or celebratory drink. At Sorellina, I had the pleasure to meet Marcello Lunelli of Ferrari Trento and he shared some special Italian Sparkling Wine, including three vintages of their Giulio Ferrari Riserva del Fondatore. The 1993 Vintage (about $400) was amazing, one of the best Sparkling Wines I've ever tasted. Marcello was a fine dining & drinking companion, enhancing the experience of the evening. This is serious Bubbly and you really need to seek out these Sparkling Wines.

Favorite Regional Wine Tasting: On two occasions, I was able to delve into the wines of the Montefalco region of Umbria, Italy. You can read about those explorations in Umbria, Montefalco & Sagrantino: Wine Rising From The Shadows and Montefalco Rosso & Sagrantino: Winter Wines. The history of this region fascinated me and the wines were compelling and delicious, with several of the wines ending up on my Top Ten wine lists. These wines don't get enough recognition, often being overshadowed by better known Italian wine regions. The tastings opened my eyes and I hope that many other wine lovers discover the wonders of Montefalco.

Favorite Twitter Wine Tasting: At a Twitter wine tasting, people from all over the world drink the same wines and then discuss them at the same time on Twitter. I have been participating in these tastings for years, and they can be lots of fun. This year, I participated in two fun Twitter tastings of Franciacorta, a Sparkling Wine from Italy, and you can read my reviews in Franciacorta: Serious Bubbly You Should Be Drinking. Two of those wines ended up on my Top Ten wine lists. Franciacorta may not be on your radar but it should, offering excellent taste at a very good value.

Favorite Large-Scale Tasting: This year, this award goes to the Boston Wine Expo, a huge consumer wine event. Several wines from this event ended up on my Top Ten Wine lists. It has its issues, primarily due to the large crowds that attend, but there are ways to maximize your wine exploration and enjoyment, from attending the Seminars to focusing your tasting on certain regions and/or wine styles. Early next month, I'll be posting my suggestions and advice for attending the Expo, which should help to improve your experience.

Favorite Private Wine Tasting: My good friend Adam, of Wine Zag, hosts a monthly blind tasting event which is always fun and interesting. A group of 15-18 people are assembled, and we taste through about twelve wines, usually with some type of theme. From Champagne to Southern Italian reds, the themes range wide and the wines themselves range in price and style. The attendees include wine newcomers and more knowledgeable tasters, but there is a lack of pretension and the casual atmosphere is one of fun and discovery. This is the fourth year in a row this tasting has garnered this honor.

What were some of your favorite wine-related items this year?

2015: Top Wines Over $50

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

Welcome to my third, and last, Top Wines List. I have already posted my Top Ten Wines Under $15 and Top Ten Wines Over $15. It is now time for my Top Wines Over $50. Though I've tasted more than eight wines over $50 during the past year, I've only chosen to list those which were especially fascinating.

Like the prior lists, this list includes wines that not only did I enjoy, 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 highly recommend and which I believe many other wine lovers will 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 area, though you might be able to order them from the winery or an online store, dependent on your state's shipping laws.

1) Equipo Navazos Fino La Bota 54 ($50.99)
Equipo Navazos purchases, blends and stores Sherries, and they often are unique and compelling. The Palomino grapes for this Fino are from the famed Macharnudo vineyard, one of the top sites in the Sherry region that has sometimes been called the "Montrachet of Jerez." This Fino has a mean age of about ten years, and will last for many years if stored well. I found this Fino to be very fragrant, a pleasing aroma, that complemented its intense and complex taste. It was bone dry, bright and crisp, with mild briny and nutty notes. This Fino has more layers of flavors than you find in a number of other Finos and is well worth checking out.

2) Emilio Hidalgo Marques de Rodil Especial Palo Cortado ($59.99)
Bodegas Emilio Hidalgo, founded in 1874, produces a variety of delicious Sherries and this is one of their top Sherries. The solera was started in 1961 and the average age of this Palo Cortado is about 15-20 years. I love the Palo Cortado style, which is somewhat a blend of the best aspects of Amontillado and Oloroso. With an amber color, I found this Sherry to have a funky, but interesting, aroma. On the palate, it was complex and intriguing, with a delightful blend of flavors included salted nuts, caramel, and dried fruit. It was smooth and elegant, with a lengthy, satisfying finish. Another excellent option and highly recommended.

3) Osborne Capuchino Palo Cortado ($119.99)
This is such a unique and sublime Sherry, one sure to impress. The solera for this Palo Cortado was started in 1790, meaning that a tiny portion of this Sherry is over 200 years old! What a sense of history. With a dark amber color, you'll first sit and savor the alluring and complex aromas of this Palo Cortado. Your seduction begins with these aromas, and you'll be hooked from your first sniff. Once you taste it, the seduction will be complete and this Sherry will touch your heart and soul. Its complexity, its melange of intriguing flavors, and the depth of layers of those flavors cannot be resisted. It is elegant and sublime, with a finish that doesn't seem to end, and you certainly don't want it to end. This is a Sherry to experience, and words cannot adequately describe its merits. I highly recommend this Palo Cortado and it is a perfect example of the heights that aged Sherry can reach.

4) Los Abandonados 6/8 Oloroso ($69.99/500ml)
Alexander Jules, which had three Sherries on 2014's Top Ten Wines Over $15, has done it again, presenting another stunning Sherry. This Oloroso has a great backstory, coming from a solera that was "lost" for about forty years. It is unfiltered, unfined, doesn't contain any added sulfites, and probably should be decanted for at least a few hours before drinking. The wine evidenced a dark mahogany color and possessed an enticing aroma, a complex melange which indicated great promise. With plenty of acidity, this dry sherry presented strong briny notes, nutty aspects, and flavors of caramel, dried fruits, leather, and a subtle earthiness. The finish was lengthy, tantalizing and extremely satisfying. Simply put, this was an amazing Oloroso, one which would impress any wine lover. It is meant to be slowly savored, to appreciate all of its nuances, and it garners my highest recommendation.

5) 2009 Arnaldo Caprai Montefalco Sagrantino Collepiano ($59.99)
From an Italian winery founded by one of the pioneers of Sagrantino, this is a wine of power but also of beautiful elegance. The complex melange of flavors are intense and subtle, multiple layers that intrigue and delight the palate. Ripe black fruit, earthy undertones, hints of vanilla and spice, and moderate tannins. It possesses a lingering finish that seems to go on and on, and you will yearn for glass after glass. It is well worth its price and garners my highest recommendation. And at this price, it is better than some Italian wines I have had at twice the price.

6) 2010 Parparoussis Nemea Reserve ($50.99)
This impressive Greek wine is made from 100% Agiorgitiko from 20 year old vines from a eight hectare property in Gymno, a tiny vineyard commune in Nemea. The wine is aged for about 24 months in French oak and is only made in exceptional years. Prior to 2010, the last vintage had been 2005, and there will be vintages for 2012 and 2013. This wine was like in some ways a fine Burgundy but with its own exotic component. It was complex and velvety, with a delicious melange of red and black fruits, with mineral notes, earthy aspects and herbal elements. Well balanced, silky tannins, and a long and satisfying finish. With lamb, this was superb.

7) 2006 Ferrari Riserva Lunelli ($55.99)
A compelling Italian Sparkling wine, this Blanc de Blancs is made of 100% Chardonnay from vineyards at Villa Margon. The wine was matured in large format, neutral American oak, spending at least seven years on the lees. The aroma was intriguing, with some brioche and nutty notes and hints of smokiness. On the palate, it was fresh, crisp and clean with green apple and pear flavors, mild spice elements and a touch of toastiness. It also possessed a mild creaminess, a lengthy finish, and plenty of intriguing complexity. An excellent Sparkling wine that is sure to please.

8) 1993 Giulio Ferrari Riserva del Fondatore ($400)
From the same winery, this Sparkling wine nearly left me speechless and I have to say that it was one of the best sparkling wines I've ever had. This vintage was one of the best in the last twenty years. Initially, this wine will strike you as fresh and young and you won't believe it's 22 years old. You'll soon realize though the deeper complexity of this wine, something acquired primarily from aging. It is the epitome of elegance, with bright acidity, and an intriguing melange of flavors, including green apple, citrus, salty notes, a mild mushroom element and some herbal touches. Each taste seems to bring new flavors to your palate. This wine will age well for many years to come, only gaining in depth and complexity. It is outstanding and receives my highest recommendation. If you are able to splurge on this wine, don't hesitate!

Spanish Sherry dominates this list, occupying four spots, half of the total, while Italy takes three more spots and Greece has a single spot. Fortified wines dominate with four spots and Sparkling wines and Red wines each taking two more spots. Sherry is one of the best wines in the world that far too few people in the U.S. are enjoying. For 2016, please make a resolution to drink more Sherry! You won't be disappointed.

Not all expensive wines are worth their high price but these eight are wines well worth the splurge. These are the type of wines that words often cannot do justice. These are wines to experience and savor, not to dissect and analyze. These wines should be shared with others, with family and friends, to share the experience. With the holidays near, why not splurge and buy one of these wines.

Even if you cannot buy a bottle of these wines, you might be able to buy a glass at some restaurants, a much less expensive wine to experience these wonders. For example, you can try most, if not all, of the four Sherries on my list at the excellent Taberna de Haro in Brookline. With over 60 Sherries on their list, they are certainly the Sherry capital of the Boston area and I have enjoyed the first three Sherries on my list at the restaurant.

If you have some of your own recommendations for unique and compelling wines over $50, please add them to the comments.

Thursday Sips & Nibbles

I am back again with a new edition of Thursday Sips & Nibbles, my regular column where I highlight some interesting, upcoming food & drink events.
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1) This New Year’s Eve, guests can wine, dine and ring in 2016 with a rendezvous at Tryst in Arlington. Executive Chef Paul Turano will offer a special three course, prix fixe New Year’s Eve menu complete with a Prosecco toast. Guests can begin with favorites such as Kale & Brussels Sprout Salad with toasted hazelnuts, parmesan & Verjus vinaigrette, and the AFQ, southern fried quail with chorizo grits & red eye gravy before indulging in entrees such as Chestnut Involtini with ricotta & chestnut stuffed pasta, toasted walnuts & sage, and Seared Beef Tenderloin with wild mushroom & foie gras bread pudding, roasted asparagus & Cabernet jus.

Toast the New Year with Tryst’s craft cocktails including the Mistletoe made with egg nog, Godiva white chocolate, Stoli vanilla, Kahlua ($12), and the Cranberry Bob Margarita with Espolon Tequila, Domaine De Canton, cranberry ginger puree and lemon ($12).

Tryst’s New Year’s Eve menu is $60 per person (includes Prosecco toast but does not include tax & gratuity), and will be offered exclusively on Thursday, December 31, from 5pm-11pm.
Reservations are highly recommended and can be made by calling 781-641-2227.

Tryst will also be open on New Year’s Day, Friday, January 1, 2016 for brunch from 11am-2:30pm. Guests can fuel their hangovers or celebrate with friends over Chef Turano’s Brown Sugar Baked French Toast ($11), Buttermilk Blueberry Pancakes ($11), or Al Pastor Pork Tostada, 2 fried eggs, refried beans, guacamole, Jack cheese, crispy tortillas & spicy tomato sauce ($13).

2) This New Year’s Eve guests can wine, dine and ring in 2016 at Pier 6 in Charlestown. On Thursday, December 31, from 5pm-1am, guests are invited to a special New Year’s Eve dinner celebration. This year Pier 6 is offering two special New Year’s Eve options.

From 5pm-8pm, guests can relax and enjoy New Year’s Eve dinner. Pier 6’s Executive Chef Adriano Silva will be serving a special four course, prix fixe dinner, which will include dishes such as Nori Crusted Tuna with pickled turnips, sesame spinach and jasmine rice; Duet of Sirloin and Short Rib with potato puree, vegetable bourguignon, red wine sauce; and Eggplant Parmesan Lasagna with ricotta, spinach and Pomodoro. The prix fixe menu is available for $55 per person and will be served in addition to select a la carte specials. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 617-337-0054

Pier 6 is continuing the festivities with its “Finale New Year’s Eve Party!” At 9pm they’ll be dimming the lights and turning the music up playing all your favorite 90's classics and top 40 hits. Guests can take a break from partying to fuel up on delectable hors d'oeuvres and bar snacks, and throughout the evening can sip on draft beers, wine or signature cocktails as they countdown to the New Year. When the clock strikes midnight say goodbye to 2015 and ring in 2016 with a complimentary champagne toast and a spectacular view of the fireworks show over Boston Harbor. Fireworks begin at 12am and the bar is open until 1am. Tickets are $50 per person and must be purchased in advance by visiting http://pier6nye.eventbrite.com.

3) On Thursday, December 31, from 5:30pm to 10pm, Chef/owner Keith Pooler and the Bergamot team invite guests to join them this New Year's Eve for a delicious six-course meal. Promising a tasty end to 2015, Bergamot will be serving a special six-course meal for $95 that will include:

Butter Poached Oysters with 
Parisian gnocchi, Yukon gold potatoes, and caviar;
Agnolotti Carbonara with 
guanciale, Parmesan, and black truffle;
Hoppin’ John with game bird terrine, pickled black eyed peas, bacon lardons, 
poblano cream, and crispy Carolina gold;
Sole & Lobster
 with sunchoke and fennel jam, black trumpet mushrooms, and blood orange gastrique;
Chicken Fried Steak with prime sirloin, fried chicken skin, buttermilk scalloped potato,
 porcini mushroom, and foie cream gravy;
Lime Curd Mousse
 with poppyseed coconut cake, cranberry-lychee sorbet,
 coconut meringue, satsuma, and gold dust.

Cost: $95 per person. An optional wine pairing will be available for $60.
Please make reservations by calling 617-576-7700

4) Starting January 7, Executive Chef Robert Sisca and his team at Bistro du Midi present a January Fête du Citron Prix Fixe, celebrating this annual French festival, with a special three-course prix fixe menu.

Celebrating this annual festival showcasing all things citrus, this unique prix fixe menu will feature the refreshing fruits of the season through a variety of dishes from Chef Sisca and decadent desserts from Pastry Chef Robert Gonzalez. To enhance the culinary experience, Sommelier Todd Lipman has expertly crafted seasonal citrus cocktails: Calamansi Collins with Pearl vodka, lemon & lime, Scrappy’s grapefruit bitters ($12), Blood Orange Sage Daiquiri with Old Port rum, blood orange, fresh lime, muddled sage ($14) and L’Orange de Provence with Pinnacle gin, fresh orange, Pernod Pastis and vanilla ($12).

The Menu is:
FIRST
Celery Root Soup (Trumpet royales, parmesan, bergamot)
or
Duck & Lardo Terrine (Etna Salumi, Pistachio, lemon)
or
Market Greens (Marinated goats cheese, root vegetables, sherry vinaigrette)
SECOND
Goat Cheese Gnocchi (Arugula pistou, pine nuts, preserved lime)
or
Hake (Sunchokes, meyer lemon, grapefruit sauce vierge)
or
Beef Cheek Daube
Heirloom baby carrots, blood orange gremolata
THIRD
Mascarpone Beignet (Citrus sugar, apple cardamom butter)
or
Meyer Lemon Meringue Pie (Almond short bread, raspberry macaroon)
or
Blood Orange Caramel Cheesecake (Olive oil cake, poached pears)

Menu is available in the main dining room, Sundays through Fridays, January 7 – January 29, from 5pm-10pm
Cost: The Fête du Citron menu is $45/person, not including tax and gratuity.
For reservations, please call 617-426-7878.

5) Executive Chef Matt Drummond, self-proclaimed Bar Dude Will Falaro, and the Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar team launch bold new seasonal eats and cocktails to add a little crazy fun to this winter.

Located in the heart of Southie, Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar is inspired by the flavors of Latin America. Executive Chef Matt Drummond has created a new dinner menu showcasing fresh seasonal ingredients and creative dishes to suit all palates.

New dishes include ceviche selections including the Oyster Ceviche with passion fruit, mango, pineapple, pomegranate, habanero, and citrus and the Rock Shrimp Ceviche with tomatoes, avocado, red onion, cucumbers, lime, and crispy tortilla chips, and fresh apps like Crispy Cauliflower with roasted beet and goat cheese puree, greens, citrus, and sunflower seeds.

Guests can enjoy new seasonally-inspired tacos including the Seared Venison Taco with cauliflower puree, grilled acorn squash, smoked corn, and bacon, and the Grilled Avocado Taco with curtido, jalapeno herb crema, crispy Brussels sprouts, and spiced pumpkin seeds. New entrees include classics with a Latin American twist, including the Kale Caesar Salad with roasted poblano, green apple, savory granola, and golden raisins; Carnitas Papusa with pork, chichuahua, curtido, and roasted tomato sauce, Steak and Potatoes with grilled bavette steak, papas bravas, crispy brussels sports, and morita choron sauce; and Blackened Swordfish with moro rice, black beans, grilled avocado, fried plantains, and salsa verde.

6) This New Year’s Eve, Foundry on Elm will set the stage for a First Night celebration in Davis Square. Beginning at 5pm, executive Chef Shayne Nunes will start dishing out a customizable three-plus-course prix fixe menu to help get you ready for the long night ahead.

For an amuse-bouche, there is a Roasted Asian Pear with Great Hill bleu cheese and smoked honey. First course options include the Roasted Farmer’s Beets with mesclun and chicory greens, Cara Cara orange, honey pecan ricotta and citrus vinaigrette; Creamy Cauliflower Soup with shiitake mushroom crostini and white truffle oil; or, Lump Crab Cake with a “BLT” salad, Applewood smoked bacon, frisée, charred cherry tomato and remoulade. For the main course, choose between the Brown Sugar Roasted Acorn Squash with Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, baby kale, warm cider cream and candied peanuts; Brick Seared Statler Chicken Breast with shiitake mushrooms, baby kale, creamy goat cheese polenta and a maple-sherry jus; Pan-Roasted Sea Scallops with crisp pork belly, Brussels sprouts and brown butter-acorn squash puree; or, Le Grand Filet Mignon with grilled asparagus, truffle whipped potatoes and a red wine-mushroom cream sauce. For a final taste of something sweet in 2015, there are three options: Spiced Eggnog Crème Brûlée with a cinnamon ginger snap; Apple Cider Donut Holes with chipotle-chocolate sauce; or, Blood Orange Sorbet with Cara Cara oranges and mint.

At 10pm, Foundry on Elm will open its doors to its official New Year’s Eve celebration. Revelers will dance the night away while sipping on handcrafted cocktails and an extensive array of beer selections. On the ones-and-twos will be DJ Axel Foley, who will spin a mix of top 40 hits until the wee hours. At midnight, enjoy a complimentary champagne toast as you say goodbye to 2015 and warmly welcome 2016.

Cost: Dinner prix fixe: $75 per person
Event admission: $30 per person at the door
For Reservations, please call (617) 628-9999

2015: Top Ten Wines Over $15

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

Welcome to my second Top Ten Wine List. Yesterday, I posted my Top Ten Wines Under $15, which I hope you enjoyed and found useful. Now it is time for my Top Ten Wines Over $15, though these wines also cost less than $50.

Like the prior list, this list includes wines that not only did I enjoy, 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 highly recommend and which I believe many other wine lovers will 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 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 area, though you might be able to order them from the winery or an online store, dependent on your state's shipping laws.

1) NV Domaine Schoenheitz Cremant d'Alsace ($19.99)
Made from 100% Auxerrois, this Alsatian Cremant wine is aged on the lees for about two years. It is an impressive sparkling wine, with a silky creaminess, lots of bright fruit flavors, good acidity and a touch of minerality. Drink one glass of this Cremant and you'll crave another and then another. Cremant is often an excellent and less expensive alternative to Champagne while also possessing more quality and character than cheaper bubbly like sweeter Prosecco. Enjoy a bottle of this Cremant with a big bag of potato chips.

2) 2010 Villa Franciacorta Boké Rosé ($24.99)
This intriguing Italian sparkling wine is a blend of 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir and spent at least 36 months in the bottle on the lees. The 2010 vintage was a bit rainy during the growing season but the harvest took place under ideal conditions. I am impressed with this wine, loving its bright and fruity nose. It is crisp and dry, elegant and complex, with plenty of red fruit flavors, enhanced with some mineral notes. It possesses a lengthy, satisfying finish and is plain delicious, one of those wines that you finish and immediately ask for another glass (or bottle). Highly recommended. The best wines are definitely those that have you seeking more.

3) NV La Clé de la Femme Champagne ($34.99)
As I mentioned yesterday, the people behind 90+ Cellars wines have created a few new labels, to better highlight wine terroir, and this is another of those wines. This is authentic French Champagne, a blend of 80% Pinot Meunier and 20% Chardonnay. This is a more unusual blend as Pinot Meunier rarely headlines a Champagne, most often being a minor player in a blend. I loved the flavors of green apple, red berries, and underlying spice and nutty notes within this bubbly. It is dry and crisp, an easy drinking Champagne with plenty of character for the price. This Champagne can easily compete with many House Champagnes that cost $50 or more. An excellent value choice.

4) 2012 Klinker Brick Winery The Old Ghost Old Vine Zinfandel ($37.99)
This winery, located in Lodi, California, owns 15 vineyard blocks where the Zinfandel vines are aged from 40-117 years old. This wine is made from the very best of their 90+ year old vines and is aged for about 18 months in 40% French and 60% American oak barrels. This wine is inky purple in color, with a nose of dark spice and dark berries. On the palate, it is a supple, rich and elegant wine with concentrated ripe plum, blackberry and black cherry flavors, accented by dark spices, hints of vanilla,and a touch of eucalyptus. Good complexity, well balanced and with a long and satisfying finish. An impressive wine which is fairly priced, and indicative of the wonders that old vines can bestow.

5) 2011 Adega de Borba Cork Label Reserve ($18.99)
This Portuguese red wine is a blend of Aragonez, Trincadeira, Castelão and Alicante Bouschet. This is a big wine yet it is still silky smooth with lush black fruit flavors and a long, spicy finish. There is a herbal undertone with an exotic element that will tantalize and intrigue your palate. It possesses plenty of complexity and a balanced taste that will please almost any wine lover. It is would benefit from a food pairing, such as a nice steak or lamp chop. At this price point, it is also an excellent value.

6) 2013 Joan d'Anguera Altaroses ($16.99)
From the Montsant region of Spain, this wine is made from 100% Granatxa, the old Catalan term for Grenache, and the grapes are from vines that are about 15-40 years old. The vineyards are organic and certified Biodynamic. The wine was crafted to resemble the traditional wines of the region, a lighter style of Grenache. It is light red in color, with a pleasing aroma of red fruits and spice. On the palate, it is light bodied but with a compelling melange of flavors of dark cherry and strawberry, rich spice, and an earthy undertone. Mild tannins, nice acidity, and plenty of elegance. It is an easy drinking wine, but with plenty of character, especially at this price point.

7) 2011 Château La Tour Grise Chenin Blanc “Les Fontenelles,” ($24.99)
From the Loire Valley, France, this organic wine is made of 100% Chenin Blanc and had an intense orange-brownish color, which will change to a more clear, yellow color if left decanted over night. The wine had a mild, funky aroma though it generally dissipated with some time in the glass. It intrigued my palate with its complex and intriguing flavors, from its strong minerality to its honey and apricot notes. Plenty of acidity, floral notes, a savory aspect, and more led to an impressive wine. The wine's umami aspect means it pairs well with a variety of foods. If you are seeking something different, this is a wine you should check out.

8) 2012 Mellasat White Pinotage ($26.99)
This South African wine (pictured above) may be the only still white Pinotage made anywhere in the world. Under South African wine law, it cannot be labeled as a "white wine" because it is made from red grapes. Instead, it must be labeled as "blanc de noirs." In a blind taste test, it won't remind you of a typical Pinotage but you will find it complex, intriguing and delicious. There is a certain richness to the wine, likely due to the time on the lees, but there is plenty of crisp acidity to balance this richness. That may bring to mind a fine Muscadet. There is an interesting melange of flavors, including tropical fruits and bright citrus, as well as a backbone of minerality. Well balanced and with a lengthy, satisfying finish, Even if you think you dislike Pinotage, you are going to enjoy this wine. It is unique and interesting, delicious and compelling.

9) 2014 Big Flower Wines Rosé ($19.99)
Another South African wine, only 200 cases were produced and only 6 cases were imported into Massachusetts. The Big Flower Rosé intrigued me as it is a blend of 2/3 Petit Verdot and 1/3 barrel fermented Chenin Blanc. The wine possesses a nice salmon color and on the nose presents bright red fruit aromas as well as some floral notes .On the palate, it is crisp and dry, with subtle strawberry and raspberry flavors, along with notes of minerality and stone fruit. It has some richness, an interesting complexity and a lengthy, pleasing finish. I was impressed with this Rosé, which goes beyond a simple quaffing wine. It is very food friendly and I would also enjoy this year round.

10) 2008 Tenuta Castelbuono "Carapace" Montefalco Sagrantino ($36.99)
This wine is produced by the Lunelli family, which also produces excellent Italian sparkling wines under Ferrari Trentodoc (one which is in the Honorable Mention list below). Their Umbrian winery is certified organic and like all Sagrantino DOCG, is made from 100% Sagrantino (using their best grapes) and it was aged for 24 months in large oak casks and at least 12 months in the bottle. With an alluring nose of red and black fruit accompanied by hints of licorice, I was captivated by this wine. It was elegant, with well integrated, smooth tannins and a complex blend of flavors, including black cherry, blackberry, and raspberry. There were also hints of spice and licorice, with a lingering and satisfying finish. A very well-made wine.

This is always my toughest list to compile because there are numerous other excellent wines which I could have added. I had to ponder long over which wines to actually select for the main list, meaning that I had to eliminate other worthy wines. To give some credit to those other worthy wines, which almost made the Top Ten list, I have an Honorable Mention list. These are also wines you definitely should check out.

Honorable Mention
1) 2012 Domaine Schoenheitz Riesling Herrenreben ($22.99)
2) Vinicola Salton Salton Intenso Sparkling Brut ($15.99)
3) NV Ferrari Brut Rosé ($35.99)
4) 2014 Bodega Garzon Albarino ($15.99)
5) Warre's 10 Year Otima Tawny Port ($29.99)
6) Vermouth Del Professore Rosso ($25.99)
7) NV Contadi Castaldi Franciacorta Rosé ($24.99)

8) 2011 Perticaia Montefalco Rosso ($27.99)

9) 2011 Scacciadiavoli di Pambuffetti Montefalco Rosso ($19,99)
10) 2010 Perticaia Montefalco Sagrantino ($39.99)

France occupies the most places on my Top Ten list, with three spots. Italy and South Africa each occupy two spots while California, Portugal, and Spain each occupy one spot.  The list is also broken down into three Sparkling Wines, four Reds, one Rosé, & two Whites (considering the White Pinotage to be "white"). There are no real surprises on the list but it does get interesting when you taken into consideration the Honorable Mentions. In the Honorable Mention list, Italy dominates, occupying six spots. France, Brazil, Uruguay and Portugal each occupy one spot.

When you combine the two lists, Italy dominates with eight spots and France takes second place, with only four spots. Third place is a tie with South Africa and Portugal occupying two spots. Rounding it all out, are California, Spain, Brazil, and Uruguay taking a single spot each. The wines of Montefalco impressed me this year, accounting for their multiple mentions in these lists. In addition, when combining the two lists, you'll find six Sparkling Wines, showing that bubbly was important to me this past year. 

I have plenty of other recommendations for wines at this price point on my blog. There are top notch wines from countries all over the world, made from an incredibly diverse selection of grapes and you can still find plenty of values too. My advice is that you seek out wines outside of your comfort zone. Explore the multitude of diversity in the wonderful world of wine. Taste and try anything new, unique or potentially interesting.  I am sure your search will lead to new favorites.

If you have some of your own recommendations for wines that are over $15 but under $50, please add them to the comments.

2015: Top Ten Wines Under $15

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

As 2016 approaches, it's time once again to reflect upon the past year, to remember and savor many pleasant memories. As 2015 winds down, you'll see plenty lists of the Best and Worst of the past year. As I find value in at least the Best lists, I'll post my own series of Favorite Lists for 2015 over the next few weeks, covering food, wine, sake and spirits. 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 2015 is my Top Ten Wines Under $15. This list includes wines that not only did I enjoy, 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 area, though you might be able to order them from the winery or an online store, dependent on your state's shipping laws.

1) 2013 Earthshaker Wines Pomp & Power Syrah ($14.99)
The people behind 90+ Cellars wines have created a few new labels, to better highlight wine terroir, and this Syrah is one such wine. From the Knights Valley in Sonoma, California, it is easy drinking but with complexity and character, making it a better value. Deep black fruit flavors, strong spice and restrained tannins. A perfect choice for lamb, a hearty Bolognese, or barbecue.

2) 2011 LangeTwins Family Winery Old Vine Zinfandel ($14.99)
From Lodi, California, a region well know for Zinfandel, this wine is produced from a blend of grapes from a 110 year old vineyard as well as much younger grapes. Inky dark in color, this is a rich, muscular and concentrated wine with lots of black fruit flavors, vanilla, and dark spices. Tannins are moderate and it is well balanced so that you won't notice the higher alcohol. For the price, you are getting a lot of wine, making it a very good value.

3) 2011 Castra Rubra Via Diagonalis White ($14.99)
The Castra Rubra ("red fortress") winery, located in Bulgaria, is a relatively new winery, with their first wines released in 2007.  This white blend consists of a melange of Sauvignon Blanc, Grenache Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, and Chardonnay. It is an intriguing wine with a complex blend of peach and pear flavors, with herbal accents and some minerality. It is crisp and dry, with a very satisfying finish. At this price point, I highly recommend this wine as it presents something more unique and tasty.

4) 2009 Castra Rubra Pendar Red ($11.99)
The Bulgarian winery also makes this interesting red blend of 55% Rubin and 45% Merlot. Rubin is an indigenous grape, a cross between Syrah and Nebbiolo. With lots of red fruit aromas and flavors, there is additional complexity with spice notes and hints of earthiness. The tannins are noticeable but restrained and there is a nice, spicy kick on the finish. This is an easy drinking wine with character, which could be enjoyed on its own though pairing it with food might be a better option. Highly recommended.

5) 2011 Quinta da Padrela Red ($12.99)
This Portuguese wine is a blend of Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca, and Touriga Nacional, and was aged for about 12 months in French oak barrels. This is a smooth, easy drinking wine but with the addition of some restrained tannins and spicy elements. There is plenty of tasty red fruit flavors, but also a bit of ripe plum. Though you could drink this wine on its own, I think it might be better paired with food, though again it only needs something simple, from pizza to tacos. This would also be an excellent BBQ wine.

6) 2011 DFJ Vinhos Vega Douro Red ($9.99)
The cheapest wine on this list is a Portuguese wine, which doesn't surprise me in the least. The Vega is a blend of three grapes, including Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Tinta Roriz. I found this wine to be smooth with bright red fruit flavors and a touch of vanilla. It possesses more character than many similarly priced wines, and I could easily drink it on its own. I also would pair this wine with casual meals. from burgers to pizza.

7) NV Fermi Bohigas Rossinyol de Moragas Extra Brut Cava ($14.99)
This Spanish bubbly is produced by Fermi Bohigas, which has been involved in working the vineyards for over 800 years. The wine is produced from a blend of traditional Cava grapes, Macabeo, Xarello and Parellada and is made in the Champenoise method. It is organic and low production, and at this price is an excellent value. With a nice golden color and plenty of tiny bubbles, this is a dry, crisp and delicious Cava. There are tasty flavors of apple and pear, with a tiny hint of toast. It is hard to find such compelling bubbly at such a low price.

8) NV Domaine Schoenheitz Edelzwicker ($14.99)
This intriguing wine is a blend of Chasselas, Sylvaner, Auxerrois, Riesling, Muscat, Pinot Gris & Gewurztraminer (with proportions that change every year). This white wine comes in a one-liter bottle as Alsatian law prohibits them from selling wine in a box. The liter bottle is less expensive and a good choice for restaurants, especially as this wine is designed to be something casual for food. This aromatic wine is light, dry and easy drinking with pleasant citrus and mineral notes. A very good wine at this price point, it has more character than many similarly priced wines from other regions. It is an excellent food wine too.

9) 2013 Bodega Garzon Sauvignon Blanc ($14.99)
Uruguay, with a strong wine culture, is exporting a small portion of their wines and I'm sure their exports will grow each year. They are a region to watch as they are producing many excellent wines. This Sauvignon Blanc appealed to me, being bright and crisp, with summery tastes of citrus and grapefruit. There were not any grassy notes and it was more on the leaner side, an excellent wine for seafood or a warm summer day. Nicely balanced, it had plenty of character for the price, and should appeal to many consumers.

10) 2013 Vincola Salton 013 Salton Classic Tannat Reserva Especial ($10.99)
Also from South American, this wine is from Brazil and is made from 100% Tannat, which is the signature grape of Uruguay. It is dark red in color with an aroma of chocolate and black fruit. On the palate, it is a bit rustic, with moderate tannins, and flavors of chocolate, blackberry, black cherry and some herbal accents. This is a wine that would benefit from pairing with food, especially burgers and BBQ. It is a good wine, just not as soft as many Uruguayan Tannats at this price point, but that is merely a matter of preference, not quality.

Seven countries made the list this year, as opposed to only four last year. California, Bulgaria and Portugal all have two spots on the list and Spain, Brazil, Uruguay and France (Alsace) each have one spot. A number of these wines were tasted at the Boston Wine Expo, and unfortunately I missed the Mohegan Sun Wine Fest, which usually uncovers a few value gems too, California wines don't make this list too often as I often don't find their wines especially compelling at this price point but there are always welcome exceptions. Keep an eye on the wines from Bulgaria, Brazil and Uruguay as you should start to see more of their wines on store shelves and they bear checking out. As for wine types, the list is also broken down into 1 Sparkling Wine, 3 Whites, and 6 Reds.

I have other recommendations for wines under $15 on my blog and you just have to search for them. You can 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 prior article on the subject.

If you have some of your own recommendations for excellent wines under $15, please add them to the comments.