Great wines at low prices |
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Italy
History: Like France, Italy's culture is connected to the vine. And today, Italy remains among the foremost wine producers, turning out about 20 percent of the world's production.
Celebrated varietals: It all starts with Tuscany, the country's premium wine region that has such appellations as Montalcino, Bolgheri, Chianti and Montepulciano. Many Tuscan wines cost $12 or less, including the Remole 2006. This exceptional wine is a tad spicy with black pepper and aromatic herbs. It pairs with almost any pasta dish.
Best buys: A well-priced Italian red wine region is the Barbera, which has nice upfront acidity and sweet oak flavors. It goes well with pasta and spareribs. The Michele Chiarlo Barbera d'Asti 2006 costs about $15.
Alessandro Lunardi, of Italian winemaker Marchesi de' Frescobaldi, says Italian wines are emotions in a bottle and should provide pleasure no matter what the price is. "Today, with a minimum amount of homework, everybody can find exceptional wines at every price level and have a great experience savoring them," Lunardi says.
Spain
History: Spain has become one of industry's pillars for great wine. Today, the country might be delivering the most bang for your buck with that bold international flavor you find in expensive French wine.
Celebrated varietals: "Spanish reds are doing a great. From cellar-worthy, super high-end Riojas and Priorats to immediately accessible Campo de Borja blends, they are very inexpensive," Hughes says. "I love Spain right now."
Best buys: The 2004 Campo Viejo, an award-winning Riojas vineyard, is selling for $14 and pairs beautifully with bleu cheeses. Its bright ruby-red color and complex blackberry aromas leave way for a delicious taste of fruit. This wine and other Spanish wines compete with the world's very best but sell for a fraction of the cost. That's because Spain has more vineyard area than other European countries and much of the wine is distilled for making brandy, Puglia says. "More of these grape growers from lesser-known regions are starting to make decent wine from these grapes instead of trying to sell it in bulk to brandy makers," Puglia says. "Now, lesser-known Spanish regions like Yecla and Jumilla are producing big, ripe jammy reds."
Jason Smith, master sommelier and director of wine for the Bellagio Resort in Las Vegas, recommends buying several value Spanish wines at once. Do your own little taste testing and pay close attention to the importer on the back of the label. Every importer's wines will taste different, he says, and you should stick with the importer that selects wine that meets your expectations. "It's great to read reviews, but nothing is better than tasting," Smith says.
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