Let’s Party!

The challenge was laid down: find three wines for a large party, but none of the “usual suspects,” and nothing over $14.   The goal was to select one sparkling, one white and one red wine.  In other words, find some fun, easy drinking, good value wines that won't bust the budget when bought in bulk.

We made some Wine Concepts suggestions for each category, and then convened a panel of twelve discerning wine drinkers.  In making the selections, we used the Wine Concepts rating system:

• Thumbs up (↑ )      I liked it and would buy it with my own money.
• Thumbs down (↓)  No thanks, I’ll pass.
• Neutral (⇔)            I’ll drink it since it’s in front of me, but I’m not spending my money on that.

After everyone evaluated the wines, we held a group vote on the favorite for each category.  We also proved the old adage that the best wine is usually the last wine.  Even with small pours, after the first several wines it all seemed pretty good!

The contestants and the winners.

• Sparkling wine.
  • Carpenè Malvolti NV Prosecco ($11). This wine is from the Conegliano Valdobbiodene region in Northeast Italy.  It has nice peach notes, and is one of the most consistent proseccos.  A historical note: Carpenè Malvolti was founded in 1868 and began the modern prosecco era (where the second fermentation occurs in a tank rather than the bottle).
  • Charles de Fère NV Reserve dry rosé ($12).  This sparkler is produced in France’s Burgundy region using the traditional method (second fermentation in the bottle), but using grapes (Gamay, Cabernet, Cinsault) sourced from throughout France.   The “dry” classification means that it has a touch of sweetness, but that's offset by the acidity so you probably won't even notice it.  The wine is a "mousseaux," meaning that it contains less carbonation and is made under less exacting standards than champagne.

• • The verdict: Both wines were well received, and the vote was close.  The winner was the Charles de Fère rosé.   Either wine is good as an aperitif, with charcuterie or with fried foods.

• White wines.

• • 2018 Grey Rock, Marlboro, NZ Sauvignon Blanc ($13).  This is a nice entry-level Sauvignon Blanc, with typical tropical and citrus notes and good acidity.  Grey Rock also makes a nice Reserve version for about $5 more - well worth it if it fits your budget.   Great as an aperitif, it also pairs well with seafood and salad.
  • Domaine des 3 Versants, Muscadet Sèvre et Maine ($12).  This wine is made from the Muscadet grape in the Pays Nantais region of France's Loire Valley, not far from the Atlantic Ocean.  People often overlook Muscadet, but it pairs well with oysters, scallops, hors d’oeuvres, and curried Thai or Indian.
  • The verdict:  A tie!  Although no one gave either wine a thumbs down, the judges tended to have strong preferences for one and be neutral to the other.
• Red wines.

• • 2016 Banfi Centine ($9).  This was the bargain wine of the group.  It's a Tuscan red blend of 60% Sangiovese, 20% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon.  This is a nice, easy drinking wine that pairs with roasts, game, pasta and cheese.
  • 2016 Los Vascos  Cabernet Sauvignon Grande Reserve, Domaines Barons de Rothschild, Colchagua Valley, Chile ($14).  The background on this wine is that the Domaines Barons de Rotschild (Lafite), which produces one of the most prestigious Bordeaux wines, established a vineyard in Chile and applied its expertise to making a New World Cabernet.  This typically is a very good wine, but unfortunately the bottle that we opened was flawed, showing some oxidation and other problems.  So, this wine had a mixed reaction, and deservedly so.  It's unusual to find a flawed bottle these days, but it happens . . .
  • 2017 Kermit Lynch Côtes de Rhône ($15).  For the past 30 years, Kermit Lynch has traveled to Avignon, in the southern Rhône Valley, and selected wines for his Côtes du Rhône.  This blend contains 48% Grenache, 35% Syrah and several minor grapes.  This is a far better wine than one would expect at this price level, with soft tannins, black fruit, spice and good acidity.  It pairs well with chicken, beef or pasta.

• • The verdict: The Kermit Lynch was the clear winner.  The Banfi received mostly thumbs up and a couple of neutrals.  And because of the flaw, the Los Vascos received mostly neutral or negative reactions.

Well, that’s the way it was… We hope this gives you some ideas for your holiday parties – or every day drinking wines.  All of these wines are widely available and good quality.

The Wine Concepts blog will take next week off for the holiday - Happy Thanksgiving all!