Even with the rise in prices due to a weak dollar, one can still find European red wines that do not break the bank.
What I would call table wine?
Over the past few weeks, I found 3 new options.
First Clua (El Sola d’en Pol, 2006) from producer Xavier Clua, in the ‘Terra Alta’ appellation in Catalonia (Spain).
This unoaked blend of Grenache (40%), Cabernet Sauvignon (20%), Syrah (20%), Ull de Llebre (Tempranillo, 10%) and Merlot (10%) is a fruit forward offering, simple and pleasant (around $10).
I bought the second pick, Chateau Calissanne (website, French only) as their Rosé was out of stock, I thought I should give their 2006 Red a chance. From the Coteaux d’Aix en Provence appellation, it is a blend of Grenache and Syrah (harvested early September) and Cabernet Sauvignon (harvested late September) from 30 year old vines.
The winemaker describes its robe as fuschia, some wild berry touches to it, fills your mouth with flavors, balanced tannins (around $14).
David McDuff paid a second visit to the property earlier this year and shares his impressions in Getting Reacquainted with Château Calissanne (March 2008).
Last on my list and maybe my favorite of the three Ciacci Piccolomini Toscana Rosso "Poggio Della Fonte" 2005, a ruby red treat with a little earthiness and spice to it.
It is 50% Sangiovese and for the rest Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot (not sure what the exact percentages are).
Want some technical facts: It is aged for 12 months in large Slavonian oak casks for Sangiovese and in
old barriques and tonneaux for Cabernet and Merlot, blendend in tanks then
aged in bottle for 2 months (around $12)…
Recent Red Blends Bits:
No Quatre Quart, De Lisio Quarterback 2006, An Australian Red Blend, Almost Equal Parts