Tag budget wine

Wine Review: Montes’ Classic Cabernet Sauvignon

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Montes’ Cabernet Sauvignon is Chile’s most recognizable red wine produced by the celebrated Viña Montes’ estate in the Colchagua Valley. This winery is credited with bringing premium Chilean winemaking to wine lovers globally. Their Cabernet Sauvignon is offered in two tiers: the approachable “Classic” series and the more robust premium “Alpha” series. 

Montes’ Classic Cabernet Sauvignon features aromas of ripe red and black fruit- think strawberry, plum, and fig carried on a medium body with flavors of red fruit and dark chocolate. Balanced acidity, silky tannins, and a touch of French oak support its easy-drinking profile. It’s a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot with a 14% ABV, making it a natural fit for grilled steak, as well as beef short ribs, lamb chops, and, surprisingly, those gourmet burgers that you see on just about every menu lately. 

If you are looking to add an affordable weeknight Cab to your wine rack that delivers dependable quality without the intense concentration and complexity of much higher-priced Cabs, then you should take a closer look at Montes’ Classic Cabernet Sauvignon. It is easy to find, and at around $10- $15 a bottle, it is a good value for a Cabernet Sauvignon rated 90 pts by James Suckling. 

Photo Credit: Viña Monte’s’

Review: Josh Cellars Pinot Noir “Central Coast” 2020

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If you ever find yourself scanning the shelves of a grocery store or wine mega store searching for a bottle of Pinot Noir that you will enjoy drinking but only costs around $15, more or less, then Josh Cellars Pinot Noir “Central Coast” 2020 just might be the one you’re looking for. 

Josh Pinot Noir is not a small production, celebrity hyped cult wine made by a famous trending winemaker with a big price tag. This California Pinot Noir is a processed wine (A.K.A. mass-produced wine) that is in wide distribution and is targeted to meet the preferences of the largest segment of the U.S. wine market. 

Josh Cellars Pinot Noir “ Central Coast” 2020 is a light ruby color (note the color fades near the rim) with faint aromas of red cherries and raspberries. Flavors of black cherry and light vanilla give way to spice in a light body. The acidity is middle of the road and the finish is acceptable. Pair it with pasta in a light red sauce, as well as, roasted chicken or pork.  

Campo Viejo Tempranillo 2019

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Spanish wines offer some of the best values that you can find in the market today. Good quality and well priced Spanish wine can be found in both red and white if you do some research and are open to try something new. Campo Viejo Tempranillo 2019 is a perfect example of a very drinkable Spanish wine that is both widely distributed and very inexpensive. This red is certainly worth trying when you consider that it can be purchased for around $10 a bottle.

Campo Viejo Tempranillo 2019 is made in Rioja, Spain. Tempranillo is the most widely planted red grape variety in Spain but is not produced as a varietal often. Tempranillo is commonly used as a blending grape due to its neutral profile and ability to enhance the wines it is blended with. This wine is a balanced lighter red wine with no single dominating characteristic but that is not to say it doesn’t have enough structure, acidity, and flavor to be enjoyable. This Tempranillo pairs with tapas, grilled chicken, charcuterie, and of course Pizza.

There is no need for overkill when picking a wine for a meal or event. I try to match the type of wine with the type of event, meal, or group of friends and family I will be sharing it with.