The Cellar: 2 Outstanding (unusual) Reds
Friday, September 26, 2014
As with most of the wines I review, this week’s two features are meant to challenge the way you shop for wine. That said, both of these wines are sure to please as they are both soft, delicious and easy drinking – not mention great values at way under $20 per bottle.
2011 Los Vascos ‘Grande Reserve’ Domanes Barons de Rothschild, Colchagua, Chile
If you love Cabernet Sauvignon, but want to try a different expression of the popular variety, ask for the Los Vascos ‘Grande Reserve’. This wine is from Colchagua Valley in Chile and made by Domaines Barons de Rothschild - yes, the famous Barons de Rothschild - who purchased the Los Vascos Estate in 1988. Before purchasing the winery the people at Rothschild visited many Estates in the region. They ended up choosing Los Vascos because of its location near the ocean and its exceptional soils. Along with ideal weather conditions, Los Vascos benefits from intense exposure to the sun, adequate water sources, semi-arid soils and little risk of frost. At an average of 425 feet above sea level and at just 25 miles from the Pacific Ocean, the microclimate of Viña Los Vascos has everything it needs to produce great wines on a consistent basis.
Their 2011 Grande Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is technically a blend as it consists of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Carmenère, 10% Syrah and 5% Malbec. I like this wine because it displays some of the great characteristics of both New and Old world Cab Sauv. I get a lot of savory aromas and flavors in this wine including nuts, herbs and astringent coffee – even bitter chocolate. There are also lovely ripe plum flavors. The wine is soft and full-bodied and there is an undeniable hint of vanilla (the wine was aged for 12 months in 50% new barrels) but also lingering acidity which keeps everything fresh and vibrant. Great wine for under $20.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST2011 Chateau Coupe Roses ‘La Bastide’, Minervois, France
This week’s second wine is a red blend from the appellation of Minervois located in southwestern France. The appellation takes its name from the village of Minerve, which is located 25 miles from the Mediterranean coast. They have been making wine in this area for a long, long time. In fact archaeological evidence has proven that viniculture in the region dates back to pre-Roman times.
The family owned and operated Chateau Coupe Roses has around 100 acres of mountain vineyards located in the sub-region of ‘high’ Minervois. They make their wine utilizing traditional winemaking methods, meaning there are no additives in the wine and that the winemaker employ a ‘minimal intervention’ strategy during the winemaking process. Their 2011 ‘La Bastide’ is a blend of equal parts ‘old vine’ Carignan and Grenache with 5% Syrah. This is a delicious and super easy drinking wine: soft and rich in red fruit flavors and savory spices. However, the mountain fruit has helped preserve much of the important acidity making this wine refreshing on the finish.
Cheers.
Steffen Rasch is a Certified Sommelier and Specialist of Wine. Feel free to email him at [email protected] with any wine-related question or learn about wine in person by signing up for one of his tastings through the Providence Wine Academy.
Related Slideshow: Rhode Island’s Best Wineries
Related Articles
- The Cellar: Great Spring Whites—Round Pond & Red Newt
- The Cellar: Picket Fence Pinot Noir + Boxler Reserve Edelzwicker
- The Cellar: Berlucchi + Avignonesi
- The Cellar: Wines of South America
- The Cellar: The Wonders of Gewürz
- The Cellar: Quivira Zin + Tabali Viognier
- The Cellar: Franciacorta – Italy’s Champagne
- The Cellar: Reserve Cava, Riesling + the Perfect Port
- The Cellar: How to Preserve and Store Wine
- The Cellar: The Wonders of Madeira Wine
- The Cellar: The King: Amarone
- The Cellar: Discover Tavel
- The Cellar: Pouilly-Fumé—the other Sauvignon Blanc
- The Cellar: Late Summer Values
- The Cellar: New Zealand Pinot Noir
- The Cellar: The King of Wines
- The Cellar: Last Chance for Rosé
- The Cellar: Two Wines You Should Always Have On Hand
- The Cellar: Expand Your Palate
- The Cellar: For the Love of Cabernet (Franc)
- The Cellar: 3rd Annual Wine, Cheese and Chocolate Market
- The Cellar: The Other Pinot
- The Cellar: Aged Rioja and a Great Chardonnay
- The Cellar: The Making of a World Class Wine