I’ve realized that most of the wines included on my “quest for the best summer value wines” have either been bubbles or whites. Although it is true that I do drink a lot of white wine in the summertime I also indulge in my fair share of red wines as well, especially due to the increasing quantity of smoked meats we have been cooking up this summer (deep spicy red wines and spicy smoked pork ribs, mmmm). I do, however, find it more difficult to find great red wines in the $10 range than great white wines (don't fear they do exist). But seriously, when it’s hot outside, damn, it’s just so nice to have a refreshing, cold, crisp wine to quench my thirst! Am I right?
This week, however, we have had a stream of weird cold weather in Portland… even some rain! Shocker… rain in Portland, OR… nooo! How could that be?!
So, yesterday, I just gave into the gloomy weather, pretended it was winter, cuddled up with a movie, and popped open a bottle of Malbec.
Ever since I started studying for my Sommelier exams I have become more in love with Argentinean Malbecs. Not only can they be rich and delicious wines, but many are also in a price range almost unbeatable by most North American reds of the same quality standard! I have found some fantastic everyday drinking Malbecs for $10 or under! You show me some North American wines of that caliber and I’ll shut up! Until then, I’ll continue to preach about my new South American obsession.
Wine #6 in my quest for the perfect summer wines
2008 Gouguenheim Malbec Valle Escondido
This wine was very fruit forward with lots of rich chocolate, black berry, black cherry on the nose. The mouth had a nice light spice with more chocolate, vanilla, rich, juicy plum, black berries along with medium tannins on the finish. For the price point this wine had a very nice balance of fruit, earth, and richness. The wine wasn’t anything super complex or mind boggling, but for $10 bucks I would certainly be happy having a supply of this wine as an everyday red… one of those wines you can rely on, but don’t think too much about when you’re drinking it.
Although we consumed this wine alone, I think it would go great with any of the delicious smoked meals we’ve been making lately, like our BBQ smoked pork ribs! Yum! Will I buy this wine again? Most certainly! Like I said it’s hard to find a wine of this caliber for $10!
Winery: Gouguenheim Winery
Region: Mendoza, Argentina
Grapes: Malbec
Retail: $10.99
Alcohol: 13.5 % vol.
As seen locally at Whole Foods Market, Downtown Portland
I love a good malbec, especially in the midwest humid summers. I will be looking for this wine in the local shops.
I was wondering if you have any advise for anyone starting a blog about wine and drinks? Also, can I add your site to my links list? (figured it was rude to add witout asking)
Thank you for the blog, please keep it coming
Posted by: Dee Wineo | July 15, 2009 at 05:15 PM
Hi Dee Wineo,
Thanks for following the blog.
I'd say my best advice to you is to just start it! Start with your first post and keep going. And try to stay consistent with your posts. You'll get better and better with each post! Just write about all the wine and drinks that inspire you... it will probably make you want to experience (and experiment) more, which in turn will add more creative content to your blog.
In terms of a starting point (if you haven't already started), there are a lot of great blog sites to use... I would recommend TypePad or WordPress, both are easy to use and WordPress is free.
Good luck!
And yes, of course you can add me to your links! What's yours? I'll add you to mine.
Cheers, Mary
Posted by: Mary Cressler | July 15, 2009 at 06:49 PM
Ah, my parent company is the importer for Gouguenheim. There's a 100 percent chance that either I or my coworker Darryl handled that bottle you're drinking before it got shipped out to your store. I love Argentinian wines, and the Gouguenheim is one of my favorites.
Posted by: Wineaccguy | January 22, 2010 at 06:19 AM