First Report on Red Table Wine Search
eagle!cw
As you will probably remember, I began the discussion of a net.wines
group by asking for information of possible red table wines. I would like
to summarize what I have learned so far. First, let me report some
information sent to me by others.
One correspondent noted that two of my original suggestions were Spanish
red wines from Rioja. They were
Marquis de Caceres 76 (? maybe 77 ?)
Olarra 73
The letter also suggested
Marquis de Riscal
Banda Azul
Tondonia
and others, all likely to be available and similar. He points out that
the Torres brands come from another district (Penedes) and in his view
are not really quite as good. My feeling after tasting is that the
Rioja wines have a harsh edge on them that the Torres wines do not. I
am trying some other Rioja's and some other Torres', but I expect that
I will like the Torres better. Still, Rioja is certainly one of the red
wines worth comparison.
Finally, the letter points out that any Spanish consulate is likely to
be happy to give you all the information you want about any of these
wines.
Another correspondent bought a case of Chateau Respide 78(?) for $22
at Bambergers 3 months ago and suggests that it was an excellent bargain.
A third correspondent suggests that French clarets of 78, 79, and 80 are
good for a cellar and quite cheap because of abundance. The manager of
a good liquor store nearby gave the opinion that these would be drinkable
in about 1987 by normal standards, but that the 80's would likely
mature earlier. One 1980 goes for $4/bottle at that store; surely reasonable
in case lots. Both the manager and the letter writer suggest that drinking
these now is, in the writer's word, infanticide.
The correspondent also points out that Ontario "Superior" wines are now
reasonable if you can find them. I have never been a fan of East Coast
wines, but if I see one, I will give it a shot. He says that the wineries
there are now using vinifera, so that there shouldn't be any more Welch's
flavor in the wine.
Finally, another correspondent suggests Mondavi Red Table Wine, certainly
available in abundance here in New Jersey at about $4-$4.50 a bottle.
I bought a bottle today and will report on it.
Two of us doing a local search feel that the Inglenook Vintage (be careful--
don't but Navalle) Burgundy in any year we've tried is quite good. It's
price also hovers around $4/bottle. If I did no worse than this wine, I
would be happy.
Now for my first conclusions.
Marquis de Caceres Both of these were a little harsh. I liked
Olarra the MdC a slightly better. I suspect that
these wines don't get the best possible handling
and might vary from bottle to bottle.
Torres Coronas I am buying a case for immediate consumption.
Inglenook Vintage Burgundy
A standard of comparison below which I need not
fall.
Premiat This is a line of Roumanian wines. Although they
have been touted as good value and good wine, I
think that they are harsh and do not have good
red varietal flavor. I also get some earthy
taste from them.
I bought a mixed case from all over the world today, including Chilean,
French, Spanish, and Californian wines. I will report as I taste these.
Prices: Both the Torres and the mixed were $45/case all found. This comes
to $3.75/bottle.
I hope you folks will continue this discussion so that I have a lot more
wines to taste.
Charles Wetherell
eagle!cw