My Picks: Vintages Release – December 5

Here’s my shopping list for the Vintages Release on December 5.

What am I looking for? Three things.
Organic: I’m always on the lookout for wines certified biodynamic, or organic, perhaps even natural (I’ll have more on this in an upcoming post.)
Off the Beaten Track: I’m keen on lesser-known or underappreciated varietals and blends, so you’re unlikely to find any Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay on my shopping list. I do buy them, but they don’t need any more publicity.
Value: I’m looking for wines at less than $30. Again, I do go over, but that’s not the focus here.

And I try to keep the list to a dozen.

Organic
1. EBLIN-FUCHS ELLENWIHR RIESLING 2007, AOC Alsace; #141234;
Price: $ 17.95; 12.8% ABV; Made In Alsace, France
ECOCERT, one of the world’s largest organic-certification organizations, certified Eblin-Fuchs as organic. And this is one of my favourites: a Riesling from Alsace.

Off the Beaten Track
2. PETALUMA HANLIN HILL RIESLING 2008, Clare Valley; #138537;
Price: $ 21.95; 12.5% ABV
When we think of Australia, we tend to think of hot climates that yield hefty Shiraz and Chardonnay. But Riesling is the big deal in Clare Valley, a cooler climate region near Adelaide. It’s unjustly underappreciated.

3. GÉRARD BERTRAND RÉSERVE SPÉCIALE VIOGNIER 2008, Vin de Pays D’Oc; #147975;
Price: $ 16.95; 13.0% ABV
I have a thing for Languedoc wines now. And I need some Viognier.

4. There are three 2007 reds from three different AOC within Languedoc, all for under $20. Pick the first one…or, like me, all 3.

CHÂTEAU L'HOSPITALET LA RÉSERVE ROUGE 2007, AOC Coteaux du Languedoc – La Clape; #682492; Price: $ 19.95; 13.5% ABV

CHÂTEAU DU PRIEURÉ DES MOURGUES 2007, AOC Saint-Chinian; #985598; Price: $15.95; 12.7% ABV

MONT TAUCH TRADITION CARIGNAN/GRENACHE/SYRAH 2007, AOC Fitou; #142810;
Price: $ 16.95; 13.5% ABV

The Southwest of France is another underappreciated region. Two picks from here:

5. CAVE DE CROUSEILLES FOLIE DU ROI MADIRAN 2006; #147991;
Price: $ 17.95; 13.5% ABV
Made from 100% Tannat. If you like duck confit, you’ve got to have some Madiran. It’s the perfect match.

6. CHÂTEAU DE CHAMBERT 2004, AOC Cahors; #720821; Price: $ 19.95; 12.5% ABV
A blend of 71% Malbec, 20% Merlot and 9% Tannat. Try some Old World Malbec!

The Iberian Peninsula is a goldmine of fantastic wines made from lesser-known varietals:

7. GLORIA RESERVA 2004, DOC Douro; #146522; Price: $ 17.95; 13.3% ABV
An equal blend of Tinta Roriz (what the Portuguese call Tempranillo) and Touriga Nacional (most often used to made port).

8. ATTECA OLD VINES 2007, DO Calatayud; #103473; Price: $ 21.95; 14.6% ABV
Made from 100% old vine Garnacha (Grenache), which is quickly becoming one of my favourite varietals

9. CHAPILLON CUVÉE HARMONIE PETIT VERDOT/TANNAT 2006, DO Aragon; #143933;
Price: $ 14.95; 13.9% ABV
Wow, an unusual blend of 90% Petit Verdot (normally grown in Bordeaux and used there to add flavour and tannins) and 10% Tannat. Have to try this.

10. JUAN GIL MONASTRELL 2008, DO Jumilla; #13656; Price: $ 15.95; 14.5% ABV
Monastrell (aka Mourvèdre in France) is another lesser-known varietal that packs a punch, another current favourite.

11. PUERTA BONITA G5 GARNACHA 2007, DO Vinos de Madrid; #132266;
Price: $ 19.95; 14.5% ABV
Made from old vine Garnacha

12. RIDGE THREE VALLEYS 2007, Sonoma County; #652875; Price: $ 31.95; 13.7% ABV
In my experience, Ridge is one of the most reliable California producers and this is a blend of mainly two “Californians” – Zinfandel (76%) and Petite Sirah (7%) – with some Syrah, Grenache, and Carignan to give it a Languedoc-like influence.

There are 3 wines from Georgia, and I might try one of these as well.