10 Rainy-Day Wines Under $20
By Maureen C. Petrosky
Gloomy skies have a way of making the indoors seem stuffy, but it's the perfect chance to catch up on your wine tasting. There's plenty of fun to be had sipping and swirling your way through the following wines. Some are winners and others merely runners-up, but finding out is half the fun. Hope this list helps bring a little sunshine to your next rainy day.
1. Palo Alto Reserve Sauvignon Blanc, $12
After a winter of sipping big reds this bright white from Chile is an invigorating shock to the taste buds. A clean fragrance of fresh-squeezed citrus and a mouthful of casually introduced acidity leave you looking forward to the next sip. This wine evokes dreams of the steamy summer days to come.
2. Borsao Crianza, 2006, $15
There's no better time than a rainy day to explore something new. The Borsao brand, from Spain's Campo de Borja region, pumps out delicious red wine at bargain prices, so seize the moment if you haven't tried one. This red is rich and full of ripe fruit. It's spent time in French and American oak building great tannin structure, with hints of vanilla and cedar in the nose.
3. Borsao, Red Wine, 2007, $8
This Borsao, like the above blend, is made of mostly Garnacha with 25 percent Tempranillo. For under $10 this will definitely cheer up even the gloomiest day. It's easy drinking but that doesn't mean it's watery. This is a big red with a little price tag.
4. Juan Gil, Jumilla Red Wine, 2006, $16
This one falls into the Spanish adventure category as well. If you're looking to shake things up in your cellar, this red is made of 100 percent Monastrell, almost identical to the Mourvedre grape from Rhone. This is a deep, intense red with high alcohol. It's a perfect warm-you-up wine. Leave this one to breathe and make your rainy day fade as you swirl the aromas of ripe berries and sip the full fruit juice stitched with playful hints of spice.
5. Kim Crawford, Pinot Noir, 2007, $18
While I usually favor K.C.'s wine, this red seems a bit forced. It's more purple and intense in color than I want from a playful Pinot. On the palate it's all over the place and finishes all in the back of the throat and roof of your mouth. If you like bigger and bolder you'll dig this Pinot, but skip it if you're looking for silky smooth.
6. Domain Schlumberger Riesling, Les Princes Abbes, 2005, $19
This is a fabulous taste of Alsace. Brimming with orange blossom, honey and rubber band all in one sniff, you know your taste buds are in for a treat. This elegant white tickles your tongue and makes your cheeks water. Think candied lemon or key lime pie and watch the rain give way to sunshine right in the reflection of your wineglass.
7. Renwood, Barbera, 2005, $12
This little red bird reminds you that spring is just beyond the rain. The wine sings of strawberry fields and simple picnics in the park. It's light-bodied and juicy and perfect to share with a friend.
8. Tapena, Verdejo, 2007, $8
Here's a fun little Spanish white grape that pours up a smooth sip full of succulent pears. It's easy on the purse strings and pleasant on the palate.
9. Penfold's Thomas Hyland, Shiraz, 2005, $12
An oldie but goodie. If you don't know Penfold's, Australia's oldest winery, get to know it through their Thomas Hyland portfolio of wine. This Shiraz oozes luxury with aromas of ripe blackberries and smoked meats. The juice is luscious and prickled with cracked black pepper. Delish alone or with simply seared lamb chops.
10. Georges Duboeuf Brouilly, 2006, $15
April showers bring May flowers but if you can't wait, you can get your fill with any of Duboeuf's floral-labeled Cru Beaujolais. This lovely Brouilly is light-bodied with fresh vibrant fruits, like juicy plums and bursting berries. This sip is a surefire way to brighten any rainy day.
*Prices listed are based on the standard 750 ml bottle, unless otherwise noted and may vary depending on location and proprietor.
Maureen C. Petrosky is author of The Wine Club: A Month-By-Month Guide to Learning About Wine With Friends.
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