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Wines
of the Week: Great French Buys for Under $20
There
are so many great value wines today, and while some people think
good French wines are always overpriced, we've found numerous
palate pleasing bottles from all over their countryside that
are all available for less than $20.
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Jamais
Renoncer 2016 Cotes Du Roussillon
Winery:
Jamais Renoncer
Grape(s): Syrah,
Grenache, & Carignan
Region: Roussillon, France
Year:
2016
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 10-15
Review:
Blackberries, raspberries, and cherries mingle among suggestions
of pepper and earth on the nose. A combo of red and dark
berries take shape on the palate, accented by peppery
and earthy notes. Hearty flavors and a medium body endear
this wine to a plate of gourmet sausages.
Rating: 89 |
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Marie
de Beauregard 2015 Vouvray
Winery:
Marie de Beauregard
Grape(s): 100%
Chenin Blanc
Region: Loire Valley, France
Year:
2015
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
Notes of ripe pears and peaches come together among hints
of candied Ginger and honeysuckle on the nose. A sip delivers
flavors of pear, peach, and golden apple, along with suggestions
of honey, toasted almond, and white blossoms. Slightly
sweet but still quite fresh, it will pair nicely with
grilled white fish.
Rating: 90 |
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A
D'Arche 2016 Vin De Bordeaux
Winery:
A D'Arche
Grape(s): 80%
Merlot & 20% Cabernet
Region: Bordeaux, France
Year:
2016
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 10-15
Review:
A nice combination of dark fruit, dark chocolate, and
dusty earth rises up from a glass. Notes of black cherry,
blackberry, and currant flow into suggestions of cocoa,
anise, and minerals on the palate. Well balanced flavors
and tannins endear this wine to pairing with a wild mushroom
risotto.
Rating: 89 |
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Jeff
Carrel 2015 Languedoc Les Darons
Winery:
Jeff Carrel
Grape(s): 75%
Grenache, 20% Syrah, & 5% Carignan
Region: Languedoc, France
Year:
2015
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 10-15
Review:
Blackberries, raspberries, and cherries mingle among notes
of spice and spring flowers on the nose. With a sip, flavors
of blackberry, dark cherry, and plum unfold into elements
of minerals and spice. A fine balance of fruity and savory
flavors make this a standout Rhone-style blend for the
price.
Rating: 90 |
By
Jason Barlow
Other
Related Links:
96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
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*Wines
rated with a "+" need
a bit more time to reach peak quality
but will
do so over the coming years
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