Three Reds You’ve Never Sipped

(but should)

Shiraz – done that.  Cabernet Sauvignon – all the time.  Merlot – yawn.  Pinot Noir – last night. 

Yearning to take a walk on the wild side of red wine? Try these three.  All funky.  All great values.

2004 Conte di Bregonzo- $16.99

Amarone della Valpolicella Classico

Valpolicella (Verona), Italy

Exclusively at Trader Joes

Maybe you’ve sipped an Amarone before, but one for under 17 bucks?  Most are solidly in the $50 + range, so the price alone makes this one special.   Going beyond the stellar price, the process of making this wine is what makes Amarone so unique.  Amarone is produced primarily with Corvina grapes (with a bit of Molinara and Rondella).  After harvest, the grapes are traditionally set out to dry on straw mats (usually on top of the rafters in the winery) for about 4 months.  During this time, the grapes dry out and shrivel up – concentrating the grapes’ sugar and extracting its flavors.  Then the juice goes through a month to 2 months fermentation, after which the wine is aged in oak barrique.  The result is an intensely ripe, rich wine with notes of honeyed raisin, concentrated plum, and chocolate. It is heaven on Earth paired with a hard Pecorino cheese.  Grab a bottle next time you’re in Trader Joes – it’s their own brand.

2005 Dante’s Red - $22

Bodegas Dante Irurtia

Uruguay

A blend of Tannat and Nebbiolo grapes.  Tannat is a hightly tannic grape (hence the name – called Cahors in France) that originally hailed from southwest Bordeaux.  Combine that with Nebbiolo – the King of grapes from Italy that produces the regal Barolo and you’ve got one of the most unique wines ever.  I love this wine – bold and juicy, with notes of cedar and spice.  

Golden Kaan $10

Pinotage

Western Cape, South Africa
The national grape of South Africa, Pinotage wines are characterized by their smoky palate.  I appreciated the softer notes on the Golden Kaan – juicy black berry fruit with lots of plum.  Safeway just started carrying this one.

Sip guilt-free!  Did you read the New York Times article that declares drinking red wine may slow aging?  Better than Botox…

Cheers!

The Vino Vixen™ is Mari Stull – Syndicated wine columnist, correspondent for Wine Taste TV, member of the Society of Wine Educators and wine director for The Carlyle Club. Have a wine question or comment for Mari?  She can be reached at VinoVixen@vinovixen.com.