Everyday Reds
$6.99
A great Argentine wine for everyday drinking is Marcus James. This is a wine that really reflects the economic woes of the country. I have heard rumors about people shying away from it because of the price. It usually sells for $3 a bottle or less.
Fecovita, a federation of 5,000 cooperative winemakers, produces Marcus James as well as other Argentine fine wines. Rigorous standards are used to produce the wines, the company’s Web site says, and it’s evident. For example, they use a synthetic cork, which helps protect the wine from exposure to air and preserves the taste. It also is good for re-corking, should the need arise.
I particularly like the Cabernet Sauvignon, but the Merlot is not bad. It’s not quite as soft as the Cab. The Chardonnay is pleasant. It’s not as dry as I like, but still very drinkable.
The grapes are handpicked; the wines are made in a French Burgundy style and are finished in oak casks.
The Cabernet Sauvignon has a deep red color, black cherry and chocolate flavors, a clean, fresh taste and a soft finish. It’s recommended with grilled or roasted poultry. It holds up well with grilled South Carolina barbecue chicken or dry-rubbed, spicy pork tenderloin. It also is quite good with some highly seasoned Asian dishes.
Scarlatta Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, 2005, 1.5 liters
$7.98
$6.99
I like two less expensive Montepulciano d’Abruzzos, which are widely available and very good for the money. I tried Citra Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2005 and Scarlatta Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2005. Both are DOC rated and come in the 1.5-liter bottles. At the New Hampshire Liquor Store, they’re priced within 99 cents of each other. Citra, which is slightly sweet but tannic, is $6.99, and Scarlatta, which has a garish red and green label that belies the quality of the wine, is very dry, has light, fresh grape flavors and seems well balanced. It is $7.98.
When I originally tried these wines, I liked the Scarlatta best, but since then Citra has risen in my estimation. It’s a toss up. Both are great buys for very good ordinary wine.