WineLife365

Posts Tagged ‘Wines under $10’

Yesterday, I took a ride over to our local public library hoping to find that world famous, classic cookbook called, “Mastering the Art of French Cooking,” By Julia Child and Simone Beck.  It’s been one of those things on my ‘to-do list’ for quite some time.  When I turned into the library’s parking lot, I noticed a large group of people (young, old and somewhere in between) all medievaled-up with their bad selves, jousting and doing some sort of role playing.  It was like something straight out of Camelot.  Who knows, maybe they had some intel about an evil plot to take over the library, and were preparing for an epic battle to protect it.

After watching a little bit of the lawn play, I regained my focus and made my way inside, hoping to find the Child’s and Beck book.  Unfortunately, they didn’t have it.   Anywho…I’m guessing that it was witnessing a bunch of people playing out their medieval fantasies and visions of French cuisine that was the catalyst for Day 11 of my 25 Days of Christmas countdown.

Thoughts of epic battles, knights, castles and royal feasts made me think of a place called Gascony.   Not familiar?  If you check out some tourism links about Gascony, here’s what you’re likely to find:   

1. The attraction of the Gascony is its empty roads, undulating landscape of vineyards, orchards, and fields, with stunning views of the Pyrenees.
2. This place is all medieval, with dungeons and such.
3. These guys are hardcore cricket players. Did you know that France’s cricket team came in second place in the 1900 Olympics?
4. The World Championship melon eating contest is held every year here.  Now, that’s some serious stuff – you had better book your room now.
5. They’re all about the Three Musketeers. I guess because of the town being all medieval.
6. Favorite local cuisine is foie gras.  Yes, the French can even make duck’s liver sound fancy.

Now that we know a little bit about the lay of the land, I’d like to share what it is that we’re drinking this holiday season.

It’s an $8 gem called, 2010 Domaine Des Cassagnoles Vin De Pays.  It packs a sleigh load of refreshing holiday cheer, thanks to a bounty of grapefruit, lemon and lime flavors; qualities that are similar to a Sauvignon Blanc.  Whatever it is, we LOVE it and think you and your holiday guests will to!

Beware, though:  this is one holiday guest that may never leave your house, even after the holidays are over!! 

It’s not all about the gifts – it’s really about love…right?  I gotta say, there was a lot of love for Spanish red wines in our casita in 2011!

Here are 3 Spanish Delights that’ll have you and your friends singing Feliz Navidad all season!

The first selection is no stranger here at WineLife365.com.  It just keeps bringing Sexy Back, again and again, with remarkable consistency.  Just like past vintages, the 2010 Altovinum Evodia Old Vines Garnacha is, yet again, pure liquid gold in the under $10 wine category.  

If you’re looking to crank up the dial and prefer a comfortable and friendly Old World feel, then the 2007 Ramon Bilbao Limited Edition Tempranillo offers familiar flavors of cherry, vanilla, leather and black pepper.  For around $18 per bottle, it’ll elevate a plate of assorted meats, cheeses and olives to new heights.

Finally, our late season find (thanks to a recommendation), leads us to an amazing, mouth-filling red from the sub-region of Priorat.  The 2010 Bodegas La Cartuja Priorat is a delicious blend of 50% Garnacha, 30% Mazuelo (aka Cariñena or Carignane), 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Syrah.  After trying all three wines, a friend of mine said, “I LOVE all three, but if you want to go all the way and furthest, then the 2010 Bodegas La Cartuja Priorat is the one that will take you there!”  $15 and I get to go all the way?!  Sounds like a good deal to me! 

BTW – no need to worry about a few broken ornaments when you come to my house! Mi casa es su casa, dear friends!

SIMMA DOWN NA!  Even though I’ve been guzzling down and raving about good and cheap white wine on  Day 2 and Day 4, don’t think that I’ve forgotten about you bargain-hunting red wine lovers .

As you begin wrapping those gifts, chowing down on hot pizza pies and MF-ing yourself for cutting the paper too short, the 2010 Maipe Malbec from Argentina is a cheap and tasty red that’ll ease your pain.

This affordable, everyday Malbec packs a nice spicy punch of plum, fig, strawberry, mint and black pepper. Delish with pizza!

I don’t know about you, but wrapping gifts while inhaling a large pepperoni, sausage and mushroom pizza requires a whole lot more than a 750 ml bottle.  Guess what?!  The 2010 Maipe Malbec from Argentina can be Super-Sized, too!  So it’s there for you whether you want a little or a lot!

The 750 ml bottle will set you back around $10 and the 3L box is less than $30, in most parts of the United States.

Happy wrapping!

This time of year inspires many to help others in need.  Earlier this year, I met two amazing, yet very different guys from two totally different backgrounds.  These two men have joined forces for one unified goal – to help provide footwear to those in need.

Wayne Elsey is the CEO/Founder of one of the fastest growing nonprofits in the United States:  Soles4Souls.  The company’s mission is to collect new shoes to give relief to the victims of abject suffering and they collect used shoes to support micro-business efforts to eradicate poverty.

To date, Soles4Souls has distributed more than 12 million pairs of shoes in more than 127 countries around the world.  Over half (55% to be exact) are distributed in the United States.  Soles4Souls now gives away one pair of shoes every seven seconds.

This past year, Souls4Souls forged a unique partnership with Flipflop Wines.  Flipflop Wine is a collection of hang-loose, don’t let anything bother you style of wines created by vintner, David Georges.   David’s goal was to craft a line-up of wines meant to be enjoyed anytime, while staying true to each wine’s varietal character at a price point that doesn’t break the bank for every day wine lovers.  All of the Flipflop Wines retail for less than $10 throughout the US.

Here’s the best part:  Through their partnership with Soles4Souls, a pair of flip-flop sandals will be given to someone in need for every bottle of Flipflop Wine purchased this year. 

So what are you waiting for?  Get out there and buy some Flipflop wines and help those in need this holiday season!