Weeknight Wines

                Doesn’t matter if you call them “bargain” wines, weeknight wines, spaghetti and pizza wines or the stuff you swill after you’ve opened the good bottles at a party, there is always a need for less expensive, yet drinkable wines. I’m talking about wines under about 12 bucks – you know the ones. My friends at Jacob liquor offer a case of wine for $100 bucks each month – red, white or mixed. Not wines you are planning on holding for several years before popping open, ones you even open for the gulping in-laws or guzzling friends.

                I found a brand that I like – simply called Line 39 – a winery that makes wine north of latitude 39 (or is it longitude). This means the north end of Sonoma, Napa, Mendicino and Lake Counties in California.  The average retail is about $10 and I get it for 6 or 7 bucks on sale. They have two whites, but I haven’t been able to try them. They just released a Merlot, it isn’t available here. The main ones I like (and have tried again and again) are the Cabernet Sauvignon and the Petite Sirah. Surprisingly, the got a mid-80 score from the Wine spectator.

                The Cabernet is pretty standard fare, not a long lasting aftertaste, modest fruit – berry and hints of cola and bell pepper, with no tannins. What you want from a pizza wine – straightforward, and in your face. Serve it with grilled meat and no one will complain, except the wine snobs, when they hear the price.

                The Petite Sirah is the real treasure. Now, Bogle makes a good Petite, as well as Concannon. But for an under $10 bottle, you won’t find a better Petite. It is big and jammy, full of unctuous fruit – red and black berries, as well as a touch of tar. No real tannins, but a surprising aftertaste that lingers. I have always thought that this grape is under rated, but the good news is you can try some cheap and enjoy it!

                OK – so here’s my latest report, I’ll try to be back in a week or so with more information and opinions. Meanwhile, keep popping those corks and I’ll meet you behind the grape vines.