Comments on: Where are the thirst-quenching domestic reds?

By: Michael K.

Michael K. — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 05:10:56 +0000

I know I’m late to the party, but Preston’s sabbath-only Guadagni jug fits the bill. But, shh, don’t tell anyone.

By: Nathan

Nathan — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 20:01:59 +0000

As far as I am concerned, this is THE question–especially for Oregon winemakers. I often find myself just craving a 12.5% (or less) aromatic and complex lighter red–especially pinot noir. Maybe something like a Jura. Maysara has the 3 degrees. St. Innocent sometimes tilts toward this. Rarely does anyone achieve the minerality and low alcohol I’m thinking of, though. Aren’t we all ready for something like this?

By: Byron Crawford

Byron Crawford — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 00:41:46 +0000

Surprised that the McKinlay makes it out to Chicago…its a steal. And to previous posters mentioning OR and WA wines..they are dead on. The 2008 vintage in WA produced some wonderfully restrained cabs that are the closest to BDX you’ll find outside of France. A strange quasi-red that fits this category…Gilbert’s (WA) rose of Mouvedre after about 2 years of age. Drinking the 2009 right now and its not Bandol, but it does evolve into one hell of a drink for $10-$15 bucks…all hibiscus tea and sweet beet root.

By: Wine Cellar Roundup – Episode #79

Wine Cellar Roundup – Episode #79 — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:44:35 +0000

[...] Vino chimes in with a question asking where are the ‘thirst quenching red wines‘ which makes sense to me. The comments give some great [...]

By: Sunshine Mountain Vineyard

Sunshine Mountain Vineyard — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:03:07 +0000

If we’re talking about thirst quenching reds then I must say that the Nero D’Avola, Feudo Arancio, Italy is one great wine for the occasion. It really stands out for its fruity taste for a cost of $20-$21!

By: RobinC

RobinC — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:10:10 +0000

Lemberger, Ridge East Bench Zinfandel

By: gabe

gabe — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:42:56 +0000

Dr V
National Wine Bloggers Conference will be in Portland this year…

By: Daniel Posner

Daniel Posner — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:05:58 +0000

We have been selling the Broc Cellars wines for a couple of years, now.

While some of his wines are not to my liking, many are. Check out his Mourvedre, if you can find it.

By: Philippe Newlin

Philippe Newlin — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:43:06 +0000

Richard Sanford’s Alma Rosa Pinot Gris ~ definitely a vin de soif ~ and it almost follows the French price-mantra weighing in around fifteen bucks.

By: Dr. Vino

Dr. Vino — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:58:54 +0000

This just in: Jenny & Francois are pitching this Deep Creek Cellars as a “vin de soif” from Maryland:
http://www.jennyandfrancois.com/wines/usa/deep-creek-cellars/

By: J.Č. / Jižní svah

J.Č. / Jižní svah — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:10:56 +0000

Dr. Vino: I was talking about it with several MW’s which were evaluating wines in Prague and they were also kind of perplexed what’s going on in here But the answer is quite simple… money You can charge significantly more for opaque strong barrique red than for lighter quaffable one these days Regardless what kind of enzymes, artificial tannins and other stuff you had to use to make them from grapes of whatever internationaly acclaimed varietal you choose (in current TOP 100 wines from Czech Republic there is three times more Cabernet Savignon wines than our most rewarded ones from Welschriesling, I just don’t get it) hanging on vines until it’s criminally overripe. I’m not buying those “let’s make it look like Chile” wines anymore, at least not the renditions from Czech Republic (which is much more suited for completely different style), but it seems I’m in minority…

By: Dr. Vino

Dr. Vino — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:57:56 +0000

Thanks for all the great comments here.

Steve – Your Bone Jolly was definitely worth mentioning. Sorry to have not done so.

Grochau Cellars Commuter Cuvee definitely sounds like it fits the bill! Sigh, another reason to love Portland…I’ll have to try to get out there and try it.

Scott – yes, frustrating, isn’t it?

J.C. – I love the Terres Dorees in almost every vintage. Yes, that’s the sort of vin de soif we’re talking about. Interesting that even in the Czech Republic there’s been a move away from that style. How do you explain the shift?

Ben – thanks for the observations from Down Under. I read an article recently saying that imports are booming in Australia thanks to the strong Aussie dollar. So maybe you will be getting bargains on your vin de soif from France?

Quizicat – try a good Beaujolais, if you haven’t already!

By: VintageConfusion

VintageConfusion — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:19:06 +0000

Hmmm…. I really like Pindar Vineyard’s Sweet Scarlet for a a thirst quenching red. Them again, I am biased here on two fronts: one, I find a little sweetness to be more easily quaffable then its opposite (what would you call that? Dryness? More tannic? Certainly not acidic – think lemonade, I guess.) Two: I really like Long Island wines.

By: Joe Jensen

Joe Jensen — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:09:26 +0000

I have the good fortune to sell Matt Kinne’s McKinlay Vinyards Willamette Valley Pinot Noir here in Chicago and it is a perfect thirst quencher! Around $20 here,12.5 in alcohol and easy to drink. Wines like Matt’s should be a somm or restaurant owners dream, so easy to drink you may have to order a second bottle!

By: gabe

gabe — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 06:40:08 +0000

we are making a lot of those types of wines here in Oregon and Washington, but they are still pretty small production, and struggling to gain traction outside the state.

Grochau Cellars is trying to double the production of the Commuter Cuvee without raising the price, but it is a work in progress. He is also part of the Guild, a group of local winemakers making $10 bottles of red & white blends. Keep an eye on those guys, they are hugely popular around Portland