Let Your Palate Be Your Guide
Let Your Palate Guide You To Amazing Wines
My budget has never been able to afford the wines I’d drink if money were no object. My palate has motivated me to be a very discerning buyer, exploring wine producers and regions where I don’t have to pay for a prestigious ‘brand name.’ I want my money going to the quality of the wine in the bottle, not the décor of the tasting room at the Chateau.
South Africa — It’s true, world-renowned Chenin Blanc comes from Anjou-Saumur and Touraine in France’s, Loire Valley. But there is some spectacular Chenin Blanc produced in South Africa. Producers like Ken Forrester Vineyards, situated on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountains in the famous Stellenbosch wine region, have received international acclaim.
Pinotage, created in the 1920s by crossing Pinot Noir and Cinsaut (known at the time as Hermitage, thus the name) is considered the signature grape of South Africa. Some outstanding Pinotage is grown on the slopes of the Simonsberg Mountains in the Stellenbosch Region of the Cape, referred to as the ‘red wine bowl.’ Some South African producers coax mocha, toffee and coffee flavours from the Pinotage…a trend that this wine enthusiast finds particularly delicious.
Spain — After decades of inconsistent quality and production, Spain has experienced a resurgence, as new world winemakers combine the latest winemaking techniques and equipment with old world vines. This means people like you and I can enjoy high quality Gran Reserva, Tempranillo and Albariño at amazingly affordable prices.
Croatia — Located across the Adriatic Sea from Italy, Croatia has a winemaking tradition that is centuries old. War, conflict and political instability devastated the wine industry for years, but recently there have been some very cool wines coming out of this region. If you can find a wine store that carries wines from Croatia, look for regional varieties like Plavac Mali and Pošip.
France — If you and I are in the same budget boat, Bordeaux is out of reach. But there is an emerging production of bold, full-bodied Tannat wines from the Saint Mont wine region, situated just north of the Pyrenees in southwest France that is abso-frigging-lutely worth checking out! Bold, full-bodied and absolutely affordable…try them while you can before the fashionistas get wind of it and wreck it for all of us.
The World of Wine is incredibly rich and diverse…let your palate guide you on your journey of discovery!
Rik Leaf is a world traveling Advanced Level Wine Educator, Performer & Published Author.
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