Wine Wednesday: Altovinum Evodia Old Vines Garnacha

By Carrie Becker in Food on Dec 2, 2009 7:20PM

Photo by EuropeanCellars.com

What's a wino to do in a down economy? Drink cheap wine! And we say "cheap" in the most deserving way.

As wine consumption in the U.S. has increased (surpassing Italy last year!) a demand for quality, inexpensive wine has beckoned some abundant and affordable grapes to take center stage. And affordable does not mean waiting for 2 buck Chuck to jump down to its original namesake sticker price. This is the time to seize the day and try a new varietal while its still offered at a 'cheap' price.

For this "Wine Wednesday" we'd like to give a nod to our Spanish friends and their delicious and approachable grape, Garnacha, or Grenache. It is the most widely planted red grape in the world and is most commonly grown in Spain and the South of France. The big, chewy berry flavors and spice with low tannins develops an amazingly drinkable wine that does not need food to shine.

We like Altovinum Evodia Old Vines Garnacha Calatayud 2007 Spain for its prominent big blackberries and blueberries plus that little bit of anise that hits your nose upon first sip. A little mix of the berry and black pepper linger with a comfortably dry finish. Its just asking for you to drink more...on its own, with a smoked pork dish or, if you want to keep with its origin, paella and bacon wrapped dates. You can’t afford not to drink this, plus we like the label's style.

$8.98 at WineLibrary.com
$9.99 at Binny's