10 wines under $25 for a hot day in July – By Marc Bona, cleveland.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio – In July, we tried 10 wines from the last five vintages. All would be great on a hot day or night. This month’s batch comes from five countries, and all should be available in the Northeast Ohio retail market. We also choose one each month as our favorite. Cheers!

Our monthly wine review covers bottles that are under 25 dollars This month we look at wines appropriate for a summer day or night
M. Chapoutier, Cotes-du-Rhone, France; Rose, 2018, $16.99

M. Chapoutier Belleruche: M. Chapoutier, Cotes-du-Rhone, France; Rose, 2018, $16.99

M. Chapoutier Belleruche

Cranberry, strawberry, light, not too dry or acidic, good balance. A very versatile wine. It’s primarily made from Grenache with smaller amounts of Cinsault and Syrah. Good value.

 

 

 

Our monthly wine review covers bottles that are under 25 dollars This month we look at wines appropriate for a summer day or night
Passione Sentimento: Pasqua, Italy, red blend, 2017, $16

Passione Sentimento

Pasqua, Italy, red blend, 2017, $16

Made in Verona, home of Romero and Juliet, this light-bodied wine has a smoky and minty flavor with dark fruit and is a tad herbal (green pepper?). Made from Corvina and Croatina grapes with a bit of Merlot. Went very well with pasta fagioli. Fair value. The label is the famed graffiti at the courtyard of Juliet’s house.

 

Our monthly wine review covers bottles that are under 25 dollars This month we look at wines appropriate for a summer day or night
Virgen Malbec: Domaine Bousquet, Mendoza, Argentina; Malbec, 2019, $13

Virgen Malbec

Domaine Bousquet, Mendoza, Argentina; Malbec, 2019, $13

This organic wine looks rich and dark but tastes much lighter and is not very tannic. No nose to speak of. Raspberry and fresh fruit notes. No added sulfites, for those who think they are allergic to sulfites. Simple sipper.

 

 

 

 

Our monthly wine review covers bottles that are under 25 dollars This month we look at wines appropriate for a summer day or night
Virgen Cabernet Sauvignon: Domaine Bousquet, Mendoza, Argentina; Cabernet Sauvignon, 2019, $13

Virgen Cabernet Sauvignon

Domaine Bousquet, Mendoza, Argentina; Cabernet Sauvignon, 2019, $13

Very smooth, unripened blackberry and not very tannic. We would have guessed Merlot or red blend. All of us said great value at $13.

 

 

 

 

Our monthly wine review covers bottles that are under 25 dollars This month we look at wines appropriate for a summer day or night
Virgen Red Blend: Domaine Bousquet, Mendoza, Argentina; red blend, 2019, $13

Virgen Red Blend

Domaine Bousquet, Mendoza, Argentina; red blend, 2019, $13

Smooth, light-bodied, organic and, like its Cab and Malbec counterparts, not very tannic at all. Definitely not sweet or jammy. If you are into organic wines, drink them soon. These are not meant to be laid down.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our monthly wine review covers bottles that are under 25 dollars This month we look at wines appropriate for a summer day or night
Dry Creek Chenin Blanc: Dry Creek Vineyard, California, Chenin Blanc, 2015, (the 2018 is about $13)

Dry Creek Chenin Blanc

Dry Creek Vineyard, California, Chenin Blanc, 2015, (the 2018 is about $13)

We tried an older version of this wine and picked up some nice aging. Floral notes with orange, white peach and unripe pineapple. A little saline/ocean as well. No oak. Deep gold, possibly from age. A tough find, but newer vintages are available. Venerable winery.

 

 

 

Our monthly wine review covers bottles that are under 25 dollars This month we look at wines appropriate for a summer day or night
Maryhill: Maryhill Winery, Columbia Valley, Washington; Pinot Gris, 2016, $17

Maryhill

Maryhill Winery, Columbia Valley, Washington; Pinot Gris, 2016, $17

Floral notes, pear, peach and very clean tasting, as one tasting pal put it. A refreshing sipper on a hot night. We have been trying wines from this winery for several years, and they always hit the mark. Fair value.

 

 

Our monthly wine review covers bottles that are under 25 dollars This month we look at wines appropriate for a summer day or night
Predator Six Spot: Rutherford Ranch Winery, Lodi, California; red blend, 2017, $24

Predator Six Spot

Rutherford Ranch Winery, Lodi, California; red blend, 2017, $24

A rich milk chocolate bomb. Cherry notes, creamy, and a touch of sweetness. Versatile, would go with lots of different dishes – think barbecue or pizza. But $24 feels a little steep for this one.

 

Our monthly wine review covers bottles that are under 25 dollars This month we look at wines appropriate for a summer day or night
Eberle: Eberle Winery, Paso Robles, California; Chardonnay, 2017, $24

Eberle

Eberle Winery, Paso Robles, California; Chardonnay, 2017, $24

Slight candied apple in the aroma and a hint of lemon on the palate along with a buttery flavor and slight orange. Delicious. Went very well with roasted chicken, vegetables and potatoes, but also tastes great as a stand-alone.

 

 

 

 

Our monthly wine review covers bottles that are under 25 dollars This month we look at wines appropriate for a summer day or night
Vina Pomal Crianza: Bodegas Bilbainas, Spain, Tempranillo, 2016, $16

Vina Pomal Crianza

Bodegas Bilbainas, Spain, Tempranillo, 2016, $16

Intriguing and tasty wine with notes of plum. With a hint of sweet tobacco in the aroma, it’s spicy and a bit smoky on the finish. “Crianza” on a label indicates the wine has spent a year spent in oak. “Rioja” is the region.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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