I had some friends ask for advice recently on a nice but not-too-expensive red wine to bring to a dinner party. Something around $15 (the hosts thank you in advance for not bringing Yellow Tail, which is a great way of saying “Thanks for having us over for dinner….sort of.”)
My friends are lucky…there’s a lot out there for $15, including these new finds (which are not only reasonably priced, but interesting enough that the hosts will know that you put more effort into your contribution to dinner than stopping by the 7-11 on the way to their house):
Tre Nova Bonatello (2008). This 100% Sangiovese is one of a trio of fabulous Tre Nova wines I was recently introduced to, along with winemaker Gino Cuneo. Tre Nova is based in Oregon, but the grapes are from Washington. At $15, the Bonatello was impressive in its deep fruit and almost mocha richness. I purchased a bottle and shared it with my next-door neighbors M. & M., and they loved it. This would be an outstanding and versatile wine to bring over for dinner (although if you really liked your hosts, perhaps you’d spring for Gino’s Seccopassa, said to be the only American wine produced using the appassimento method used to make Amarone…delicious!)
DiStefano Washington Red Wine. This non-vintage blend from Woodinville is probably a sign of the economic times…a respected winery producing a solid product at a great price, just with a different label. I’ve seen a lot of this recently, and it’s likely a temporary strategy, a way for wineries to move grape juice while the market is depressed, without diluting their main brand. Take advantage of this and seek out this $12 bottle in particular…you’re not going to see very much wine of this quality coming out of Washington State for under $15.
Le Pigeoulet en Provence (2009). If you want to show up to dinner with something really impressive, consider this Rhône blend from the Brunier family, famed producers of über-fancy Vieux Telegraphe. Le Pigeoulet is mostly Grenache, blended with a little Syrah, Cinsault, and Carignan. The result is deep and rich and minerally and concentrated and very French. What you’re getting here is basically a mini Châteauneuf-du-Pape, for a tiny, tiny fraction of the price (about $15).
If you showed up to dinner bearing any of these wines, I think you could count on a repeat invitation.
Diana Slater said,
March 26, 2011 at 7:02 pm
Christopher, thanks for the repeat info on the Tre Nova Bonatella Sango, I’ve been looking for it at WineWorld since you recommended but couldn’t remember the name. Cheers!
Traci said,
April 15, 2011 at 3:14 pm
Is the Tre Nova Bonatella Sangiovese sold in stores? We had some at a restaurant the other day and loved it and would like to buy some.
vinetown said,
April 15, 2011 at 3:38 pm
Hi, Traci…yes, it is. I first heard about it from Michael at Fremont Wine Warehouse, so assume that he still has it, and I first tasted it at Wine World Warehouse when the winemaker was in town. Other shops should be able order it for you as well…Michael at City Cellars, for instance, said that he could easily special order it. I think that it’s a fantastic value at around $15!