FEATURE
Wine Trends
by Steve Ribustello

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS AN ARCHIVED ARTICLE. THE WINES BELOW ARE SOLD OUT.

Working in a retail environment for the first time, I've been amazed at how wine buying trends fluctuate so dramatically. Coming from a restaurant background, I must have been shielded from these striking swings in wine purchasing. As much as it pains us professionals to admit, wine sales are controlled by a couple of major publications (which will remain un-named). Californian reds gave way to a Bordeaux craze which gave way to a Rhone rising which gave way to an Italian fervor. But there was also another trend, much less visible at first, which has not subsided like each flavor of the month wave. A trend towards value.

In this economic climate, a vast majority of wine drinkers are looking for value and quality. Just a year ago price tags did not seem to matter, and the market was saturated with high-priced luxury cuvee's from around the world. Now many of these same bottles of wine are languishing somewhere between the wineries and your cellar. I hope this leads to a dramatic reduction of price across the board, but until that happens, great values still have to be searched out. Here's a short list of incredible buys that won't scare away a twenty dollar bill.

· Calderona 1998 - This Spanish red comes from a DO called Cigales in Spain and is made by Bodegas Frutos Villar. The region is down river a bit from Ribera and the grape of choice is Tinto del Pais (Tempranillo). Ripe red fruits are complemented by cedar hints in this full-flavored wine. 1998 was a very successful vintage in the area and the wine would be a good buy at twice the price. What does it cost you? $9.99

· Chateau Paul Mas 2000 - A great Grenache and Syrah blend from a star winemaker in the Coteaux du Languedoc. This eponymous red is endowed with luscious berry and plum flavors and soft, ripe tannin. With all the excitement over 2000 Bordeaux and Rhone wines, it's easy to overlook what a great vintage the Languedoc had, which in turn leads to great values. Your cost - $16.99

· Polaris Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 - At this point you must be thinking we are set against Californian wines. It certainly has been months since a Golden State product was highlighted on our web-site. Well, the reason is interesting wines (reds in particular) which also offer value are few and far between. Thanks to Doug Polaner and a mystery winemaker, we have a delicious Napa Valley Cab with curranty fruit and plenty of personality, for the bargain price of $17.99

· Boxler Chasselas 2000 - In an effort to keep your teeth from staining, I had to throw in a white. This Alsatian wine is made from Chasselas, the most widely planted grape in Switzerland. It's fresh and apply, smelling of clean mountain air. Great acidity makes it a natural for the dinner table, but it's thirst quenching nature makes for a wonderful aperitif. Don't be afraid to try something different, especially when it costs a mere $11.99.