Usher in the holidayswith Las Rocas

I always enjoy a good Grenache. When I find a Calatayud Garnacha that parades the art of Spanish winemaking for only $9.99, I drive back to my favorite wine store and buy another bottle. Las Rocas opens with notes of vanilla, raspberry, and ripe cherry without being too jammy, while hints of oak and licorice create a smooth finish.

Planning your holiday soiree? Be sure this is at the top of your wine list.

Cost: $9.99

 

Las Rocas de San Alejandro Garnacha 2009

 

"The 2009 Las Rocas is 100% Garnacha sourced from 80-year-old vines from the DO of Calatayud with 25% of the wine aged in wood. It is a forward, savory, ripe, succulent offering that should prove to be a crowd-pleaser. It is an outstanding value that will deliver enjoyment over the next 5 years." -The Wine Advocate, 90 Points

The Crowd Pleaser:Tres Picos Garnacha 2010

I am excited to blog about my favorite Spanish Granacha from Tres Picos. This wine is fantastic. I have yet to pour a glass for someone who is not instantly won over by its rich, dark berry flavor.
 
Wine Spectator gave this Grenache a well-deserved 90 point rating. Costing only about $14, I suggest you buy a couple bottles for your next party. Everyone from newbies to the more sophisticated wine drinkers will be pleased.

Cost: $13.99
Drink: Now trough 2015

 

Tres Picos Borsao Garnacha 2008

 

"Glass-staining purple. Lively, faintly medicinal aromas of cherry, blueberry and licorice, plus hints of smoky herbs and flowers. Juicy and expansive, offering sweet, deeply pitched bitter cherry and dark berry flavors supported by a taut spine of acidity and fine-grained tannins. Finishes with powerful spicy thrust and suggestions of candied flowers and woodsmoke. This could pass for a northern Rhone wine, and a really good one at that." -International Wine Cellar, 91 Points

Evodia:A Weeknight Favorite

Okay, so clearly I cannot be any less up-to-date on my motherhood blog than I have been…

Fortunately this is wonderful news. For years I have been talking about creating a blog geared toward wine lovers who want to enjoy great wines while staying on a budget.

And I do understand budget.

Before the birth of our daughter, my husband and I thought nothing of going into our favorite wine store* and spending a couple hundred dollars. [And that was just one wine store! Let's not forget Costco, Silver Lake Wine, etc.] Suffice it to say, things have changed. Today I am a stay-at-home mom of a precious two year old (and I love it!) living in Los Angeles where 40%+ of my husband's income goes to taxes.

As a result, today marks the birth of "Wines for the Economy."

People who know me know I have an appreciation and love for good wine. Basically if I have met you at least two times and you are morally sound and not an alcoholic, you have been invited over for a glass.

So to start I will introduce the beautiful Garnacha I am enjoying now: 2011 Altovinum Evodia

I am a huge fan of Grenache wines. I find their smooth, rich, pleasantly light flavor more than satisfying. This wine is the perfect bottle to open when friends unexpectedly stop by. Trust me, they will love it. A fantastic value under $10: $8.00 at Costco/$9.99 at Whole Foods. Buy it today.

Nothing says "yum" like an empty glass of wine.

Avg. Cost: $8.99

 

 

2011 Altovinum Evodia Old Vine Garnacha Calatayud

89 Points | Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate

90 Points | International Wine Cellar , September/October 2012

Tasting notes: Aromas of blackberry, boysenberry, smoky minerals and white pepper, with a suggestion of candied rose. Supple on entry, then firmer in the mid-palate, with vibrant flavors of black and blue fruits and floral pastilles. Finishes with powerful blue fruit and spice notes and very good length.

 

*Topline Wine in Glendale, Ca. of course.