Today we're launching a new series, "Five Favorites". With each installment of this new series we'll pick a topic such as "Italian Wines", "Spanish Tempranillo", or "Wines For The Patio" and then I'll give you five of my favorites for that category. Since we're kicking off this new series on Memorial Day weekend which is traditionally when barbecue season gets into full swing, today I give you five of my favorite red wines fit for a BBQ! All less than $20, of course.
Peter Lehmann Clancy's Red Blend
56% Shiraz, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 7% Merlot from Australia and available for around $14. Plum, vanilla, and spice combine to make a smooth drinker. Simple but not too simple with firm tannins that complement the flavor of the wine. It ends with a nice spicy finish that makes you want to try another sip. Clancy should have a permanent spot on your bbq invite list.
Elios Mediterranean Red Blend
A blend of 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Syrah and 40% Agiorgitiko (a traditional Greek grape) from Peloponnese, Greece. SRP of $13 and available for as low as $10. A rich and silky wine with pleasant aromas of blackberry, black cherry, pepper and baking spice. The rich fruit flavors continue on the finish along with a few lingering notes of chocolate. A very satisfying and easy to sip wine that will pair with lots of different foods at your next barbecue.
Concha y Toro Marques de Casa Concha Carménère
100% Carménère from Peumo Vineyard, Rapel Valley, Chile with an SRP of $20 but available for as low as $15.99. Carmenere is a fabulous grape to pair with red meat - a staple at most backyard barbecues, so it's a natural fit. Plum, black cherry, blackberry, spice, vanilla and licorice combine to make a big wine with a smooth, silky and rich texture. A very satisfying wine on its own, but even better with a juicy steak.
Caligiore Reserve Malbec
100% Organically grown Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina. Everybody loves Malbec, right? Well, maybe not everybody but it's hard not to love this wine which features blackberry, vanilla and lots of spice. This is a dense meaty wine with great flavor and a rich, full texture. It ends with a dry, strong finish that features gripping tannins and nice fruit flavor that lasts a long time.
Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Collection Black Label Claret
81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot, 5% Malbec, 3% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc from California. SRP of $20 and available for $12.99 at Costco. Claret is the term originally used by the British to describe Cabernet Sauvignon based Bordeaux blends, but let's get straight to the point. This smooth wine with flavors of blackberry, blueberry and other dark fruit would be just about perfect with a nice juicy steak. The dry finish features lingering fruit and chocolate notes. An excellent wine from Francis Ford Coppola that's not just for movie nights.
All wines were samples received for review purposes. Click through to the full posts for all the details on each wine. See a listing of local retailers selling these wines here. Up next in our Five Favorites series: Refreshing Rosé!
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