Minairo

The fame of Priorat is both recent and ancient; the beautiful Escaladei (Steps of God) mountain formation frames the monastery of Santa Maria of Escaladei; it was founded in the 12th century by Alfonso the Chaste (poor guy). And over the last few decades, the slate and quartz soils called llicorella generate super low yields and super concentrated wines. Grenache and Carignan dominate but this blend includes small amounts of Syrah and Merlot; six months in French oak barrels offers a wine that is powerful but still framed by useful acidity.

Momentum Solare

Grenache is juicy and full, Syrah is mouth-filling and peppery and the two of them, more often than not, need the indescribable weirdness of Mourvedre to complete a picture with chiaroscuro depth. The Cellier d’Eole is a cooperative based in Rieux Minervois (one of the best areas in the Languedoc-Roussillon) with 205 members that cultivate 3800 acres.

Montcharme Malbec

Malbec may turn out to be an excellent tool for Languedoc Roussillon winemakers. Is it for sure? Not at all. Malbec is a southwestern France grape and a tertiary grape at that; Mediterranean France has little experience with it. But the region has elevation, so maybe we’re going to see more like this tasty little thing. let’s be clear about this: Malbec likes altitude. Why? No one really knows.

Moon Springs Pinot Noir

Moon Springs Sauvignon Blanc

Moulin St Jean Reserve

The large and sometimes overlooked (but never under-consumed) Languedoc enjoys southern French weather, more Mediterranean than western European. Winemaker/owner Frédéric Bousquet has vineyards that alternate with the critically aromatic scrubland French vintners call “garrigue”. But while most GSM’s are topped off with Mourvèdre, Bousquet uses a lesser known grape called Marselan, perhaps typical in the area but hardly ever seen on its own.

Nicolas Carlin Cote de Crezancy Sancerre

Nicolas Carlin traded in Paris tech life for the vineyards of Crézancy, and thank goodness he did. His Sancerre is everything Sauvignon Blanc should be: crisp, mineral, and full of energy. The 2023 vintage is bursting with grapefruit, lime, and pear, layered over that chalky minerality and smoky flint Sancerre fans crave. It’s vibrant, mouthwatering, and dangerously easy to drink. So racy it should probably come with a safe word. Pair it with oysters, goat cheese, or just someone who’s up for a little fun.

Orlaida

Bodegas Lo Nuevo's success has allowed them to spread their wings to other prestigious regions. Their Montsant projects have brought them perhaps even more fame than in Jumilla. Orlaida could become a benchmark for the potential of Montsant. The vineyards for their Garnacha are at 2,000 ft. in altitude in the area of Cornudella de Montsant, with Priorat like slate soils. Cariñena vineyards in Darmós and Masrig are on clay soils, and the Syrah vines are located on limestone.

Overbrook Cabernet

In the world of sub- $15 wine, Overbrook Cabernet is a revelation. I guess this is what happens when you put world class vineyard sites in a partnership with world class winemaking team and an extreme focus on quality and value. We need more of these in the world!!

Pabellon Rioja

The powers behind Bodegas Lo Nuevo have a remarkable set of vineyards in many of the sexiest parts of Spain, and they always bring some crazy value to it. This is no exception, and is one of the most exciting sub $15 red wines we have tasted in a long time!