Name: 2004 Borsao Tres Picos Garnacha
Grape:Grenache
Region: Spain
Price: $9.99 to $13.00
You may not realize this, but Spain has more planted vines than any other country in the world. With all these vineyards one would think that there would be more Spanish wine on the market then say, Australia, or France, who seem to be ever-present.
After a few decades in the shadows, Spain is on the rebound and is starting to become a more competitive player in the global market of wine. Fortunately for all of us wine lovers, we can expect to see more of these wines in the future.
Grenache is not only one of Spain's most widely planted varietals; it is also the most widely planted red grape in the world. A fact often overlooked because Grenache seldom stands alone and is generally found in blends (it is one of the most common components of Southern Rhone blends). Grenache thrives in Spain's hot climate, resulting in some delightful and inexpensive single varietal bottlings.
The 2004 Bodegas Borsao Tres Picos Garnacha is exactly this; a spicy, sassy, fun wine that aims to please. Coming from old vine, hillside Grenache this wine shows loads of jammy fruit with white pepper, spice and a nice oak balance. Best paired with a heartier meal; some meat, beans and spice will match this very well.
Stores: The Wine Shop $9.99 (1581 1st Ave btwn 81st & 82nd St.), Astor Wines & Spirits $9.99 (399 Lafayette @ 4th Street), Grapes the Wine Company, $11.99 (11 Purdy Avenue, Rye, New York), Smith & Vine, $13.00 (246 Smith St. @ Douglass, Brooklyn, New York)
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I like Smith & Vine, but I've noticed the considerable markups for their wine. I do like their "wines under $10" table, but they should be more reasonable with their prices.
Unfortunately Smith & Vine is a small store and unable to compete with some of the larger stores. With wine, among other things, discounts are given based upon a volume order. Sherry, Astor and Trader Joe's have the opportunity to buy in larger quantities and then to sell wines for a significant discount. Smaller stores like Smith and Vine do not have the storage or volume/sales potential to take advantage of the same pricing structures, instead they are banking on neighborhood loyalty and convenience in lieu of the cheaper price. Truth be told all of these stores probably have the same mark-up (approx. 33%), the main difference is that their starting prices are lower to begin with.