Incredible Value Spanish Wines - rated by Peter Forrestal
Wednesday, 30 September 2009 | 
Our mate and wine critic Forrie (Peter Forrestal) knows a bargain when he sees one. As the author of Quaff, Forrie has done Master Classes with us highlighting the bargains of the industry and this wine has been a great hit based on the sales we've had in recent months.
If you're looking for a big chunky red with a twist, this is for you. Great drinking over the next few months and perfect for BBQ's!
Case rate: $13.75 per bottle
This is sourced from the Toscar winery in Alicante in Spain's South-East and comes from the Alicante appellation. There's heaps of concentrated ripe plummy flavours, restrained brooding aromatics, smooth texture and tongue coating tannins which are noticeable without being intrusive or aggressive. It's nicely savoury with some interesting complexities and easy drinking, with food.
There's also a 2007 Toscar Tempranillo (also $14.95 and also from Alicante) that is labelled Crianza and so has spent one year in oak. It's youthful, soft, round and pleasantly lifted with lightly floral perfumes, red cherry and redcurrant flavours, silky smooth, fleshy texture, medium body and neatly balanced tannins.
Both represent very good value. I'd rate the Monastrell as Bloody Good for its extra depth of flavour.
Rating:
2007 Toscar Monastrell Bloody Good
2007 Toscar Tempranillo Good
Cost: $ 14.95
Limited availability in all Australian states.