Tastings: La Cuesta de Enero
In January, post-holiday blues set in and it’s time to dig ourselves out of the debt left behind by December. I find that wine is an excellent companion for these endeavours and given the state of most budgets this month, I would like to recommend two bottles that dish up a great quality-cost ratio.
Thankfully, living in Southern Europe, there are some great wines to be found for under €10. I have to add that while these aren’t sold by the litre, the tough times of January also excuse hitting the granel at your neighbourhood shop with wild abandon.
MAS RODÓ - MONTONEGA 2014
Montonega is a local name in Penedès for the Parellada grape, which is one of the three typical varieties used to make cava. Not often found on its own, this take on a varietal wine by Mas Rodó is surprisingly versatile and expressive. Fresh and lively with white blossom aromatics, it finishes long, and while not carrying a good deal of structure, maintains great elegance overall. €8.50
CELLER DE MASROIG - VI NOVELL 2015
For those who don’t know the ‘new’ wines of Catalunya, it’s about time you had a taste. This Grenache, Carignan, and Syrah blend from D.O. Montsant has vibrant red cherry and strawberry notes in the nose with a medium body and a short, fresh finish. Nothing overly complicated, just direct fruit that maintains good acidity overall. To be consumed with any number of meals and done so before summer, lest the youthful glimmer of the wine fades. €5
Miquel Hudin is originally from California but is now based in Barcelona. He founded the Vinologue enotourism series of wine books. www.vinologue.com