Sip & celebrate: How to drink well, spend less

In the second part of the article, here are some great value wines (under Rs 2500-3000) from my personal list of favourite international wines, for you to consider for your wine cellar

Still & sparkling

El Goru red, Spain

Have you tried a Monastrell from Jumilla DO in Spain? You may well have now, ever since the flagship red wine from Ego Bodegas (a pair of young producers who are reinterpreting ways in which wine is made and marketed) hit Indian shelves not too long ago. Not just affordable, this full-bodied red from a hitherto lesser-known but swiftly finding fame Spanish region) has found legions of fans. Ego Bodegas is also known for its eye-catching wine labels, and El Goru features a wild-eyed ‘mad’ man. Intrigued? Try it. Rs 2250 onwards.

Vina Pomal Reserva Rioja, Spain

Rioja is Spain’s premium, most historic wine region, known for its structured, long-aged wines, which often cost a pretty penny. If you’re a Rioja fan who bemoans the costs of buying a Reserva (the longest-aged, most premium Rioja) then worry no more. Vina Pomal, the flagship brand from top producer, the historic Bodegas Bilbaínas in Haro Station, offers a very affordable Reserva that is amazingly priced (all things considered). Classic Old World premium wine at a great price. From Rs 2890 onwards

Moulin de Gassac ‘Faune’ and ‘Albarans’, Languedoc, France

The latest vintage of Mas de Daumas Gassac‘s flagship wines was sold out in a jiffy, as word of the Languedoc superstar’s brilliantly-rated wines is no longer a secret. But fear not – their second range, the Moulin de Gassac, has several wines which are both affordable and available. My picks? The Grands Terroirs range red wine, Albaran (Cabernet Sauvignon + Syrah) and the mineral-rich white Faune (Viognier + Chardonnay). My guests have been impressed by their complexity when I popped open a bottle. Definitely worth stashing in your wine chiller. From Rs 2750 onwards.

Donafugata Anthila, Sicily, Italy

Those who know me well know I have a yen for trying new grapes, and new regions (read hitherto less-explored) and Sicily is at the top of my list now, headed by the pricy Etna DOC. Donafugata, a renowned producer, makes excellent wines in Sicilia DOC, and if you’re a white wine drinker, Anthila (dominated by Catarrato, a native Sicilian grape) must go down on your list as a must-buy. Fresh and fruit-driven, yet does not pinch your pocket. A pretty label, too. From Rs 2730 onwards.

Pater Sangiovese Toscana IGT Frescobaldi, Tuscany, Italy

Italian wine lovers know that Frescobaldi, the icon producers from Tuscany, are behind a range of stunning and high-end legendary wines (read Masseto, Luce, Ornellaia, Mormoreto). But this one, one of their entry-level offerings, is wonderfully affordable even as it ticks off all the boxes as a Tuscan Sangiovese classic. From Rs 2050 onwards.

Villa Sandi Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG, Veneto, Italy

Bubbles – everyone needs some bubbles in their life – to celebrate, as a pick-me-up, or as that perfect aperitif. The Indian market has some excellent proseccos from top producers now, and one of my favourites is this one from 17th century Prosecco star Villa Sandi. The delicacy of flavours and freshness will really make you see stars – but not the price. From Rs 2701 onwards.

Frescobaldi Pater Sangiovese Toscana IGT

Metal Label Vermentino, Riverland, Australia

The friendly Aussie producer Berton Vineyards makes a wide range of varietal wines, of which my favourite is their award-winning Vermentino. This Italian white grape has not got the love it truly deserves, and this expression (with a cool pewter label) explores its flavours and does justice to the grape. A great party starter/first-course wine and very pocket-friendly too. From Rs 1940 onwards.

Zenato Ripassa,Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore, Veneto, Italy

Love Amarone della Valpolicella, that amazing Italian red wine, but find it too pricey? Then pick up a Valpolicella ripasso, made in a similar style in the same region for a fraction of the cost. Like the Amarone, it is made by passing the Corvina-dominated wine over shrivelled sweet grapes from the Amarone process, so it also picks up the rich, juicy undertones, giving a wine that is juicy, and mouth-filling. And Zenato, a noted winery in the region, offers great bang-for-your-buck version. In other words, a great value wine. From Rs 4150.

Hugel Gentil, Alsace, France

Ah, Hugel. The Alsace superstars make some of the region’s most prized varietal wines – their single vineyard Rieslings can bring a tear of joy to your eyes. But the Gentil – a classic if rare Alsace blend of the five white grapes (Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Sylvaner and Muscat), finds the perfect balance in this wine, which has quickly become my go-to white for most occasions. And it is affordable too! From Rs 2861 onwards.

Bisol Belstar Cult Extra Dry Prosecco, Veneto, Italy

Another favourite prosecco by noted Prosecco specialist producer Bisol, the Belstar is one of their many iterations of the style, shows a delicacy of flavours and a fine-beaded mousse which gives it a luxurious profile. And if you like pink Prosecco (the newest style in Prosecco), Bisol also makes Jeio. From Rs 2650 onwards.

Fortified wines

Dows 20-year-old port, Douro, Portugal

I have visited the home of this wine – the beautiful Quinta do Bonfim on the banks of the spectacular River Douro, and marvelled at the beauty that is port. The Symington family, pedigreed makers of port and wine in Portugal are among the most famous port makers and own several port houses. And this 20-year-old tawny port, now available in India, delivers the greatest value: complexity and richness of flavour in one bottle of remarkable, long-aged wine.
From Rs 9900 onwards

Valdespino El Candado PX Sherry, Jerez, Spain

I usually favour a palo cortado or manzanilla sherry, but Valdespino is a respected name in Jerez, and PX sherries are altogether different from the dry sherries in style and flavour profile – rich, raisinated and luscious and at 17% ABV. From Rs 5995 onwards. (Maharashtra)

Justino’s Madeira Fine Rich, Madeira, Portugal

Justino’s is one of the original, historic shippers of Madeira, and this is a good way to understand the textured richness that is this very undervalued fortified wine. The Tina Negra grape (rather than one of the four noble grapes) gives this wine the rich oxidative flavours (cooked and dried fruit, caramelized nuts) that make it a delicious post-prandial serve. 19% ABV. From Rs 3500 onwards.