Niederösterreich (Austria)
made from Zweigelt and Pinot Noir; 12% ABV; screw cap
$3 at the Berkeley, CA, store on 30 May
I was a little worried about the slightly brownish color of this wine, but curiosity and greed finally got the better of me. I thought it was okay, but hardly exciting.
The dry wine showed full flavors of quince jelly and red berries, but with a sort of browned or oxidized character that weighed it down a bit. A couple days later, the rest of the bottle in the fridge seemed distinctly worse, more acid and oxidized. So… I guess it’s okay for the low price, but I’d probably skip it. However, I would be curious about trying a more recent vintage.
Advertisements
Anyone who buys Austrian reds or rose’ is rolling the dice! Especially a non-vintage wine. There are always exception to this rule. But a $3 wine is automatically suspect. G.O sells some very strange wines. In fact the variety and quality has slipped over the past 5 years now that the wine industry has reorganized, properties sold and much if not all of the finds are no longer around. I know! I bought a lot especially some lovely New Zealand PN from the Otago area. Buyer beware!
Hi John. Back in the day when I started writing here, yea nearly three years ago, one could still get a reasonable wine for $3. Now, that price usually seems to mean the wine is defective in some way, the recent Jumping Grape sparkling wine being a nice exception.
Had it. OP is correct. Not great. Barely worth the $3.
Have you tried the 2006 Grenache Rose from Australia that is at the Berkeley store for $2.99? It is quite fresh tasting, question is whether the fruit is too candied.
No, I have not. Thanks for the recommendation. I like the price.
You were brave for even trying this wine as It has been my experience that cheap Roses are not made to age. Drink ’em young!
Hi Xandria and welcome! Yes, it tasted like it would have been quite pleasant a few years ago. 🙂
Hi and thanks. Hope some better roses will be coming in soon!