By Claudia and Steve Evans
The Panilonco Merlot-Malbec blend (60/40) from the Colchagua Valley in Chile tastes great in the under $10 class. Fruity, but not sweet, with a slight taste of oak in the finish. A little bit spicy, with nice balance, the Panilonco also offers genuine value. Great with steak, we enjoyed a bottle with grilled ribeyes and steamed asparagus. The good people at Vinedos Errazuriz Ovalle vineyard outside Santiago clearly know what they're doing when it comes to blending Merlot and Malbec on the side of a mountain. We're thinking of flying down to the Andes and helping them solve the mystery inside a few more bottles of this mighty fine wine. Chile bottles some of the most economical and delicious wines in this price range. While the country does not have the expanses of land devoted to grapes as in Northern California and France, Chile enjoys a terrific climate for viticulture and produces some amazing wine, of which this 2009 Panilonco blend is a prime example.
For $5, you can enjoy an intriguing blend of varietals that complements red meats and enhances the dining experience in ways that put other wines in this class to shame. You'll be as proud to uncork a bottle of Panilonco at a dinner party, just as you would (or should) be ashamed to sling Sutter Home on your guests. Happily, both bottles cost about the same so the choice is clear.
We expect this wine to claim more shelf space from Papio, Pinot Evil, Robert Mondavi and other budget-priced bottles in this class. Watch for Panilonco in the wine section of your grocer, or run down to Trader Joe's if you can't wait. Look for the lion on the label.
A Wine for All Seasons copyright (c) 2010 by Claudia and Steve Evans. All rights reserved.
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