Sometimes when I go to a big wine tasting event like Spain’s Great Match, it’s all about cramming as many new wines into my maw as possible. (RESPONSIBLY.) But often the most memorable tastes are when I revisit an old vinous friend. I fondly recall selling the Luzón Verde, a Spanish red wine made from organic grapes. It was over a decade ago at QFC when I first encountered this wine, thanks to one of my sales reps. It has a great label and comes in a case box replicating said label. That means you can:
Stack it High and Watch it Fly
Which is my favorite retail rhyme next to “If it’s cold, it’s sold” for beer/soda/wine.
Let’s take a closer look.
Old vines at Bodegas Luzón. Pretty amazing, huh? And that rocky soil, damn. / Photo via winery FB page
Luzón Verde Organic 2017 (Jumilla) $12
Brought to you by Bodegas Luzón, this red is made from the Monastrell grape. You might be more familiar with it as Mourvèdre, which is what the French (and folks beyond) call it. Visiting Australia? (Lucky you, BTW.) Well it could be referred to as Mataro. You gotta love learning about wine!
It’s a rich, juicy red but with enough snap not be overwhelming. Very crowd-pleasing and pleasurable. Even this nerd who loves weedy see-through low ABV Loire Cab Franc (IT ME) digs the Luzón Verde. I mean, what more do you want from a dang 12 dollar wine? It’s tasty, has a bright, fun label, uses organic grapes, and is made from a non-ubiquitous grape variety.
If you see Monastrell from Spain, particularly hailing from Jumilla or Yecla, you’re going to find delicious bargains. Probably from old vines. When it doubt, go for it. I’d also say the same for Garnacha (Grenache) from Spain.
What’s your favorite inexpensive, surprising red wine? Let me know in the comments.
This is one of my new favorite inexpensive wines! As I study wine and now have a fantastic opportunity to try many wines from around the world (I work in a wine store), the realization that great wine doesn’t have to be expensive is slapping me in the face with products like Luzon Verde. Delightful and bright with a structured body and a luscious finish. I will take this wine confidently to any occasion. A bullseye.
Another Spanish surprise for me is Manon Tempranillo.
Gabriel,
I worked in a wine store, too. Learned so much from getting to taste so many wines, and sit down with sales reps, winemakers, importers. I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know! Glad you are a fellow fan of the Luzon Verde. I’ll be sure to check out your Tempranillo recommendation.
Thank your for commenting.
Jameson