Panarroz Jumilla 2006, $7-$8

Depending on where you live in the world, there are two main staples of diet; bread or rice. I'm not sure if the naming of this wine was intentional (pan = bread) (arroz = rice), but I like the idea of wine being the third staple! Either way, this affordable wine will go with both.

When I first tried Panarroz a few weeks back, I wasn't immediately smitten. But with most affordable wines I'll buy at least two bottles, which saves me a trip back to the store if I really like it. The second bottle made me a believer... This mourvedre, grenache and syrah blend was fruit forward, but nothing like the pop in your kisser from the Luchador.

There are some amazing values coming out of Spain recently, Jumilla in particular. If you come across Panarroz in the wine aisle or another from this growing region, pick-up a sampler and see what you think.

Cheers!

Affordable Wine Finds of the Day

Two little affordable wine jewels for you under $10.

I shop at WineLegend.com as they have a local pick-up point a few miles away. Both are 2005 Grenache/Garnacha, the Bitch from Austrailia, Tres Picos from Spain. I invite you to buy both and do a side by side tasting to see how the same grape and same vintage grown in different locations can reflect in the taste of a wine. I particularly liked the story on Bitch and the bottle is a lot of fun. Apparently the wine maker had a Bitch of a time growing this very temperamental grape so he resorted to name calling! Cheers!