Wine Lovers' Page: Two bargain reds

Today's Wine Tasting Note

Domaine de la Pastourelle 1996 Coteaux du Languedoc ($6.99)
Inky dark reddish-purple. Peppery black-fruit over spicy oak aromas; oak evident on the palate, but so is big, juicy black fruit, supported by lemony acidity and soft tannins. Shows definite promise but will benefit from a little time. Potentially a great buy for the bargain-bin price. U.S. importer: Elizabeth Imports, Denver. (June 16, 1998)

FOOD MATCH: Fine with leftover beef brisket, diced with peas, onions and fresh tomatoes over shell pasta; the beef seems to soften the tannins and make the wine more approachable.

Coltibuono 1995 Cetamura Chianti ($6.99)
Very dark ruby color. Ripe cherry-berry and spicy oak aromas; tart, juicy fruit, sweet oak and tasty black pepper on the palate. Simple, quaffable, good food wine. U.S. importer: Winebow Inc., NYC. (June 19, 1998)

FOOD MATCH: Works nicely with boneless chicken breasts braised with onions and topped with earthy Lancashire cheese; it might be a bit much for white chicken alone, but the onions and cheese bring the dish up to meet the wine.

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All my wine-tasting reports are consumer-oriented. In order to maintain objectivity and avoid conflicts of interest, I purchase all the wines I rate at my own expense in retail stores.

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