Earlier this week, Wine Spectator columnist Matt Kramer presented his list of the World's Most Underrated Wines. Kramer admits that his list is not exhaustive, but it is a great place to start if you are interested in trying some less-known wines that are routinely underpriced for the quality that they offer.
Kramer singles out the Loire Valley of France, and we emphatically agree. We are especially partial to the Chenin Blanc from Vouvray and Savennières that come in a multitude of styles from dry to sweet to bubbly and beyond. Muscadet is another great white: crisp and clean with an impressive ability to age. For reds, Cabernet Franc flourishes in the Loire and is a leaner and more peppery alternative to Cabernet Sauvignon.
Chianti Classico is Kramer's second pick, and a bold one at that. Chianti was on a downward slope recently with winemakers aiming for a more international style by blending the primary grape, Sangiovese, with too much of Merlot and Cabernet, and using excessive new oak. But there has been a shift back to traditional Chianti and showcasing the sour cherry side of Sangiovese, making a bright and wallet-friendly wine that is perfect with tomato-based dishes.
Kramer's final selection, cru Beaujolais, has been slowly climbing out of the self-created abyss of Beaujolais Nouveau, that insipid marketing tool that pops up every November. Cru Beajoulais, however, is a completely different beast. A richer, earthy, and totally swoon-worthy version of Gamay, cru Beaujolais is dreadfully underpriced for how lovely it is. Grab one bottle now and one for a few years down the road.
Image Sources:
