The EconoMuse went to a wine shop today to buy a bottle of Italian red wine, and she asked for help finding something yummy in the $20 range. To which, the salesman helping her replied, "How about spending a whole lot less?"
Okay...
The EconoMuse should back up. She was looking for a bottle of wine to recommend for this week's Recession Proof, bearing in mind that Valentine's Day is right around the corner. (Mr. EconoMuse: it is February 14th. No, this is not a holiday that floats based on phases of the moon. Nor is it always on a Monday, so that the banks can close. For as long as you have been alive, it falls on the 14th. And banks stay open.)
So Ms. E-Muse was thinking about love when it hit her in the eye like a big pizza pie: this week's recommendation had to be an Italian red. That's amore. So she zipped over to K&L (Yes--it will be a recurring fave. As will Trader Joe's.)
The salesman didn't even pause when asked for a recommendation. Ms. E-Muse was ready to plunk down $18.99 for a Dolcetto de Alba, because Dolcettos are usually so nice and soft that they just call out "Valentine's Day." After all, the name Dolcetto means "sweet little one." Awww. But the salesman dragged a swooning EconoMuse to a newly displayed case.
"...It's the 2007," he was saying. "Even better than the 2006. Which everyone loved..."
"...Huh?" It's not like Ms. E-Muse had a clue about the 2006.
"...Barbera..."
Hmmm. Conjures up the image of Hanna-Barbera. Or Conan the Barberian. Not quite the romantic tone she was looking for, if she was shopping on name alone. But the EconoMuse is fond of Grgich Hills, and that doesn't exactly roll off the tongue. And Barberas can be full of berries and playful, and that does sound like Valentine's Day.
"...It's only $10.99. We haven't had it on our website yet, but when we do, it will fly out of here."
Gulp. That really was a whole lot less.
That's the thing about K&L. Constantly turning over new bargains. If you find something you like, grab it. It's no wonder the EconoMuse never tried the '06. It flew out the door too fast. Or at least that's what she could tell him as an explanation for the blank stare.
So he had her at "hello." However, he went on. It seems Wine Spectator likes the wine as well. They gave it 90 points. As the EconoMuse knows from working in the wine industry, 90 points from Wine Spectator doesn't come easily. Especially for $10.99 a bottle.
Recession Proof: Sip of the Week
2007 Fontanafredda Briccotondo Barbera
What can the EconoMuse say? Here are the adjectives: deep ruby red, loaded with black fruit, lively acidity, dry, etc., etc. Goggle it, and you'll find those words everywhere. You'll even learn that the previous vintage was named a Wine Spectator "Top 100" selection. And you'll find the Spectator's tasting notes ("Very plummy and grapey on the nose, with hints of chocolate. Full-bodied, soft and succulent, with lots of flavor and a long, long finish. Delicious. Drink now.") Or you can just buy it online from K&L, because they "think it is better than the '06, which outsold every Italian red [they] carried last year."
So this is what Mr. and Ms. E-Muse thought: first of all, if you have yet to seal the deal this Valentine's Day, splurge for that Screaming Eagle and hint of good times to come in the future. However, if you no longer need to impress and can forgo the cult wine and the heart shape steaks (yes, Whole Foods actually sells them, but beware, they curl up when cooked, and what message does that send...), AND if you would rather send the message that you know how to economize while still enjoying life, then by all means, enjoy this inexpensive little bottle. It's surprisingly full-bodied, fruity and with the acidity that is meant to be paired with food. It will need a little air when you first pour it, but Ms. E-Muse certainly enjoyed it more with each sip as she ate her ravioli and sausage dinner. Perhaps any decent italian wine would have tasted good with her ravioli and sausage, but at $10.99 a bottle, that's amore.
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