Montañar Graciano 2015, La Mancha
14%
€13.99 from Egan’s, Portlaoise; Vanilla Grape, Kenmare.
Graciano is a grape variety found in Rioja, but shunned until recently as it was very difficult to grow. It can produce perfumed elegant wines with good acidity and structure. The Parra family are based in the warmer La Mancha region of Spain. This wine combines the elegance and acidity of Graciano with the stuffing provided by the La Mancha heat. A lovely, well-priced wine, this has bright fresh dark fruits with good acidity and plenty of concentration. My bottle went brilliantly with a leg of lamb, but any substantial roast red meat would do fine. Organic.
Domaine Begude 2014, IGP pays d’Oc
12%
€16.96 or 2 for €25.43 from O’Briens
Not strictly under €15, but if you buy two, the bottle price drops to €12.71, which is very good value for a wine of this quality. I have written about it many times before, but this is one of my go-to inexpensive white wines. The Begude Terroir 1130 and Etoile are a little pricier but equally good value. It states Chardonnay on the label, but this has almost 15% Chenin Blanc blended in, and it works really well. Entirely free of any oak influences, this is crisp refreshing dry white with lively green apples, pears and lemon zest. Great on its own or with seafood dishes. Organic.
