We recommend some great value wines from 305 Wines.
Want to explore the world of wines, but without breaking the bank? We’ve got you covered. This article is the first in a mini-series on interesting value wines from our favorite retailers. Expect more over the coming months (and subscribe to our newsletter to stay in the loop).
The wines were chosen with three things in mind: quality, value, and an ability to transport you around the wine world.
About 305 Wines
The first stop in our value-wine series is 305 Wines, based in Palmetto Bay. You can stop by their friendly shop from 9am-7pm during the week, or from 10am-4pm on Saturdays. For those of you who live a little further north, delivery is probably more convenient. Within Miami, it’s free and fast on all orders over $95.
The store is run by husband and wife duo, Alessandra Esteves and Guilherme de Macedo, who are also behind Florida Wine Academy (where I teach) and various other Miami favorites like VinoSummit wine conference, and Miami Champagne Week. So they know what they’re doing, basically.
And here come our value favourites…
Pewsey Vale Dry Riesling 2020: $17.99
Just in case you needed proof that Riesling can be totally dry – and delicious – there’s Pewsey Vale. This historic producer, which was the first to plant Riesling in the hilly region of Eden Valley in South Australia, has gained quite a reputation for its steely, lime-focused Rieslings.
This, the entry level example, is exactly that: bags of fresh lime, a hint of white blossom and a touch of fresh peach. It’s mouthwateringly refreshing – useful as temperatures rise here in South Florida.
Also useful: It only has 12% abv. Good for a weeknight.
Krasno Ribolla, Slovenia, 2016: $15.99
Some people say that if you want to find good value wine, drink from unusual regions. This Slovenian Ribolla Gialla is consistent with that advice. It’s bone dry – almost austere – with a little grip on the palate. Juicy lemon and a touch of biscuit. If Slovenia did Muscadet…
Bodegas Ostatu Rioja Rosado 2019: $17.99
When you think of Rioja, you might think of a relatively intense and evolved red wine with lashings of vanilla spice. Although it’s from the same main grape variety, Tempranillo, this rosé is quite different. It’s incredibly fresh, focusing on bright and concentrated red berries. And it’s totally dry. Think of Provence rosé, but with the volume dialed up just a little.
It’s carefully made, too, by a small family winery: organic, vegan, and (apparently) carbon neutral.
Domaine de Pallus Messanges Rouge, Chinon 2019: $21.99
We would all like to be sipping refreshing French reds outside the bistros of Paris. Second best: The gardens and balconies of Miami.
This one is less overtly leafy than some other Cabernet Francs from the Loire, and it has plenty of juicy red fruits. Combined with its refreshing acidity and modest tannins, this makes it a candidate for serving lightly chilled – pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes before popping it open.
Descendientes de Jose Palacios Petalos 2019: $24.99
Albarino, a previously obscure white variety from Rias Baixas in northern Spain took the world by storm. Could Mencia, a black variety wine from nearby Bierzo, follow in its footsteps?
Maybe – if there’s enough of it to go around. This certainly has all the hallmarks popularity: intense red and black fruits, black olives, baking spices, graphite. Amazon might say, “If you like Syrah, you might also like…” Except it’s a good bit cheaper than a Syrah of this combined intensity and elegance.
A big wine, but one you’ll want a second glass of.
Bodega Garzon Reserva Tannat 2020: $18.99
The grape variety ‘Tannat’ takes its name from ‘tannin’. You can guess why: it has a LOT. This meant that wines from Tannat’s homeland of Madiran in France traditionally needed to be cellared for several years – the tannins needed taming.
The variety later made its way over to Uruguay, where it’s now being produced successfully by a number of producers, who have found ways to make it approachable earlier in its life. This is a good example: structured but soft, fresh, and packed with tasty black fruits. Very good value.
