Latitude 50 Pinot Noir Rheingau 2006 **

Germany. Pinot Noir.

Let's just say that pinot noir isn't the first thing that comes to mind when I think of Germany. Not even if I think of German wine. "Spätlese" or "Auslese" or the tongue-tying "Trochenbeerenauslese" - semi-sweet whites, stony hills, century old vineyards and family estates - that's what springs to mind when one mentions German wine. But mostly I think of all the stuff I don't know and don't understand about Germany and its vinuous environs. Pinot noir would come at the very end of that list, as in, "Do they produce that, too?" So let's get to the heart of the matter and admit that this wine was suprisingly good, and a good value.

Imported by Savio Soares, the Latitude 50 Pinot Noir Rheingau 2006 ** is purple and nearly opaque, somewhat dense with chewy sweet tannin, jammy without being sweet, tangy without being offensive, and structured without being searing. Pinot noir for $12 is just simply never this good. (Except when it is.) The wine turned too sweet and lost its edge by day 2, so find this one and drink it up. It's a great value.

Likewise, the Barbera d'Alba 2007 * from Cantina Terre del Barolo Soc. Coop. is another value red wine that will befriend your hearty fare and robust pasta dishes. Spicy red fruits and nearly jarring acidity require you drink this with dinner, but it's much better than many Chianti and Classicos at the same price point ($10) that just don't have the fruit, or are too dry, to serve with anything but pizza.

Both were purchased at the "$10 Table" at Smith & Vine, in Brooklyn, NY.