F*CK THE FINANCIAL CRISIS: Value wines that beat recession. Part 2

Rasmus Amdi Larsen is a 21 year old sommelier. He is currently working as head-sommelier and Restaurant Manager at the restaurant Le Sommelier in the centre of Copenhagen. Administrating the 1600 bottle wine list, one of the largest in Denmark, this young sommelier is showing a lot of potential. Rasmus is also educating at the Hospitality College in Copenhagen, competing in sommelier competitions - and in the limited free time, golfing is a huge interest. To get in touch with Rasmus email him at amdi@gastrodenmark.com

‘Were not gonna take it!’ Its time for great wine that won’t break your wallet. Here’s the second episode on my series of wines that you can drink a case of and still be able to call your bank the following Monday. It is time to party.

Winery: Alta Vista (Blend)

Vintage: 2004

Appellation: Mendoza

Varietal: Malbec, Cabernet, Syrah, Tempranillo, Petit Verdot

Oak: 12 months in French oak.

Average Price: $14

Tasting notes: Deep ruby colored, beautiful clean. The nose is intense and, as you would expect covered with fruits like blackcurrant, strawberry, blueberry, blackberry and leather, tobacco and wood. It is a very honest wine, really expressing every grape in the Blend. Its very balanced and, despite all the ‘heavy’ notes still has a very good and crisp acidity.

Food Pairing Suggestions: Steak of beef with onion compot, potatoes and mushroom vinaigrette. Breast of duck with cabbage and apricot/jalepenos sauce (make sure the jalepenos give to the sauce the ‘hot’ taste, NOT to your tongue).

Winery Notes: Alta Vista is run by Jean-Michel d’Aulan, a famous Chateaux owner in St-Emilion and the former owner of the champagne house Piper-Heidseick. He was given the title of the ‘winemaker of the year’ not less than two times.

Rating: 3 out of 5 for an outstanding value wine.