Matched Pair of Value-Priced Wines from Tarragona, Spain

Spain shows month-by-month its uncanny ability to export high-value, low-cost red and white wines to the United States. Today, we are reviewing two wines from the same producer - one red and one white. Both wines are blends of local grapes. The come from the Tarragona, Spain, region in the Mediterranean Sea vicinity. Fermentation is done in cement and stainless steel - neither of these wines see any oak treatment whatsoever in their processing. And, like so many Spanish wine imports, both the VI De Nulles Negre (red wine) and the VI De Nulles Blanc (white wine), sell for a song. Spain, though a relatively small country, is dotted with a large number of wine-making and wine-growing regions. Tarragona is one you may well not have heard of before.

Review, VI De Nulles Negre:

The importer suggests trying VI De Nulles Negre young, and slightly chilled. Let's do so... In the glass, VI Negre is medium dusty red, almost veering toward brick at the edges; that is fairly unusual in such a young wine. Upon swirling, the aromas - which are shy - come across as plum balloons, reminiscent of some beaujolais.

On the sip, a friendly, balanced, youthful-spirited wine is apparent. Bright, lightly acidic plums touch the mid-palate, shifting just a few tannins to your cheeks to extend the modest, just slightly sweet finish. Easy, food friendly wine - but not intense, distinctive nor even just memorable. A solid two stars out of five - meaning I enjoyed it, but won't seek it out again.

Find VI De Nulles Negre at WineZap.

Review, VI De Nulles Blanc:

VI De Nulles Blanc is a blend of locally-grown white grapes. Like its sister red wine, it is fermented in cement and stainless steel without oak. It too is very reasonably priced.

In the glass, VI De Nulles Blanc shows as a golden yellow, almost honeyish in color. Served cool, it shows butterscotch-flavored motor oil aromas upon swirling, with just a touch of brighter kiwi. On the palate, the slick style continues, with a ripe-but-not-very-sweet-pear essence filling the middle of your mouth. A silky ride takes you to a modest finish with just a hint of apple crispness around your cheeks.

Solid overall sipper - three stars out of five. Not a great deal of depth, intensity nor complexity. Excellent value at its "practically free" price.

Find VI De Nulles Blanc at WineZap.