Let’s make a list of some of the best values in wine that would be considered benchmarks for either its varietal or blends if the value is an appellation. Im always interested in trying the best wines from regions which may be under the radar. Although there may be some disagreement as to an absolute best individual wine throw out some examples of some of the QPR benchmarks in the wine world.
I doubt anything beats Pepierre muscadet but there must be some other screaming values out there in other regions that are just off the radar of the masses.
For my tastes Donnhoff’s Niederhauser Hermannshohle Spatlese is the best QPR I can think of at its price point or higher. Admittedly its more expensive than many of its peers.
It’s certainly not under the radar, but it is a benchmark for its grape and region.
Fun topic. For Chateauneuf du Pape I would nominate Coudoulet de Beaucastel. Riesling: Donnhoff’s plain “Riesling” and “Riesling Trocken” (with the added benefit that these are under screwcap).
Alban Patrina
Quilceda Creek CVR
MCK Syrah
CS Cabernet
Mollydooker Maitre D
Mollydooker The Boxer
Mollydooker 2 Left Feet
Mollydooker Cabernet
anything red poured out of a white carafe while dining in Italy
As this thread develops it will be interesting to see how many are small / artisanal producers and how many are large scale operations. My guess is the latter will dominate.
A related list would be categories / regions (e.g. Cru Beaujolais sine the mid aughts) where there are very many good QPR wines.
Some whites …
Dr L Riesling
Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Blanco
Drouhin-Vaudon (basic) Chablis
Duran Gran Reserva Cava