Cuvee de Pena is a "Vin De Pays" (country wine), a step in the French wine classification which is above table wine, produced in Pyrénées-Orientales in the South of France near the border of Spain.It is imported by Hand Picked Selections, who Robert Parker says is "Perhaps the top importer in the United States for specializing in wines that sell for less than $10."
Wine critics call this a very "friendly" wine. I tend to agree. Usually I have been disapointed by inexpensive French wines, but this one was an exception. Friends that tasted it were pleased as well.
Made with Grenache, Carignan, Syrah and Mourvedre - "Not only friendly, maybe the world’s most versatile wine. Just try to find a food it doesn’t work with! Cuvee de Peña happily accompanies hot dogs, tuna casserole, gourmet burgers, roast prime rib of beef, fish sticks, chinese carry-out, pizza... You get the picture.
In warm weather stick it in the fridge for half an hour - it won’t lose aromas or flavors. Keep it on hand!
The world’s friendliest red wine. “World’s Best Wine Values”
Robert M. Parker, Jr.’s The Wine Advocate
"The Wine Spectator Ripe, dark fruit flavors dominate this medium- to full-bodied red, with lovely chocolate pudding notes and smoky elements on the finish. Drink now through 2007. 20,000 cases made." Score: 87. —Kim Marcus, August 31, 2005.
"The Wine Advocate Available in a 3-liter bag-in-a-box, the 2003 Cuvee de Pena reveals plum and blackberry aromas. Light to medium-bodied and silky-textured, this excellent value (3 liters for $20 comes out to $5 a bottle!) displays spicy dark fruits intermingled with hints of cedar in its expressive character. Drink it over the next year." Score: 86. —Pierre Rovani, June 2005.
