Great Values in St. Louis Wines: Grapevine Wines

By Dave Nelson Wed., Apr. 21 2010 at 10:00 AM

Categories: Drink Drank Drunk, The Noble Writ, Wine Buy the Bottle

Given Gut Check's ~~never-ending quest for~~ obsession with great wine values, we figured it'd be a good idea to check in from time to time with local merchants. They pick three wines they consider to be excellent values, and Gut Check buys and tries one of them. Price is important, but value is really what we're all after.

Dave Nelson

Bob Gray of Grapevine Wines in Kirkwood.

Next up is Bob Gray, co-owner of Grapevine Wines in Kirkwood (309 South Kirkwood Road, Kirkwood; 314-909-7044). Grapevine is home to an eclectic selection that covers all price points with thoughtful, interesting choices. We're particular fans of the Italian and U.S. sections of the store, and the attention paid to Missouri's own as well.

First up: Gray's Value Pick...

Dave Nelson

Value Pick:
2008 Bodegas Torres Manur Pindal Rueda ($8)

Warm spring days getting to you? Gray suggests this Spanish bargain, which he describes as "falling between a pinot gris and a sauvignon blanc." It's a blend of equal parts verdejo and viura. Verdejo is the pride and joy of the Rueda, and justifiably so, as it is a distinctive variety with a lovely herbaceous character to its fruit. Bob says this one is "clean and crisp" and perfect for sipping on the deck.

Next, Gray's suggestion for Something Special...