Twelve Under $12: 2006 Umani Ronchi Verdicchio

For fun, and to learn, it's "Twelve under $12" for the next few weeks. Yep, that's right, Joe is going to one up that "big spender" Dr. Debs and hopefully find a good cheapie or two (or at least some decent cooking wine). Since finding Joe in the 12$ wine aisle is about as likely as finding Joe at a yard sale I really have no idea what I am getting into...

So, why $12? Given the taxes on booze in Montreal I figure this equates to ~US$10-ish everywhere else, which presents a good "Vin de Table" price point and will appeal to those starting to move beyond box wine.

I live by the rule that if someone is offering you a choice of 'white' or 'red', pick the white - at least it will be cold and refreshing. So I begin my foray into the unknown with a neat little white, the 2006 Umani Ronchi Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico. Some faint citrus (orange marmalade) and floral notes from a thin, light-bodied white. Tasty, refreshing, with no rough edges, it falls off the palate so quickly you forget that you just gulped a glass. Chill for a great summer patio quaffer. An honest white that begs the question: "why would anyone buy a 20$ pinot grigio?"
cork. 13% alcohol
Score: 13.5/20
Price: C$11.55 (SAQ)

Next up, a cheapo Italian red for WBW. Cheers!