Despite the bear market (that grows more grisly every second), wine writers have suggestions that will keep you away from Two Buck Chuck. Wall Street Journal duo Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher spotlight comforting varietals in taste and price today, and Robert Parker will call for his disciples to boycott restaurants that inflate bottle prices by 200 to 500 percent, according to “Page Six.” The Wine Buying Guide authority believes these premium prices are “discouraging the consumption of wine … [which] serves to reinforce the mistaken notion that wine is only for the elite and superrich.” (Considering the power he yields, this should have restaurants already hit by tighter spending quivering in their cellars right now). The Journal doesn’t recommend specific labels, only regions and varietals like Portuguese reds and Sicily’s Nero d’Avolo. We priced ours at Astor Wines: 2004 Quinta dos Aciprestes, $11.99; and 2004 Feudo Montoni, $15.99. Eric Asimov also has some under-$20 French picks (heavy on the Loire) in the Times, or if you’re looking for deals in bulk, you can always join the Journal’s new wine club.
Wines for Tough Tough Times [WSJ]
VINTAGE WHINE [NYP]
Modest Luxuries for Lean Times [NYT]
