The Monsant wine region surrounds Spain’s Priorat area like a taco, wrapping snuggly around a region known for its hefty wines and corresponding prices. I can’t afford Priorat so Monsant it is. A blend of grenache and syrah, the 2004 Capcanes is a big, Old World-type wine bursting with ripe black cherry and earthy mushrooms caked in dirt. Medium sweet tannins and kinda chewy. But the best thing: It’s cheap for the quality. 3.5 stars out of 5. Sweetness=1 out of 10 (dry to sweet). $15
Taylor is a self-proclaimed Southern foodie, turned Californian food, wine, and gardening hipster.