Wine
 

Is it possible to buy wine in Manuel Antonio or Quepos at the stores?

We bought some low end Chilean wine at a super market in Quepos, but the local, unusual, non carbonated soft drinks were as good. The salsa Lozano was VG too.
M

Absolutely avail. here. Most avail is from the regions of Chile, Argentina and Spain which we've found to be excellent ... a few listed in Wine Spectator. California wines are limited. The stores in Quepos have a better selection than Manuel Antonio. Having spend several years in the wine industry stateside, I'm more than happy to recommend to you or help! Red, white? Cheers!

Lisa in Manuel Antonio

This is not my original post, but I would be very interested in Red wines that Lisa could recommend buying. We will be in Costa Rica the first week of January, in MA and Arenal. I like red wine and think it would be very enjoyable to enjoy a glass of wine in the evening, and bring some home to remember our trip. I had thought I would only be bringing coffee home to drink. Anyway, Lisa if you could suggest some good red wines that would be available in MA and Arenal areas, and where the best place to buy them, I would be very grateful. We are avid followers of Wine Spectator.

I think the mid range Concha y Toro reds (esp. the Syrah, Pinot Noir and Cab) are consistent, relative values and available in CR and MX.
Their mid level Chard has not been very good in the last two vintages, imho (prob due to increased volume rather than the vintage years which have generally been better than average in Chile).
M

Lisa,
Thank you very much. You are invaluable. Our preference is California Charodonnay, but have found as we travel that's hard to find a similar taste. We were in Brazil in 2003 and loved the Chilian reds. I can't remember which so I would appreciate any reccomendations you would make. Thanks again.

The availability of wine in this area is pretty good, but much better in San Jose. So, I’ll comment on what I’ve tasted that’s avail here.

Under $10. Casillero del Diablo and/or Carmen. For the price, decent wines! If you like a very grassy Sauv. Blanc, the Carmen has it!

$10-$15. Trio (Tres Variedads) Three nice wines, very good for blends. Merlot/Carmenere/Cab
Cab/Shiraz/Cab Franc Chard/PinotGri/Pinot Blanc

$15-$20. Marques de Casa Concha . This is the closest I’ve found to the nice oak in a CA Chardonnay in this price range. The reds are good too.
http://www.banfivintners.com/BANFI/REVIEWS/REV_CTM3.HTM

$20-$30 Amelia Chardonnay http://www.banfivintners.com/BANFI/REVIEWS/REV_CTAC.HTM

Approx. $40. Don Melchor Cabernet
http://www.banfivintners.com/BANFI/REVIEWS/REV_CTDM.HTM

Check the year on the higher priced wines. The retailer brings in some of the higher priced wines at Christmas time and they might not sell during the season. Additionally, you might be able to find these at duty free at the airport and save yourself a bit of $$.

In Quepos, the Supermas across from the bus station stock these wines. Additionally, Bamboo Liquor may carry these? Bamboo is located on the small street behind the bus station next to the bakery.

Remember also that you can bring wine into CR from the states. As much as we enjoy the wines from South America, we still have our favorites that are avail in the states or at a much better price than here in CR. We’ve never had a problem with customs in CR and we generally bring in two cases packed in a shipper. Salud!

Lisa in Manuel Antonio

ttt

On my first trip to CR I was looking for wine and came across a bottle of locally made "Vino de Nances". I was told that nances are a tropical fruit (never heard of it before or since). The wine was fairly sweet and gave me a world-class hangover!