Cheap and cheerful. There are many wines that fit this description. They aren’t particularly complex or remarkable. There are times wine doesn’t need to be. It would seem a waste to drink fine wine with burgers or pizza on a Tuesday night. Or how about a party scene where nobody even cares what they’re drinking? The vibe is casual and it is time to have fun. This is where a wine like Comuna Shiraz-Malbec fits in.
Comuna comes wrapped in a story from Buenos Aires. There are 15 districts or comunas in the Argentine capital. Comuna No. 3 is believed to be where the tango originated. Hence the label illustration with its impassioned couple in a classic tango pose.
Value wines often reveal themselves as such through their packaging. You can almost price them by style. I would have guessed this one in the $8-$12 range. The illustration is colourful and expressive but no more complex than the wine itself. Likewise are the Comuna typeface and flourish at the top of the label. It all just says casual and fun, and it works.
This is a wine for burgers, backyard ballrooms and TikTok tangos. It’s juicy with ripe, dark berry flavours and easy to enjoy without deep analysis.
Comuna stands out on the shelf among Argentine reds. The label understands its appeal. It’s an easy choice for grab-and-go at a price that’s easy on the debit card.
Do you buy value wines for casual situations? Would you choose this one based on the label? Let me know in the comments below.
