French Lessons from Trader Joe’s

Trader Joe's store display of the 2021  Vignobles Lacheteau Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine, Loire Valley, France

Fast facts: 2021  Vignobles Lacheteau Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine, Loire Valley, France ($7.99 @ Trader Joe’s, California)   European wine producers have a long standing tradition of using labels that are, in a word, confusing.  At least to the average wine consumer.  This is such a label. But we are here with some “French Lessons” to help … Read moreFrench Lessons from Trader Joe’s

$15 Chablis?! Thank Trader Joe’s

2021 Sainte Celine Chablis, Burgundy, France ($15.99 @Trader Joe's, California)

Fast facts: 2021 Sainte Celine Chablis, Burgundy, France ($15.99 @Trader Joe’s, California)     Many American wine drinkers first became familar with the name Chablis back when California winemakers were running amok bottling cheap jug wines with the Chablis name on the label. Which is unfortunate. Because it confused generations in the process. Maybe that … Read more$15 Chablis?! Thank Trader Joe’s

French Fizz is Back at TJs!

Bottles of 2021 J.L. Quinson Le Rosé French Fizz and 2021 J.L. Quinson Le Blanc French Fizz

Fast facts: 2021 J.L. Quinson Le Rosé French Fizz, France ($6.99 @ Trader Joe’s, California) 2021 J.L. Quinson Le Blanc French Fizz, France ($6.99 @ Trader Joe’s, California)   These wines were really popular when we first reviewed them in May of last year.  And they sold out pretty fast. Now they are back, earlier in … Read moreFrench Fizz is Back at TJs!

A “Cheap and Cheery” White Wine from Traders Joe’s – Bring on Spring!

Store display of the 2021 La Granja 360 Verdejo Viura at Trader Joe's

Fast facts: 2021 La Granja 360 Verdejo Viura $5.49 (@Trader Joe’s; California)   Where does the time go? We last reviewed the 2016 vintage of this wine in 2018.  Like everything else, the price has gone up quite a bit since them.  Back then it was priced at a rather ridiculous (in retrospect) $3.49.  But … Read moreA “Cheap and Cheery” White Wine from Traders Joe’s – Bring on Spring!

KS DOCG – Explained!

Bottle and glass of the Kirkland Signature Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOGC, Veneto, Italy ($7.49@Costco, California – Item #942740)

Fast facts: Kirkland Signature Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG, Veneto, Italy ($7.49@Costco, California – Item #942740)   Well the price on this bottle inched up to $7.49 from its former price of $6.99.  Sure, that is a “whopping” increase of 7%, but this wine still packs a whole lotta QPR, especially considering its DOCG designation – … Read moreKS DOCG – Explained!

TJ’s $9.99 Fun-Size Legit Champagne Will Have you “Drinking Stars” – or Maybe Just Seeing Them!

Glass and bottle of Ernest Rapeneau Champagne Brut ($9.99@Trader Joe's, California) alongside a 750ml standard bottle of Dom Perignon for perspective.

NV Ernest Rapeneau Champagne Brut, Epernay, France ($9.99@Trader Joe’s, California)   We celebrated the solstice yesterday by popping the cap on this bottle. We are in the home stretch of 2022 people, and this bottle (or bottles!) would be good to have in your fridge for several reasons. If you’re like us, there are holiday … Read moreTJ’s $9.99 Fun-Size Legit Champagne Will Have you “Drinking Stars” – or Maybe Just Seeing Them!

Bargain Champagne?!

Front label of the Kirkland Signature Champagne Brut.

Fast facts: NV Kirkland Signature Champagne Brut ($19.99@Costco, California – Item #942108)   This is our second wine in our December series on sparkling wines. This particular wine also has the distinction of being the very first one reviewed on this site, back in 2018.  A lot has changed in the world since then, but … Read moreBargain Champagne?!

Fun Bubbles and $5!? Thanks, Trader Joe’s!

Glass and bottle of the 2019 Pop Up Sparkling, 100% Chardonnay, Evergreen Vineyard, Columbia Valley, Washington

Fast facts: 2019 Pop Up Sparkling, 100% Chardonnay, Evergreen Vineyard, Columbia Valley, Washington ($4.99 @Trader Joe’s,  California)     This one was hard to pass by in a recent visit to Trader Joe’s. First there was the packaging. Striking, colorful and dare we say, adorable? From the crown cap on down? It reminded us of … Read moreFun Bubbles and $5!? Thanks, Trader Joe’s!

Is Trader Joe’s Delicious Monster All That?

Bottle and glass of The Delicious Monster from McGregor Winery.

Fast facts: 2021 McGregor Winery, The Delicious Monster, South Africa ($5.99 @Trader Joe’s,  California)   Here is a fun fact that you might not know: in South Africa, the varietal Chenin Blanc is often called Steen. It is synonymous for Chenin Blanc.  Impress your friends! I bring this up because the Delicious Monster is a … Read moreIs Trader Joe’s Delicious Monster All That?

Thanksgiving Wine Numero Dos

Bottle and glass of 2020 Schloss Vollrads Estate Riesling

Fast facts: 2020 Schloss Vollrads Estate Riesling, Rheingau, Germany ($15.99@ Costco, California – Item #540982)   Sam Sifton of the New York Times Cooking site perfectly captured the holiday vibe for me when he wrote last week: “Thanksgiving isn’t just one day. It’s a season, an incantation, a way of thinking about the world. And … Read moreThanksgiving Wine Numero Dos