Wine is an alcoholic drink made from fermented grapes. Yeast consumes the sugar in the grapes and converts it to ethanol, carbon dioxide, and heat. Different varieties of grapes and strains of yeasts produce different styles of wine. These variations result from the complex interactions between the biochemical development of the grape, the reactions involved in fermentation, the terroir, and the production process.
Fast facts: 2021 Domaine Bousquet Malbec, Tupungato, Uco Valley, Argentina ($8.99 @Trader Joe’s, California) There was a time when seeing the word “organic” was a warning sign. Not so long ago organic wines, were – in a word – funky. Not in a good way. All that has changed now, especially for this particular … Read moreGiving Organic Wine a Good Name
Going shopping for wine at your local Trader Joe’s? Well take along this list of the 13 most recent posts that included wines from TJ’s. In this “case” think of it as your lucky 13! All prices shown are based on those in California. Click on any of the links below for tasting notes … Read moreOur Lucky 13 Most Recent Reviews of Wines from Trader Joe’s
Going shopping for wine at your local Costco? Well take along this list of the 13 most recent posts that included wines from Costco. In this “case” think of it as your lucky 13! Click on any of the links below for item numbers, tasting notes – and more… 2021 Kirkland Signature Pinot … Read moreOur Lucky 13 Most Recent Reviews of Costco Wines
2021 Kirkland Signature Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California ($11.99@Costco, California – Item #555512) Yogi Berra was once quoted as saying that “It’s not boasting if it’s true.” And the truth is, the Russian River Valley is one of the best places in the world to grow Pinot Noir grapes. Ditto Chardonnay. … Read moreAn $11.99 Russian River Pinot Noir – Costco for the Win!
Fast facts: 2020 Les Sommets Liès Corbières, France ($6.99 @Trader Joe’s, California) During a recent visit to my local Trader Joe’s, I overheard an employee enthusiastically recommending this wine. She was telling a customer that it was “everyone’s favorite” among store employees. Needless to say, my curiosity was piqued. So when she was free … Read moreBingo! Wine Stalking Pays Off at TJ’s
Fast facts: 2019 Kirkland Signature Toscana IGT, Italy ($14.99 @Costco; California – Product #1181768) Our reviews of this “Super Tuscan” wine date back to the 2016 vintage, and this one represents our third visitation. It remains one of our perennial favorites bottled under the Kirkland Signature label. But it depletes quickly, so do what … Read moreIt’s Back, and it’s As Good as Ever – KS Toscana 2019
Fast facts: 2019 Levesque Estates Reserve Vidal Ice Wine, VQA Niagara On the Lake, Canada ($14.99@Trader Joe’s; California) You may be surprised to learn that Icewine (the anglicanization of the German Eiswein) is the most famous wine produced in Canada. Heck, for all I know, you might be surprised to hear that Canada produces … Read moreSome January Ice (Wine) for Your Enjoyment
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!
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!
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!