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: 2020 Kirkland Signature Gigondas, France ($13.99 @Costco in California – Item #11341020) One of the nice things about Costco’s line of Kirkland Signature wines is not just their incredible QPR, but also their relative price stability in this era where most prices keep ratcheting higher. We have been mining a French wine … Read moreA Perennial Favorite from Costco – More French Lessons
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
Fast Facts: 2020 Kirkland Signature Cabernet Sauvignon, Suscol Vineyard, Napa Valley, California ($17.99 @Costco in California – Item #1491800) This is one of our favorites and we were delighted to see this just show up in our local Costco. We have reviewed the 2018 and 2019 vintages and found this 2020 may be the … Read moreOur Perennial Favorite Napa CabSauv at Costco for Under $20
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
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… 2020 Kirkland Signature Cabernet … Read moreOur Lucky 13 Most Recent Reviews of Costco Wines – Updated!
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 – Updated!
Fast facts: 2017 Quinta Do Portal, Riserva Red, Douro Valley, Portugal ($10.99 @ Costco, California – Item #670474) We are recently back from a tasting trip to Portugal, so finding this wine at Costco was a real treat. One sip and we were transported eight time zones back to our tastings in Alentejo. Even … Read more90 Point Red for $10.99?!
Fast facts: 2017 Zingari, Toscana, Italy ($9.99 @ Costco, California – Item #565343) If you’re looking for a great everyday food wine, this might just be the ticket. After doing some research online, I am surprised that even Costco is selling this wine for a hair under $10. It sells elsewhere for nearly twice that … Read more93 Points of Bottled Tuscan Sun for under $10 at Costco
Fast facts: 2015 Puerta de Plata, Catalunya, Spain ($7.99 @Trader Joe’s, California) If memory serves, this was one of the first wines we reviewed on this blog. I recall hyperventilating when I first tasted it, especially given its $7.99 price point and uber classy packaging. It’s a bit of a Trader Joe’s staple, so … Read moreTrader Joe’s is Your Puerta to High QPR
Fast facts: 2021 Kirkland Signature Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($19.69 @ Costco, California – Item #777662) Among the “old world” offerings bottled under the Kirkland Signature name, this CdP is one of our perennial favorites. It has been around for over a decade, and is consistently good. It is a rare thing to find CdP wines for … Read moreIt’s Back, the High QPR KS CdP from Costco – with a Pope angle, no less!