We're always on the lookout for deals on decent wine -- Food Funatic consumes about 5 bottles a week (she says it helps her cook). Although we do enjoy good wines, we are trying to maintain the 'thrifty' part of ThriftyPosh, so we've created a situation that reverses the usual meaning of "top shelf" -- in this case, it means FF gets ready access to the top 2 wine rack shelves. Those shelves are populated with bottles costing from $3.99 to $6.99. What kind of swill goes for that price? Actually, there are several very tasty offerings in that range available from Trader Joe's -- the offbeat grocery chain based out of Monrovia, Ca.
http://www.traderjoes.com/ Joe distinguished his store in the late 50's and early 60's by selling nearly every wine made in California and importing boatloads of European wines that were seen as attractive bargains. That tradition continues today, with a range of offerings from $ 1.99 to high priced boutique California Cabernet Sauvignons. We exclude here the infamous "Two Buck Chuck" (several Charles Shaw varietals bottled exclusively for Trader Joe's and selling for $1.99 a bottle in California, and $2.99 here in the Midwest -- making it Three Buck Chuck here) because of the variability in varietals and releases. We have heard stories about customers going to TJ's, buying a single bottle, and taking it out to the parking lot to try a swig in order to determine whether it's a good enough release to warrant buying a case. While we do believe in testing and tasting, we don't want to have to do it in a parking lot.
Like too many good things at Trader Joe's, the offerings change over time. Joe does offer wines that are available at other liquor stores, but we find that the very best values at TJ's are things bottled or
imported exclusively for Trader Joe's. Here, then, are a few of our current favorites, along with their retail prices at Chicago north suburban Trader Joe's:
Nero d'Avola "Archeo" Sicilia, Ruggero di Tasso, Winemaker $3.99
(This one has been in & out of stock -- apparently due to Q.C. issues, but is far superior to other Nero d'Avolas sold at TJ's.)
Purple Moon --- Shiraz ($3.99) well balanced fruit & spice
Falcon Ridge -- 2005 Lodi Zinfandel ($5.99) - big & fruity and long finish for an inexpensive wine
La Ferme Julien -- Soft French with earthy notes; compares well w/more costly French things ($5.99)
Authentique -- another soft-ish French bargain, good with cheese or slurped on its own. - $5.99
When available, 'Gladiator Chariot' is a solid red California blend at $5.99.
You may have other favorites -- please be sure to share and comment. In the meantime, we'll keep on drinking our way through the offerings in our search for the best. It's a dirty job, but somebody's gotta do it.
