Any suggestions for store bought wine?!
Any suggestions for store bought wine?
We like reds and whites but have a limited budget. I know someone can suggest some favs. I really like California wines but I'm not closed minded to others. Thank you for your time.
Answers:
For domestic US wines I lean towards Fetzer Valley Oaks, Kendall Jackson Vintner's Reserve, Vendange.
for imports, I like wines from New Zealand (love sauv blanc from Oyster Bay & Isabel Estate the best), Chile (had a tempranillo, a red wine, but can't remember the brand. Concha Y Toro is very good) and Argentina (love Malbec from El Felino)
Try blue nun, it's a white, very inexpensive and not bad on the palette.
Is there a licensed Trader Joe's near you?
Nothing beats its private labels ("2 Buck Chuck", "3 Buck Moe", etc) plus TJ's prices on others are also good. I have also read that the new private label CA wines sold by licensed Wal-Marts are also good though I have not tried any.
Outside of CA the best wine values today come from Chile, Argentina, Spain, Portugal, south-central France, parts of Italy, Romania and Bulgaria, and still some from Australia. The May issues of 2006 and 2007 of "Decanter" - generally thought to be the world's best wine magazine, include lists of what its tasters think are the most outstanding values for wines generally available.
Gallo White Merlot
Thunderbird or Maddog 20/20 Enjoy
Yellowtail.........its like 8 bucks a btl....but still good
Wines from Chile, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa are good and good values. And other parts of the US produce very good value-priced wines. Oregon and Washington both produce very good wines.
If you like California Reds then give Clos du Bois "merlot" a try. Or try J. Lohr Seven Oaks "cabernet" I think thats from Oregon. A yummy Chianti that most grocers have is Ruffino riserva ducali.. good stuff
These are great "best buys" and available nationwide.
Ch. Ste. Michelle 2005 Indian Wells Riesling Unfolds with flavors of passionfruit, gooseberry and subtle herbaceousness. The wine is mouthfilling with good texture and finishes well with cleansing acidity and great length. ($9.99)
Columbia Winery 2005 Gewurztraminer -Unfolds with flavors of passionfruit, gooseberry and subtle herbaceousness. The wine is mouthfilling with good texture and finishes well with cleansing acidity and great length. ($9.99)