$15 wine: the new normal

[gomestar]

Originally Posted by Meis

Obviously you've never been in a Trader Joe's

I haven't.

Originally Posted by StephenHero

What variety and region of reds is the best value at the lowest tier?
I still think there's great value to find from French and Italian wines. I quite enjoy basic $10 "Bordeaux" reds and $10 not pinot grigio Italian whites.

 

[kwilkinson]

$15 Soave or $10 Trebbiano can be killer.

 

[gomestar]

Originally Posted by kwilkinson

$15 Soave or $10 Trebbiano can be killer.

Yup. And Vernaccia. And Roero. And Falanghina.

 

[willpower]

Trader Joe's Coastal Chardonnay - $3.99. Surprisingly good for the price.

And if you're compelled to splurge, 2009 Ferrari - Carano Sonoma County Chardonnay is $20 and absolutely delightful

 

[Piobaire]

Speaking of TJ's, for $10: http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=718383 A quite drinkable southern Rhone.

 

[philosophe]

You guys should check out Moore Brothers in NY, NJ, DE and online:

http://moorebrothers.com/

I've been shopping there for years. There are excellent wines at $10 and all the way up.

 

[Connemara]

Originally Posted by gomestar

I still think there's great value to find from French and Italian wines. I quite enjoy basic $10 "Bordeaux" reds and $10 not pinot grigio Italian whites.
Correct. I enjoy sub-$20 Bordeauxs much more than Californian reds in the same price range. Not hard to find an '05 or '06 Bordeaux for $10-$15.

 

[Yooxaddict73]

There are little known varietals, from little known countries (Lebanon, Hungary, Armenia, Georgia) that are sold for under $10.00 and are absolutely unique and extremely enjoyable. Don't be afraid to try something you are not familiar with.

 

[RSS]

It's relatively easy to find a very drinkable wine for $15 or less.

And if you happen to hit a bad one ... at that price you can always open another ... OR ... four sips down the road ... it won't matter as much. Heck, after four sips, I can enjoy Retsina.

 

[Parker]

$15 has always been my normal unless it's a special occasion or dinner out. I don't feel bad experimenting at that price and am rarely disappointed. I usually just randomly pick from the France or Spain sections in the 12-18 range.

Originally Posted by Meis

Obviously you've never been in a Trader Joe's

I don't like most TJ wines, but this nero d'avola is not too shabby especially at 3.99 a bottle!
http://traderjoeswine.blogspot.com/2...avola-499.html

Originally Posted by Piobaire

Speaking of TJ's, for $10... A quite drinkable southern Rhone.

I was going to recommend this Perrin Reserve. It's usually 7.99 at K&L. Nice for casual drinking. Nothing to write home about, but the 2007 was actually pretty great.

 

[Piobaire]

Originally Posted by Parker

I was going to recommend this Perrin Reserve. It's usually 7.99 at K&L. Nice for casual drinking. Nothing to write home about, but the 2007 was actually pretty great.

Agreed, think the 07 was better but linked the 08 as that's what the local TJ's has on the shelf now.

 

[tattersall]

I have a pile of this stuff that hits this price-point. Very cheerful and vibrant red when you don't feel like uncorking a CDP or Bandol...