Wine

[bricap]

I've gotten into wine somewhat over the past few years. And I have to say I'm really surprised at what is and isn't popular. Last night, we tried a new place. The wine the place was pushing was a merlot/cabernet blend from Chile. I inquire as to what else they have besides this unoriginal bottle. I am told cabernets, merlots, and chardonnays

Comments

[synodalhaj]

Was the cab/merlot blend from Chile Frontera by any chance?

[bricap]

Actually it was carmenere, as it turns out. I asked if it was a kind of grape and I was told it was a cab/merlot blend. I just googled and found the name again, as I had forgotten the details when I wrote this entry. Well, I guess I missed out on a chance to try a new one, as it is a distinct grape, though it's related to cabernet. You'd think they would know more about the wine they were displaying on every table in the restaurant.

[melismatic1]

I love the vinho verde from Trader Joe's. It's a great summer party wine.

But I've been cutting esy way back on my wine consumption lately and have become a connoiseur of fine and exotic teas. It's much better for my both my waistline and my wallet, and leaves me feeling much more relaxed.

[bricap]

We took a bottle of that (Espiral is the brand, by the way) to a BYOB Mexican restaurant, and it went great with the meal. I tried a vinho verde from Whole Paycheck that cost twice as much, and it was only half as good. Strange how that works sometimes.

New Grapes

[anonymous]

Trader Joe's has lots of interesting varietals you can sample on the cheap. A few I've had recently are Oriveto and Nero d Avola from Italy. Even some from the US that are less common such as Viognier and Cab Franc. They of course have a Carmenere which is one my faves. I ranked it #8 in my Top 10 Trader Joe's Wines.

Cheers,
Jason