I am an optimist. I have a baked-in, fundamental positive outlook on life. I know the economy will improve, I believe the Steelers will win the Super Bowl again this year, and I am confident that I can find an excellent Tuesday-night red wine for under $7 or $8.
For some time now, I’ve been in search of an economical ‘house wine’ – a go to mid-week wine when I just need that one glass to unwind. A wine that comes with no drain guilt – that uneasy feeling that comes when pouring the remnants of a bottle down the drain after a few days of hanging around.
As part of my continual search for an economical house wine I made a stop by the new Trader Joe’s that just opened in Virginia Beach. During my visit, I found, what appeared to be, a gem for $5.99 – although this wine was located on the bottom shelf, the ‘Morgon’ name jumped out at me. Morgon, as in one of the 10 Cru’s of the Beaujolais region in Southern France.
I am a big fan of the gamay grape (used to make Beaujolais wines) and am a big believer in the potential of Beaujolais wines. Unfortunately, gamay gets a bad name at times because of the rancid Beaujolais Nouveaux wines that hit store shelves each November.
I was optimistic leaving the store and couldn’t wait to get home to open this one…
2007 Louis Vergé “Les Pierres Fines” Morgon Cru Beaujolais – $5.99 at Trader Joe’s. A simple, basic effort. On the nose I found grape punch with slight hints of sweet cherry candy. Light tannins and acidity. Flavors of watered down grape-raspnberry drink in the mouth with a touch of earth. Thin. Not a candidate for my house wine. I’m confident that the wine industry can do better… and I will keep searching!
If anyone out there has a recommendation for a possible ‘house wine’ with a price point under 8 bucks, please let me know!
___________________________
I’m in the same boat. Unfortunately, the price tag for my house wines always seem to float around $12 and up. I’ve been searching for my house red now for 2 years with no luck. I did however identify my white. Although a bit pricier, the Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc/Viognier is EXCELLENT. In fact, you can purchase a case (free shipping) for $120 (usually around $150) from the website (I received a special code from their Facebook fan page). Let me know if your interested and I’ll send it your way.
By the way, Wine Spectator just released their value wine issue again. May be another great place to identify a good house red…
Cheers!
I may be a bit naive in thinking I can find an 8 buck house wine… but I’m sure there is a good, yet economical domestic red out there. (maybe Fred ‘2 buck chuck’ Franzia does get it), Lots of under $10 gems coming out of Chile and Argentina.
Yes, for a while there we could find 2005 St. Clement Merlot for $8. Love it, only have 6 bottles left. Drinks extremely well nightly at a winning 14.7% alcohol content. We have burned through 2 cases. I have seen it online for triple that. Robbery I say. Food Lion was the last know origin for this price and they give a case discount. Imagine the excitement to get a case under $100. Personally, it was my own version of a stimulus package. Now the secret is out and the price will rise.
St. Clement Merlot… I’ll add it to my list. I participated in a blind Cab tasting back in July and the St. Clement 2006 Cab Sav. was the highest ranked on my score card (but that one was over $50). I’ll check out their Merlot.
Great to know. I sent my husband out trolling to find more.
If you prefer a French house wine, from TJ’s, I would recommend the Perrin Cotes du Rhone which is $7 here on the west coast. If that isn’t appealing feel free to check out some other favorites on my Trader Joe’s Top 10 Wine List.
Thanks for stopping by Jason! I’ve been a reader of your site for quite a while… I definitely plan to pick up the Perrin Cotes du Rhone (the VB Trader Joe’s carries that one). Best.
my pleasure! Let me know what you think of the CdR when you get a chance to try it…
Try Folie A Deus Menage A Trois Red – blend of Zin, Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon. $8-10; Available at Total Wine, and, of all unlikely places, Target
Laura: Thank you for stopping by to comment and for the recommendation. I’ve seen the Menage A Tois wines, but have never tried them. I drove past their tasting room in Napa several times during my last trip, but never stopped in. I’ll have to add this wine to my list to try. I’ll check Total Wine first because I just can not bring myself to buy wine at Target… yet. Thanks!