Category Archives: Under $10

Grifone Primitivo Review | Trader Joe’s Wine

Grifone Primitivo 2012 | Trader Joe’s Wine

Grifone Primitivo

While checking out the incredible wine selections at Trader Joe’s I asked the knowledgeable wine specialist on staff what he thought were the absolute top values and the Grifone Primitivo was at the very top of the list. Out of hundreds of wines, the Grifone Primitivo topped the list you say? And so I had to try it myself…

Despite being called “A California Original, grown nowhere else” by wine writers in the late 1970’s , Primitivo, also known as Zinfandel, existed long before Zinfandel ever did in California. In fact, its origins can be traced to a single vine in the garden of an elderly lady’s Croatian Garden as early as the 15th century.

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Kirkland Signature Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley Review

Kirkland Signature 2011 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Review

I’m perennially tempted and intrigued by Costco’s Kirkland Signature wines so I thought I might give the Kirkland Signature Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 2011 a try. Alexander Valley is the northernmost part of Sonoma County and is known for producing Cabernet’s that are slightly softer and more elegant in style.

It’s generally cooler temperatures produce a different Cabernet than you get in Napa, where wines are often riper, fruitier and more tannic. Often I find myself more inclined to drink Cabernet that is less fruity with good balance and acidity and Alexander Valley fits the bill at a better price point. Several notable wineries you might recognize produce sought after Cabernet’s from Alexander Valley including Silver Oak,  Jordan and Lancaster Estate.

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Cupcake Sauvignon Blanc | Costco Wine Reviews

Cupcake Sauvignon Blanc | Costco Wine Reviews

Cupcake Sauvignon Blanc

Chances are that you’ve either seen or know of the Cupcake Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc. It’s usually prominently displayed in every supermarket wine section across across America. So today at The Fermented Fruit my mission of unearthing the wine bargains we’re all searching for continues. I love these missions; and I love Sauvignon Blanc too.

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J Pinot Gris Review | J Vineyards & Winery

J Pinot Gris Review | J Vineyards & Winery

J Pinot Gris

This summer in Washington D.C. has been surprisingly mild and beautiful – which for me translates to being unusually conducive to patio wine sipping. Such opportunities call for a wine that is crisp and refreshing, but my favorite sippers are those with a bit of depth and complexity to keep things interesting.

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Lunetta Prosecco | Top Sparkling Wines | Costco Wine Review

Lunetta Prosecco  | Top Sparkling Wines | Costco Wine Review

Lunetta Prosecco

There could never be enough good Champagne alternatives in my opinion. Don’t get me wrong…I’d be happy to drink in its sunshine all the time, but for those of us born without a trust fund we must look to places outside of the Champagne like California, Spain, other wine growing regions of France or in the case of the Lunetta Prosecco: Italy.

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Novellum Chardonnay | Your House Chard Has Arrived

Domaine Lafage Novellum Chardonnay

Novellum Chardonnay

With summer right around the corner it’s time to break out the white wine! There’s something about this time of year that has wanting Rosé, Spanish Cava, Italian Prosecco, Sauvignon Blanc, Vinho Verde, Albarino and of course, Chardonnay!

Whether it be an aperitif, paired with an alfresco meal or simply to sip on the patio with friends, summer calls for something crisp and refreshing. Does the Novellum Chardonnay 2013, a custom cuvee brought to us by the talented Jean-Marc Lafage of Domaine Lafage winery and veritable power-importer Eric Solomon, get the job done at a decent price? Let’s find out…

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Tin Roof Merlot Review | Decent Merlot for $5?

Tin Roof Merlot | Tin Roof Cellars

Tin Roof Merlot

Sometimes you need a no-nonsense, wallet friendly wine that doesn’t require too much thought but still tastes good. Whether it be your weeknight wine or a great bargain red to pair with pizza, it can be challenging to find quality reds in the $10 and under category. Enter the Tin Roof Merlot 2009!

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Espelt Garnacha Old Vines Emporda 2010

 Espelt Garnacha /Espelt Grenache Old Vines Emporda Review

Espent Grenache Review

I’ve been thinking that I want to share more wines around the $10 price point that I feel offer great value. While some of the wines I’ve featured in recent posts have represented value in their own respect, they may have been a little out of reach as an everyday drinker. Wines around the $10 price point don’t have to be insipid and uninteresting, but sadly they often are.

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Costco Kirkland Signature Malbec 2011 Mendoza

Costco Kirkland Signature Malbec 2011 Mendoza | Costco Wine

Costco Kirkland Signature Malbec Review

Who doesn’t love Argentinian Malbec? It is softer and less tannic than its French sibling from Cahors. Lauded for its generous texture, inky violet colors and fruit forward flavors, most entry-level Argentinian Malbec is ready to drink now and won’t bust your wine budget.

It’s no wonder it has become a go-to staple in households everywhere. I am always excited to try a new Malbec as well as any of Costco’s Kirkland Signature wines so when I saw Costco’s Kirkland Signature Malbec 2011 Mendoza I simply had to try it.

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Rondel Brut Cava NV | Top Sparkling Wines Under $10

Rondel Brut Cava NV | Top Sparkling Wines Under $10

Rondel Brut Cava

What Is Your Go-To Bargain Bubbly?

Sometimes Champagne can come across as a somewhat formal beverage. Traditionally it is a drink to be enjoyed when celebrating a major milestone such as an anniversary, wedding or perhaps even a life achievement. Then there is the issue of the price. Most Champagne’s start out in the $30-40, easily putting it out of range as a more casual everyday option for most consumers.

The French wine-making region of Champagne is small in comparison to other wine growing regions . It’s sought after real estate and wine-making doesn’t come cheap. Considering the cost of entry, I can understand why consumers might not be drinking Champagne often. But how about less-expensive alternative bubblies? The Rondel Brut Cava NV retails for under $10 and is easy to find at retailers nationwide.

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