Meritage

Red Meritage wines are smooth and robust. It is a blend of two or more noble Bordeaux varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc (which I have not tried by itself but soon will), Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Gras Verdot, and Carmenere.  There are rules about how much can be included of anyone variety, but who cares; it is just a bottle of great tasting wine.  I first discovered this wine in the aisles of my Trader Joe's.  The first, second, third, ...and 8th bottles (yeah, it was that good) were Trader Joe's Grand Reserve Meritage for around $12 a bottle.  But that disappeared, and an equally good, if not better, Trader Joe's Premium Meritage magically appeared.  This one was priced at $15 a bottle.  Not sure I can tell the difference between the two, but either will suffice and are the main staple of my wine-drinking experience.  

Petit Verdot

I first discovered Petit Verdot at Trader Joe's.  It is a full-bodied red wine with black fruit flavors from the Bordeaux region of France.  Usually, Petit Verdot is used to blend with other noble grapes from France's Bordeaux region.  But I have to tell you this varietal on its own is uniquely flavorful and easy to consume wine.  I highly recommend  Trader Joe's Premium Petit Verdot.  It is often hard to find but when you see it, grab it.  I've not tried any other wineries' Petit Verdot and would be interested in hearing from folks who have found a good one.  The Trader Joe's brand will set you back about $15.  Well worth it in my opinion. 

Around the World with Red Wine - For less than $20 a bottle

While stuck at home due to the pandemic, I decided to travel the world vicariously via trips through the red wine aisle at my favorite wine shops.   My virtual travels took me to France, Spain,  and South America with quick visits to Italy and a staycation in the US.   I  discovered varietals that took me to new places I shall return to again and again.    

One rule I laid down for myself was that no bottle of wine could cost me more than $20.  I'd like to think that it is due to my self-awareness that I do not possess the palette to discern a $15 bottle of wine from a $100 bottle of wine.  Of course, my wife might have had something to do with that as well.   

My focus is red wine for the simple reason that that is what I enjoy drinking.  Fair warning, at best, I am half an oenophile in that I love drinking wine, but I don't really know a lot about it.    This is a journey of discovery that I hope might become a shared journey.  Or at least you'll find one good bottle of wine you might not have otherwise.