TRADER JOE's WINEs.. BUY THIS... NOT THAT!

  Spain boasts some of the world's finest wines, and delving into the basics of Spanish wine can not only tantalize your taste buds but also offer respite to your wallet. With a heritage steeped in tradition, Spanish regional wines uphold stringent quality standards, delivering remarkable quality at accessible prices.

Today, we explore two quintessential Spanish varietals: Tempranillo and Garnacha (known as Grenache in the US). Tempranillo reigns as Spain's most widely planted grape, while Garnacha follows closely as the second leading red wine grape.

Here's a quick comparison: Garnacha: Exhibiting a slightly fuller body and heightened acidity compared to Tempranillo, Garnacha offers a vibrant profile. In contrast, Tempranillo often presents with more pronounced tannins, imparting a textured richness to the wine. However, both grapes frequently blend harmoniously, balancing each other's characteristics.

Trader Joe’s Cost- $6.99

From: Calatayud, Spain (north- eastern Spain) 

Good for Wine Lovers Who Enjoy:  Red Blends, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir. 

SAVVY’S PRICE. ENJOYMENT (P/E) Overall Rating:  =  9 --GOOD BUY!

PRICE-  5 Points !

ENJOYMENT -- 4 Points! 

This was a very enjoyable red wine from Spain, I must say and at a $6.99 cost. Whew hoo! I shared this bottle with my Husband,” Mr. Savvy”, and his comment is that it had “Good Teeth”, which is his way of saying it is full bodied. The wine continued to improve throughout the night and the little bit of acid it had on the back end at initial opening dispersed.  This was a Great Buy, and will absolutely purchase again. 

  Trader Joe's Cost: $4.99

From: La Mancha- (middle of Spain) 

Good For Wine Lovers who Enjoy:  Pinot Noir or “lighter” California Cabernets that come from “California” appellation such as Robert Mondavi Private Selection.  

SAVVY’S PRICE. ENJOYMENT (P/E) Overall Rating:  6 – Not Recommended. 

PRICE-  5 Points! 

ENJOYMENT-  1 Point. 

First Sip, wine was very light, and initially gave it 3 stars. As the night progressed, the wine got less enjoyable. This wine might work if you have a party and it could be a “2nd or 3rdbottle once your guests taste buds have mellowed out for the evening. Even at a $4.99 cost, I would not purchase again.  

   New Zealand has been at the forefront of Sauvignon Blanc production for decades. It was the first country to transition from cork to screwcap closures for their wines in the early 2000's  a move that greatly influenced global wine packaging trends. The Marlborough region, located at the northern end of the South Island, is especially renowned for producing some of the best Sauvignon Blancs in the world.  Additionally, Marlborough's commitment to sustainability and innovation in viticulture and winemaking practices has helped maintain its reputation for quality and consistency, ensuring that its Sauvignon Blancs continue to captivate wine enthusiasts around the world. 

Trader Joe’s Cost- $7.99

From: Marlborough, New Zealand

Good for Wine Lovers Who Enjoy:  Bright white wines with balanced acid and no oak. 

SAVVY’S PRICE. ENJOYMENT (P/E) Overall Rating:  =  9-GOOD BUY!

PRICE-  5 Points !

ENJOYMENT -- 4 Points! 

Wow! I was truly surprised by the balanced quality of this wine. Although I generally love Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, sometimes I find the less expensive wines tend to have a bit too much acidity, making them somewhat off balance. Picton Bay has the backbone of acidity needed but also the freshness to really enjoy a few glasses. This wine will definitely become one of my go-to's!

  Trader Joe's Cost: $5.99

From: Marlborough, New Zealand 

Good For Wine Lovers who Enjoy:  White wines with  a clean fresh taste, good acid and no oak. 

SAVVY’S PRICE. ENJOYMENT (P/E) Overall Rating: 8  - GOOD BUY!

PRICE-  5 Points! 

ENJOYMENT-  3 Points. 

 What can I say? At $5.99, this absolutely could be a go-to wine. Although I really did like it, as I rounded to the second glass, I did notice a bit more acidity than I can typically handle throughout the night (heartburn is a real thing!). That said, this wine is an absolute bargain, with good depth of flavor. Despite the acidity, the wine’s complexity and character make it an excellent choice as it’s hard to find a better value that delivers this level of quality.  

 Malbec is a red wine grape that originated in France's Cahors and Bordeaux regions, but is now primarily grown in Argentina, where it's considered the country's signature grape variety. In fact, Argentina is the world's largest producer of Malbec, growing it across the country, but especially in Mendoza, the country's biggest wine region.   Consumers who really enjoy Cabernet Sauvignon tend to like malbec as well. 

Trader Joe’s Cost- $8.99

From: Mendoza, Argentina

SAVVY’S PRICE. ENJOYMENT (P/E) Overall Rating:  =  5-NOT RECOMMENDED

PRICE-  4 Points 

ENJOYMENT -- 1 Point

Both myself and "Mr.Savvy" were very excited to try this new addition to the Trader Joe's Line up.. Unfortunately, we were quite disappointed. At first and 2nd taste, the wine drank highly acidic, almost so much so that none of the fruit flavors could be tasted.  We decided to wait an hour or so until the next sip to see if would change, and unfortunately it did not.  We tried a 2nd bottle to make sure there wasn't bottle issues, and the 2nd bottle was just as acidic. 

  Trader Joe's Cost: $7.99

From: Mendoza, Argentina

Good For Wine Lovers who Enjoy:  Cabernet Sauvignon from California

SAVVY’S PRICE. ENJOYMENT (P/E) Overall Rating: 8  - GOOD BUY!

PRICE-  5 Points! 

ENJOYMENT-  3 Points. 

This is a pretty solid Malbec, as it  has a really nice balance between acidity and the fruit flavor.  It is quite easy to drink  and is perfect for enjoying a glass or two during the week.  It also holds  up quite well overnight if corked back up -so the 2nd day it still tastes pretty good. 

  Paso Robles has become renowned for its exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon, often rivaling those from Napa Valley. The region's warm days and cool nights create ideal conditions for ripening grapes, resulting in rich and complex wines. With diverse soil types contributing to unique flavor profiles, Paso Robles attracts red wine lovers who appreciate full-bodied selections and food pairing enthusiasts looking to complement hearty dishes. Adventurous wine drinkers will find unique expressions in Paso's Cabernets, while value seekers can enjoy high-quality wines at reasonable prices. Visitors can explore wineries dedicated to crafting outstanding Cabernet while soaking in the beautiful landscapes and vibrant culinary scene, showcasing the region's evolution in the wine world. 

Trader Joe’s Cost- $9.99

From: Paso Robles

SAVVY’S PRICE. ENJOYMENT (P/E) Overall Rating:  =  7 -GOOD BUY!

PRICE-  4 Points 

ENJOYMENT -- 3 Points

  For the price, this wine was quite drinkable, but seemed to lack a bit of the body that one typically likes to get from a Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon. The flavors were pleasant, showcasing notes of dark fruit and subtle spices, but I expected a bolder, more robust mouthfeel. While it offers good value and is approachable for casual sipping, those seeking a more intense experience might find it falls short compared to other offerings from the region. Overall, it’s a decent choice for those new to Cabernet Sauvignon or looking for a lighter option, but it may not satisfy seasoned enthusiasts who appreciate the depth and complexity typically associated with Paso Robles Cabernets. 

  Trader Joe's Cost: $6.99

From: Paso Robles

SAVVY’S PRICE. ENJOYMENT (P/E) Overall Rating: 8  - GOOD BUY!

PRICE-  5 Points! 

ENJOYMENT- 4 Points. 

 For $6.99, this wine is an absolute steal. I was pleasantly surprised, as this price is quite low for a Paso Robles wine. Paso Dragon Cabernet Sauvignon stands out for its bold yet balanced profile, featuring prominent flavors of dark fruit like blackberry and plum, with subtle hints of vanilla and spice. The soft tannins make it easy to drink, whether enjoyed alone or paired with food. While it may not have the complexity of higher-end Cabernets, it delivers more than expected at this price point. Overall, it's a fantastic choice for casual gatherings or a weeknight dinner, proving that quality doesn't have to break the bank.