Call it what you will. Mommy Juice. Booze. A Way to Forget The Day’s Bulls***, or on worse days, Actual Child S***.
Wine. I love it, and I enjoy relaxing with a few sips at the end of the day.
But those $10+ bottles of wine sure do add up, and that’s why I shop at Trader Joe’s, where there are a ton of choices under $10 and even under $5. So in the name of research (riiiiiiight), I have compiled a quick list of my go-to sipping wines, complete with “tasting notes.”
Panilonco Carmenere, $4.99 – Tasting Notes: My absolute favorite. Medium-bodied. Similar to merlot, but with a smoother finish. Does TJ’s offer a discount if you buy by the case? I should buy this by the case.
Volo Sangiovese, $2.99 – Tasting Notes: On the lighter side. When the wallet is near empty, this is my pick. This summer, try it in sangria.
Espiral Vinho Verde, $4.49 – Tasting Notes: Effervescent “green” wine that’s like a not-quite-sparkling white. Very refreshing. BONUS: screwtop.
La Granja Tempranillo, $3.99 – Tasting Notes: On the lighter side of the medium-bodied reds. BONUS: screwtop.
Grifone Primitivo Zinfandel, $4.99 – Tasting Notes: New in my rotation. Medium-to-full-bodied red that isn’t too tannic. It’s usually a tossup between this and the Nero D’Avola, which seems a bit heavier.
Le Grotte Lambrusco, $4.99 – Tasting Notes: Lambrusco! Where have you *been* all my adult life?! It’s fizzy, it’s light, it’s sweet, it’s summer in a champagne flute. Bring this to your hosts and you’ll be the belle of the barbecue.
Occasionally, I pair the wine with a Trader Joe’s favorite I’ve pictured, the Sea Salt Potato Chips, $1.99.
***The prices listed are what I recently paid at the Trader Joe’s in Arlington, Virginia. Prices may vary from place to place. Also, I used “tasting notes” with quotation marks as my palate ain’t none too sophisticated. But I do know what I like, and I hope you’ll like them, too!***
What are your favorite Trader Joe’s wines under $5? Under $10?
GREAT post! I would love to pin it but am I missing the Pin it button? I’ll do it regardless but just a suggestion. Also, I feel kind of proud that at least 3 of your six we already purchase on the regular. But the fizzy (last) one – WHAT? I must rush to TJs immediately – I used to get their $6.99 Prosecco for these occasions but must get yours NOW!
Thanks for the comment, Kara! What are your go-to wines?
I’ll get our social media buttons updated – get with the program, plugin! Great feedback, much appreciated.