Trader Joe’s Wine Haul
Trader Joe’s is known for having a great selection of unique wines, the average wino wouldn’t be able to find at the grocery store. And because TJs carries such interesting wines, I took it upon myself to purchase a couple of bottles to have for my wine stash (the nearest Trader Joe’s to me is over an hour and a half away).
There are a couple of TJs wine hauls on the inter webs, but they are incredibly subjective to the author’s pallet. As will this blog post be … I gravitate towards bolder and complex wines and anything too sweet (unless it’s a Port) hurts my stomach. These are the wines I snagged along with my tasting notes!
Trader Joes Wine Recommendations
Villa Sonia
Italian Pinot Grigio
COLOR: Pale yellow
TASTING NOTES: Green apple and pear flavors. Light bodied and medium-high acidity (drier). Sour finish.
PAIRING: Trader Joe’s sugar snap peas and hummus.
OVERALL: 5/10
This wine would be great for sipping on a warmer weather day (like if you’re at a tailgate and want to sip wine instead of a seltzer). The flavor is very light - I was hoping for something a little bit more flavorful.
Còtes du Rhòne - Tradition Et Terrior
French Blend (Shiraz/Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre)
COLOR: Pale ruby.
TASTING NOTES: Dry, tannic (i.e. you get the dry feeling in your mouth after you swallow). Smooth to start with hints of spice to finish. Notes of cherry flavor.
PAIRING: Trader Joe’s Pastry Bites with Feta Cheese and Carmelized Onions.
OVERALL: 7.1/10
A lighter red that would actually be a great entertaining wine. Especially if you’re grilling out on the patio.
Lacheteau - Pouilly-Fume 2019
French Sauvignon Blanc
COLOR: Medium gold.
TASTING NOTES: Punchy. Notes of green apple flavor. Higher acidity and more complex in flavor.
PAIRING: Trader Joe’s Raisin Rosemary Crisps + a creamy cheese
OVERALL: 9.3/10
This would be my wine of choice! It would be lovely all year round, but I just imagine myself sipping on this wine at picnic, on the front porch or while playing crouquet. It would also make fora great hostess gift or housewarming present.
Tertre du Moulin
*Grand Cru 2018
French Red Blend (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot). Bordeaux wine from the Saint-Émilion area of Bordeaux.
COLOR: Medium ruby.
TASTING NOTES: High tannins (dry), notes of chocolate, raspberry (red fruits) and slightly smoky (maybe a tobacco flavor?). Bold.
PAIRING: Pairs VERY WELL with Trader Joe’s dark chocolate covered almonds
Overall: 9.5/10.
George and I really enjoyed this red blend. It’s a bolder red without being overwhelming. A great wine to have on hand to enjoy with a nice homemade meal. We induldged in some of our sea salt dark chocolate covered almonds while sipping on this blend and it was a perfect pair.
*Grand Cru: Translates to “Great Growth” and is used in Burgundy and Champagne to distinguish the region’s best vineyards. (Wine Folly)
Cheers!
