Bargain Wine Recommendations – Two Whites
J Vineyard 2012 Pinot Gris California
J Vineyards Pinot Gris 2012 – $13.99 K&L Wines
Last week we touted the Luna Pinot Grigio 2012. So what is the difference between Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio? They are the same identical grape, but each can taste different depending on the terroir and the style in which it was made. Pinot Gris is one of the six delicious white wine grapes of the Alsatian region in France. In general, in Alsace, a Pinot Gris wine can be a tad sweet with lots of tropical fruit. Pinot Grigio is grown in Northern Italy, in regions such as Alto Adige. Pinot Grigio is dry and acidic, with more citrus flavors.
Here in California you find much less difference in style between Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio. The differences are mainly due to how the grape is harvested and vinted. The Luna was 85% Pinot Grigio. This wine from J is 100 % Pinot Gris, but from different vineyards in California. I like both wines very much, but I will give a slight nod to the J Vineyards Pinot Gris. The fruit from this wine is from Clarksburg 33%, Russian River Valley 32%, Lodi 30%, and Monterey 5%. I love the mouthfeel of this refreshing wine, and I enjoyed savoring each sip along with the aftertaste. It is an enticing wine. Although the wine is available at K&L Wines for $13.99, I purchased the Pinot Gris at the Burlingame Safeway last week. The price was $10.99 during their Holiday sale. If the original price on the tag holds true, the wine this week should be $18.99. I think that will not be the case, knowing how the Safeway works its 30% off sale. It will most likely be around the K&L Wine price. Let’s see. 89 Points.
Clif Family Climber Chardonnay California 2012 – $5 Grocery Outlet
The Climber Chardonnay California
You won’t find this wine anywhere else for sale except at the Grocery Outlet stores. This wine is 100% Chardonnay from various vineyards in California. The Clif Family Winery has decided not to produce this Chardonnay any longer and has apparently worked a deal with the Grocery Outlet.
Vintage Taster Mike discovered this wine at the Grocery Outlet and here what he has to say about the wine. “There is no oak in this wine and it is a clean refreshing wine. There are nice gentle flavors including apple and some pear. This is a lean and clean Chardonnay. For Chardonnay drinkers who like the buttery, butterscotch, and oaky flavor, this Chardonnay is completely different in style. I imagine it was done all in stainless steel. The label says Vinted and Bottle by Clif Family winery so that means the winery probably bought the majority of this wine in bulk. How can you go wrong for $5 a bottle? This is a no-brainer selection for a group gathering. The wine has no flaws and is just a pleasant-tasting white wine. 87 Points.”
Second Cheapest Wine $9.99 – Just kidding
I ran across this wine video using my iPad App “Yahoo View.” This is too funny!
(You cannot see this wine parody video on the email, you must go our Website)
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