Kosher Wines at Trader Joe's

[SSWiditor]

Has anyone tried the kosher brands at Trader Joes? Banero Prosecco, Sara Bee Moscato or the Terrenal wines? I would be interested in hearing your reactions to them. The wines are amazingly affordable - and rated a "Best Buy " by the Wine Enthusiast. However I would be interest in "lay opinions" about them.

[SoCal Mother]

Funny thing is that I am embarassed to bring "five buck Feivel" as a gift because it's so cheap. Our Tj's also sells the Herzog Old Lodi something or other. It's all dry red wine to me. (not my taste.)

[Kosher Wine Musings]

The Herzog Cab or Merlot or Zinfandel that is sold at TJ is far less enjoyable than the Terrenal Cab - when available. IMHO.

[SSWiditor]

If you want to look generous bring some of each of the different wines. There's a You tube video where some guy makes the same complaint. . . How can kosher wine be this cheap? How can I bring this as a gift. ? LOL

[Kosher Wine Musings]

Those guys are hilarious! A bit too crazy for me - but funny. Indeed the wine may be inexpensive - but it is not cheap wine at all. Finally, if you MUST buy an expensive wine - stick with Dalton, Recanati, Teperberg Terra or reserve and Netofa. If you want America, most of the Weinstock cellar select are nice. In France - ONLY buy Vignobles David Le Mourre de L’Isle Cotes du Rhone and Cotes du Rhone Villages Reserve. For Australia - skip. For New Zealand go with 2011 or 2012 vinatges ONLY of Goose Bay (skip Pinot Noir).

[SoCal Mother]

Thanks for the tips. This will make me look like a thoughtful and knowledgable guest. (giggle)

Well, thoughtful anyway...

[Kosher Wine Musings]

I am not allowed to put my blog on CHOW - but on my blog kosherwinemusings I have rated and tasted all the Trader Joe kosher wines.

Sara Bee - nice kosher moscato - B++
Terrenal Malbec has fallen hard recently - bummer
Terrenal Cab is nice (NOT MEVUSHAL) as it is from Spain
Terrenal Terrenal (also not mevushal) is not as fun
Banero Prosecco - is great for where it is available
2011 Terrenal Chardonnay - a great mevushal unoaked Chardonnay!

[SSWiditor]

That KWM. I have read your blog before. Your input is always appreciated. I will read it again.

[ganeden]

Sara Bee- strange name but good wine. Terrenal Chardonnay- quality cheap Chard. Both worth stocking up on for Pesach. Was not a fan of the Malbec. But the ones I mentioned, absolutely dirt-cheap and equals to far more pricey competition.

[sharonfl]

I agree with masteraleph. The Terranals are better for cooking. I plan to use the Sara Bee at the Seder because it is lower alcohol.

[masteraleph]

The Sara Bee is a perfectly good Moscato. A little less sweet than the Bartenura, very refreshing.

The Terrenals are fine to cook with, and drinkable, but not fantastic. They definitely need to breathe a bit before consuming them.