It's just grapes.

It's just so hard being broke while trying to learn and love wine. I know what you’re thinking: #whitepeopleproblems. But I also know, that deep down, under all that cynicism, you want to impress her. You want to be able to hold your own during that dinner party without depending on kitschy labels like "7 Deadly Zins." You often ask yourself, “Red or white? Pinot noir or blanc? Who’s to know?” Well, read on and I’ll teach you. I’ll teach you everything you’ve ever wanted to know about $15 and under wine, including what to buy and where to buy it, saving you precious dollars, stress, and time. And in the meantime, have fun with it, because at the end of the day, it’s not rocket science, it’s just grapes.

[itsjustgrapes]

Patience really might be a virtue...

Domaine de la Patience (Rosé), 2013, France

Price: $14.99 

Purchase: Olivino (wine shop) Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, NY (stay for cheese and bottles in the tasting room next door!)

Profile: A grenache/syrah blend. Rosé is made from red grapes and the skins are removed in the nick of time to give the wine its rosy blush, as opposed to a deep red color. Light bodied with a citrus front and ripe peach on the palate. Pairs beautifully with seafood, salads, or anything eaten under the summer sun. Also serves as a cosmic coincidence when receiving a call back for that freelance dream gig you applied to 8 months ago.  Field of Patience? I think so.  

[itsjustgrapes]

Oh hai, Spring.

Pedres Thilibas Vermentino di Gallura, 2012, Italy

Price: $16.99 (A bit above the $15 price point, but we've suffered Winter's wrath long enough -- we're worth an extra $1.99!)

Purchase: I enjoyed this delightful white over an Italian dinner in Columbus, OH, but you should be able to find this Vermentino in most wine shops: http://www.specialtywineco.com/Producer%20Wines/Vermentino.html

Profile: Medium bodied white with notes of apple, nectarine, herbs, and "OHMIGOD IS IT ABOVE 50 DEGREES?! LET'S DRINK WHITE WINE AGAIN!"

[itsjustgrapes]

Buy a poster of the popular infographic 'Different Types of Wine'. Browse a comprehensive visual guide to all of the major types of wine by their flavor. An essential resource for learning about the flavors in wine.

[itsjustgrapes]

NY Times: These books stand out amid a flood of interesting writing on wine.

[itsjustgrapes]

10 posts! Buy me dinner. 

[cravefoodie]

Do you recommend Yellowtail?

I’ve actually never personally tried it, but I have heard great things about it. It is very popular!

[itsjustgrapes]

Don't do Yellowtail!  If you're looking for a good, cheap white, I recommend the Kris Pinot Grigio.  And if you want a great red, go for the Bogle Old Vine Zinfandel.  Both under $13 a bottle!

[itsjustgrapes]

Condes de Albarei, Albarino, 2012, Spain

Price: $9.99

Purchase: Frank’s Wines & Liquors, 46 Union Square East, New York, NY 

Profile: Medium bodied white, classic Albarino (Al-bah-reen-yo) floral aroma with prominent notes of peach, apple, honeydew and passionfruit.  Pairs well with, uhm, anything.  Did you (accidentally) spend $250 on clothes for yourself during that Black Friday sample sale in the East Village?  Then do what I did and get a little tipsy.  I promise you'll forget all about those bills, bills, bills, and look great doing it. 

[itsjustgrapes]

Sweet Berry Wine!

Dr. Brule reports live from Wine Country with a special report on wines. Watch Tim and Eric Awesome Show Great Job! episode #20, "Embarrassed" on Adult Swim.

[itsjustgrapes]

Turkey tastes better drunk.

8 Cocktails That Taste Just Like Thanksgiving

[itsjustgrapes]

Esprit de Sarrail, Bordeaux Blend, 2012, France

Price: $10.99/bottle, $9/glass 

Purchase: $9/glass at Black Mountain Wine House, 415 Union Street, Brooklyn, NY

Profile: 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 20% Malbec.  Classic Bordeaux blend.  Bright and fruity with notes of cherry, raspberry, and plum.  Delightfully acidic with a short, dry finish.  Black Mountain Wine House is my new favorite local watering hole.  And bartenders Greg and Michael are gods amongst men. 

[itsjustgrapes]

Kris Pinot Grigio, 2012, Italy

Price: $13.99

Purchase: Frank's Wines & Liquors, 46 Union Square East, New York, NY 

Profile: Medium bodied with smooth and sweet flavors of ripe nectarine and peach.  Hint of limestone on the finish. Screw off top makes for a great picnic wine -- Or if you live in NYC and you're me, the screw off top makes for a great movie theatre/museum/library/office/any public space wine. 

[itsjustgrapes]

Viejo Feo, Merlot, 2011, Chile

Price: $9.99

Purchase: Scotto’s Wine Cellar, 318 Court Street, Brooklyn, NY

Profile: Bright, round, and fruity.  Fun flavors of ripe cherry and raspberry.  Think jam. A terrific holiday feast wine.  "Viejo feo" is Spanish for "ugly old man," which there is sure to be at least one of during this year's holiday feast.  Sorry pops. Winky face. 

[itsjustgrapes]

Enzo Mecella, Colle Malvano, Rosso Piceno, Sangiovese/Montepulciano blend, 2008, Italy

Price: $10.99

Purchase: Scotto’s Wine Cellar, 318 Court Street, Brooklyn, NY

Profile: Medium bodied classic Sangiovese (san-jo-vay-say) and Montepulciano (mon-te-poo-chi-a-no) 50/50 Italian blend.  Montepulciano adds nice round notes of ripe cherry and berry.  Sangiovese adds a bit of dryness with a hint of black pepper on the finish.  Drinks like a poor man's zin.  Truth be told, I got a little drunk last night and accused my roommate of being a spy.  No big deal.  Drink up! 

[itsjustgrapes]

Colimoro Montepulciano (Mon-te-poo-chi-a-no) d'Abruzzo, 2011, Italy 

Price: $11.99

Purchase: Carroll Gardens Wines & Liquors, 427 Court Street, Brooklyn, NY

Profile: Medium bodied with flavors of ripe plum and cherry with mild tannins (tannins will give you that feeling of dryness on your tongue).  Another good party wine. Fantastic table wine that pairs well with any faceplant pasta dish. Post faceplant selfies not allowed. 

[itsjustgrapes]

Domaine Puech Cocut Pinot Noir, 2012, France

Price: $9.99

Purchase: Scotto's Wine Cellar, 318 Court Street, Brooklyn, NY

Profile: Light bodied with flavors of ripe cherry, plum, and red berries. A great Friday night drinking wine on its own or well paired with lighter dishes like pasta, vegetables, or chicken.  Nom nom terroir nom.

[itsjustgrapes]

Bogle Old Vine Zinfandel, 2010, California

Price: $12.99

Purchase: Carroll Gardens Wines & Liquors, 427 Court Street, Brooklyn, NY

Profile: Medium bodied with flavors of ripe cherry and raspberry jam up front and notes of vanilla and toasted oak on the back.  A great party wine. Will pair with pretty much anything from pasta to chicken to roasted pumpkin. A crowd pleaser fo sho fo sho.