2010 Trader Joe’s Vinas Chilenas Sauvignon Blanc Reserva

A Trader Joe’s exclusive $4 wine from the Central Valley in Chile. Sometimes these cheap Trader Joe’s wines can be pretty shaky, but Chile is the perfect place to source inexpensive wines. The land cost is low, the labor costs are less than most places, but the growing conditions and the winemakers are first class. Plus, white wine is comparatively easier and cheaper to produce than red wine. Alcohol content is 12%.

Fun Fact: In Chile, the term Reserva indicates a Higher Quality, it legally means the wine has “distinctive organoleptic qualities”.  Organoleptic means pertaining to the sensory qualities of food and wine, such as taste, smell and color.

The color is pale straw yellow. It has that fresh Sauvignon Blanc nose, bright fresh tropical fruit, pineapple, grapefruit, lime and a bit of minerality. It tastes of grapefruit and very tart pink lemonade, it softens in the mid-palate with navel orange and slate dust. There is a good dose of acidity, the Vinas Chilenas would really work as a food wine. A nice orange and pink lemonade finish, it fades a bit early, but tastes good.

A pretty good 4 buck wine. The Vinas Chilenas will work well with spicy Asian food, or chilled it would make a great summer cooler.