Written by: Tiffany Werne
Buster’s Liquors & Wines
Special To DivingIn2Memphis.com
Dive right in to Memphis with some fine wines that are not only cool to the taste but have a cool package with a real cool price. As my first wine article for this innovative new website, I wanted to inform you about some of the latest quality wines under $10. These wines are embraceable upon sight as their flashy, catchy labels dare you to give them a try. Each month, I will strive to not only update you but also educate you and your palette about the new products available in Memphis and the Mid-South. I will also dive into the intricate details of the grapes and their regions as I shed light on exactly where they come from and what characteristics they possess.
There is a lot to learn about wine and its components. An open mind, a yearning to learn and self-confidence in your ability to do so is the key.
Discovering your passion is the quality to any lifestyle. So read on and choose a wine that suits you.
Cheers!
Tiffany Werne
Red Truck – Boasting one of the coolest labels that I have ever seen on a wine bottle, Cline Vineyards has introduced a wonderful label with a fabulous wine inside. Making both red and a white, these wines are unique blends that are an example of the cutting edge approach and what wine lovers call “meritage”. A term that is used to describe a wine that is not composed of a least 75% of a single grape variety, several wine makers have coined names of there own to label their blends.
2003 Red Truck White Table Wine is composed of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier, Marsanne, Rousanne, and Semillon. These are different grape varietals that when blended, taste of fresh lively citrus fruits coupled by hints of apricots and peaches. Balanced with a crisp yet mild acidity, this white is crafty and full of character. You must taste it to believe it. It is a great alternative white to enjoy year round. Use as an aperitif or this wine pairs well with mild and soft cheeses. It sells for about $9.99.
2002 Red Truck Red Table Wine is composed of Mouvedre, Syrah, Merot, Petit Syrah and Pinot Noir. This wine is silky, smooth and seductive to the taste. It is fun and enjoyable to discover the taste of its components. Bold with a hint of spice, this wine excites your taste buds with bright forward fruit flavors of red cherry and blueberries. You will savor the flavor of each sip as you reach for your next taste. It has a soft finish with mild tannins and is a perfect pairing with pizza, spaghetti or grilled chicken (when you want a red instead). It sells for about $9.99.
Two Brothers Big Red Tattoo – Tattoo You! Wow! What a concept and what a wine. Two brothers, Alex and Erik Bartholomaus combined both of their passions together in an effort to raise money for cancer research after the untimely death of their mother, Liliana Bartholomaus. Erik is a tattoo artist and Alex owns an importing company, Billington Imports thus creating a blend of professions in a bottle of wine. Composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot, this is a powerful red that explodes on your palette. Ripe fruit flavors of black cherries, blackberries and cocoa lay on your tongue as you savor each sip. Structured and balanced, you will love the finish that lingers well after you have swallowed it just tempting you to give it another try. Alex & Erik will donate 50 cents from the sale of each bottle to the Hospice of Northern Virginia and/or other cancer research funds. This is a great bottle, for a great cause at a great price selling for $9.99.
Jake’s Fault – It’s all Jake’s Fault, this California Shiraz- but don’t blame him… drink him. The best thing about this red is the weight. If you are looking for a soft, mild red packed with berry like flavors, mild tannins and a short, soft finish you will love this wine. Brand new to the Memphis market… Jake is cool, calm and collective as the mild manner of this wine is just the medicine for a red in September. Perfect for a party or getting together with friends as this wine won’t offend anyone and would even be a great way to turn a white wine drinker into a red. At $8.99 all I can say is …”For Heaven’s Sake…You need to take Jake!
The Little Penguin – Chill out with the Little Penguin, as you introduce your palette to this new Australian wine that just migrated into Memphis. Offering four grape varietals, (Chardonnay, Merlot, Shiraz and Cabernet) these wines are straightforward fruit with a touch of residual sugar and a clean finish. My favorite of the four is the Chardonnay and Shiraz. The Chardonnay is bright with red apple fruit and a crisp finish while the Shiraz is spicy with bold berry flavors. These wines are great for large gatherings as they are available in both 750 ml bottles as well as 1.5 magnum size bottles. Delicate yet flavorful…easy going and laid back, just like the Penguin on their label. The best news is the price… the 750 ml sells for about $7.99 and the 1.5 sells for $12.99.
Red Truck – Boasting one of the coolest labels that I have ever seen on a wine bottle, Cline Vineyards has introduced a wonderful label with a fabulous wine inside. Making both red and a white, these wines are unique blends that are an example of the cutting edge approach and what wine lovers call “meritage”. A term that is used to describe a wine that is not composed of a least 75% of a single grape variety, several wine makers have coined names of there own to label their blends.
Two Brothers Big Red Tattoo – Tattoo You! Wow! What a concept and what a wine. Two brothers, Alex and Erik Bartholomaus combined both of their passions together in an effort to raise money for cancer research after the untimely death of their mother, Liliana Bartholomaus. Erik is a tattoo artist and Alex owns an importing company, Billington Imports thus creating a blend of professions in a bottle of wine. Composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot, this is a powerful red that explodes on your palette. Ripe fruit flavors of black cherries, blackberries and cocoa lay on your tongue as you savor each sip. Structured and balanced, you will love the finish that lingers well after you have swallowed it just tempting you to give it another try. Alex & Erik will donate 50 cents from the sale of each bottle to the Hospice of Northern Virginia and/or other cancer research funds. This is a great bottle, for a great cause at a great price selling for $9.99.
Jake’s Fault – It’s all Jake’s Fault, this California Shiraz- but don’t blame him… drink him. The best thing about this red is the weight. If you are looking for a soft, mild red packed with berry like flavors, mild tannins and a short, soft finish you will love this wine. Brand new to the Memphis market… Jake is cool, calm and collective as the mild manner of this wine is just the medicine for a red in September. Perfect for a party or getting together with friends as this wine won’t offend anyone and would even be a great way to turn a white wine drinker into a red. At $8.99 all I can say is …”For Heaven’s Sake…You need to take Jake!
The Little Penguin – Chill out with the Little Penguin, as you introduce your palette to this new Australian wine that just migrated into Memphis. Offering four grape varietals, (Chardonnay, Merlot, Shiraz and Cabernet) these wines are straightforward fruit with a touch of residual sugar and a clean finish. My favorite of the four is the Chardonnay and Shiraz. The Chardonnay is bright with red apple fruit and a crisp finish while the Shiraz is spicy with bold berry flavors. These wines are great for large gatherings as they are available in both 750 ml bottles as well as 1.5 magnum size bottles. Delicate yet flavorful…easy going and laid back, just like the Penguin on their label. The best news is the price… the 750 ml sells for about $7.99 and the 1.5 sells for $12.99.
