Tag Archives: California red blend

FICTION Red Wine Blend

Cost: $8.99

Where buy now: Several stores nationwide

Grapes: California Kitchen Sink Blend

Region: Paso Robles, California

Vintage: 2013

Fiction can

“Honey, I’ll take it in the can tonight.”

And yes, you will. My Skank Wine of the Month is a little above my $6 threshold but it’s in a can which deems itself skank-worthy.

I grabbed a can of Fiction Red Wine Blend out of sheer curiosity. It’s a kitchen sink Cali blend and I was shockingly surprised. Cheeky, but I liked it!

Some thirty-something year old cat in California has a job that exposes him to some valuable grapes. He buys them up around the state and blends them into a wine he enjoys and now cans (for the cool kids.)

This wine is novel and has it’s place in the back pack of a bicyclist, in a cup holder on a boat or in your hand at a concert. This wine is deep ruby red boasting dried blackberry fruit flavor, herbs and mineral sweat. It’s like the thinnest kid at fat camp; confident enough to hold it’s own within it’s field.

Grill up some skin on wieners or my new fave – the Cherry Bomb Brat at Kramarczuk’s and crack a can. While your friends suck down PBR or the new Miller LITE throw back tall boys, you’ll pull this out and be all classy and shit.

By the way, the glass was used for posterity.

 

Three Thieves Red Wine

Cost: Average price $10

Where buy now: Costco

Grapes: 52% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Zinfandel, 4% Syrah

Region: California

Vintage: 2010

Three Thieves Red Wine Blend

‘Tis the season of hustle and bustle, shopping and gift giving, eating and drinking. If you’re like most people, you’re probably going to holiday parties and/or hosting a holiday party or two. Either way, booze is involved and it can get, well, pretty freakin’ expensive.

I’ve waxed poetic about the miracle of Bota Box RedVolution http://bit.ly/NcxhVL/Bota Box RedVolution and my quest for big, inexpensive party wine continued. I’ve found it: a mighty 1.5 liter bottle of Three Thieves Red Wine.

Here’s the “Cliff Notes” rundown: Three Thieves = Joel Gott, Charles Bieler and Roger Scommegna. Three hipster dudes whose philosophy is that wine is made to be enjoyed by all people, not just upper crusters [insert appropriate percentage here]. Their spin is that they represent modern day wine Robin Hoods- “stealing” expensive wines and repackaging to make it affordable for the masses. They make a few different wines, if you want to know more, check ‘em out: www.threethieves.com/Three Thieves

Admittedly, when I first saw this big ol’ bottle in all it’s glory, I thought I was picking up the American version of “Yellow Tail” [*snap!*]. Ahhhh, what I do in the name of research. I less than confidently put this hooch in my cart with a sigh.

The garnet juice emits scents of cherry, alcohol and light tannins. The taste echoes all the above with a silky punch that coats your mouth, leaving a light zingy aftertaste. I don’t get strong flavors or scents one way or another. It’s simple goodness up in your glass. No need to decant, breath or age this big dog. Pop it, pour it, pass it around, polish it off.

It’s terrific party wine. (At least, any party I’d willingly attend.) If you’re a fan of Menage é Trois, you might even dig this more. PS – it’s a 1.5 liter for $10 and my “Skank wine of the month”. PPS – I better see this at one of the holiday parties I’m attending. PPPS – you know who you are!