My Tastes Exceed My Budget
Drinking a great glass of wine can be an otherworldly experience. I have been served wines that made me want to dive right in, and I am not speaking figuratively. The subtle complexities of aroma and flavor in a great wine can uncork emotions and memories that often justify the hefty price tag.
I can't explain the hedonistic nature of drinking an expensive bottle of wine. Price tag does seem to make a difference in the experience. I'll admit that pay more attention my senses when I am drinking an expensive bottle and even challenge myself to appreciate certain characteristics that are initially off-putting.
In no way am I suggesting that I drink this well all the time. I have certainly graduated beyond a box of pink stuff in the refrigerator or Boone's Farm Strawberry Hill (yes I had it in college), but I don't have the strength or wallet size to pretend I belong to the elitist culture of wine connoisseurs. My wine keeper typically contains no more than a few bottles acquired via winery visit or gift, a few mid-priced bottles from my local liquor warehouse, a grocery store bottle, and some homemade wine.
What is a Tuesday wine?
Fine wines are best when shared. Discussing the region, vintage, and acquisition of the bottle can be stimulating conversation. If all else fails, alcohol is a social lubricant. But what of the nights when you popped a Totino's pizza in the oven and your only evening plan is to catch up on all those Burn Notice episodes on your TiVo? There are better beverage options than that Dr. Pepper in the refrigerator.
A Tuesday wine is simply a wine that is easy to open on an ordinary weekday. These are different than wines you may open at the end of the week or on a special occasion. However, Tuesday wines are not embarrassing bottles of table wine. They should be inexpensive, but not necessarily cheap.
Depending on your personal level of extravagance, the price of your Tuesday wines will vary. If you drink $15 to $20 wines on Friday and Saturday, then your Tuesday wines should be $10 or less. If your wine keeper is filled with $30 to $50 bottles, then your Tuesday wines should be $15 to $20. If you are spending even more on wines, then you may be a wine snob and probably found your way to our blog accidentally. Finally if you are wondering, "SirRon what about Monday or Thursday wines?" then you are probably drinking too much or you are European. Regardless of price, a Tuesday wine must be readily available at a your local liquor store. If a wine is hard to get, then it is not a Tuesday wine.
Depending on your palate and wine budget, the terms "quality" and "value" will vary. For some general recommendations, I went to my go-to wine expert. He is someone that I have known all my life and that I trust implicitly. He has been called a lot of things, but I call him Dad.
(Most of my Tuesday wines are Red.)
(shopping online, you'll be able to find these wines for a little less than what I've listed and should be able to find free shipping)
Greg Norman Cabernet Merlot, $ 11.95
Greg Norman Shiraz, $13.06
Newton Claret (Red Label), $13.65
Vin Robles Red, $13.67
Steltzner Claret, $17.56
El Retiro Tempranillo, $15.78
Cline Mourvedre, $13.95
Mayo Libertine, $15.63
Bogle Phantom, $14.57
Bogle Petite Syrah, $9.26
Cline Ancient Vines Zinfandel, $12.16
Rosenblum Vintners Cuvee Zinfandel, $9.45
Renwood Zinfandel (Sierra Foothills), $11.57
Whites
(You can usually find good whites to enjoy on a hot summer evening in Texas for under $15. These are some of my favorite varietals)
Sauvignon Blanc (excellent wines coming out of New Zealand)
Viognier (Many can be too expensive for Tuesday)
Chardonnay (Burgundy is way too expensive, stick with California and S. America)
Albarinio and Gavi (interesting wines from Spain)"
It is a no-brainer to save your trophy wines for the weekend, whether you bought them for the label or you can taste the difference in a high quality bottle of wine. I am particularly grateful for the Tuesday wine concept. It has helped me drink better and buy smarter. For some, the concept may be the springboard to starting a modest wine cellar. Just remember, for Tuesday wines, sniffing and swirling is optional.
What a wonderful post, beautifully written. It captures these wines so well.
What if you're in Tuscany as I was last week, then is it okay to drink a Tuscany wine on a Tuesday?
@JR: "Tuesday wine" is more occasion specific than time of week specific. Regarding your question, I think it's best to follow the famous saying: "When in Rome..." BTW, Since you were in Tuscany, I expect to see some pictures soon. :)