Go Barefoot

Ah wine, the elixir of the gods, my beverage of choice…but there are so many on the market and at such a wide range of price points, it can be a bit hard to sort through.  When I’m in need of a good bottle for under $10, Barefoot consistently delivers.  I haven’t tasted every varietal in their catalogue, but the ones I have tasted never disappoint.  I was first introduced to Barefoot by a college roommate via their Pinot Grigio.  I’m generally not a big fan of PG, as I find most versions pretty bland and uninteresting, but there is actually some fruit on this one.  I get mostly citrus with some apples and pear; a very nice white.  Being impressed by that first bottle I was inclined to try some of the other varietals Barefoot offers.  The Riesling is a bit too sweet for my palate, but its not at all bad.  As far as reds, I’ve only had the Zinfandel.  It’s pretty simple, but pretty delicious.  Lots of red berries with some hints of cigar and pencil in the finish.  From the sparkling repertoire I’ve tried both the Brut and Extra Dry (fun fact: brut is drier than extra dry).  They are both good, though pretty similar.  Citrus and green apples on the palate, and fun unobtrusive bubbles.  Most of the Barefoot wines have been awarded medals (if that means anything); I’ve liked what I’ve tried and I’ve heard a lot of good things from friends about ones I haven’t yet tasted.  They are available at most markets, but I believe prices are best at Trader Joe’s, hovering around $5-$8.  Not bad for a delicious drink that’ll get you drunk.