Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Courageous or Dumb? Menage 'a Trois

Would you order a Menage 'a Trois in a restaurant?


Let's say you're sitting there with your boss, your date, spouse, friends, or parents, and the waiter/waitress walks up to the table and asks.....

"What can I get you?"


Uh, let's see... I'll take a Menage 'a Trois!



(I'm thinking- it might be okay with your friends, date, or spouse- but what if your parents or your boss was present? -That could be tricky)




So let's assume you have the guts to order one. After the initial shock, everyone at the table looks at you like you're a pervert and thinks of one thing- And you all know It's not the bottle of wine that you just ordered.


You've probably figured it out by now, this post is about wine. More specifically, it's about

Folie a Deux's Napa Valley Menage a Trois Red 2008







That's a mouthful. Literally - but I'll get to that later.

For starters, this wine may seem to have a lot going against it. The simple fact that some people might be hesitant to order it based on the name might be of concern. That wasn't an issue for me. In fact, I picked up a bottle a few years ago in a discount wine store probably because of it's catchy name - I've been on a quest to find a great (red) wine for under 5 dollars (see my post: 7 Deadly Zins)- So when I eyed this bottle with a slightly scandalous name, I picked it up and read the label. It read:



Take a walk on the wild side and explore the pleasures of our Menage 'a Trois. Surrender to the seduction of Dark, rich berry with a hint of pepper, a lush lingering finish leaving you wishing for more.



Clearly a bit tantalizing and obviously playing on your senses and psyche. In essence, this wine is a blend based on three varietals - Zinfandel, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. I found that part appealing and attractive enough for me to take the plunge. I figured - WTH - and I picked up a bottle for about $8. When I finally got around to popping the cork, I was pleasantly surprised. This wine has a very full, fruity, and jammy taste with a hint of pepper. A mouthful indeed.





Here's part of a more complete review for Menage 'a Trois 2004 vintage:



"When I see a bottle labeled "table wine" even though I know better it always prejudices me a bit against it. In the US Table Wine simply means the wine is a blend and does not have enough of one grape to call the wine legally a Zinfandel or Merlot and has an alcohol level of 7-14%. Thinking this three grape blend of my top favorite US Red Varietals (Merlot, Cabernet and Zinfandel) might be similar to a light burgundy or decent Meritage I picked up a bottle.My one regret? I now have to go back to Costco and buy more. This is an excellent red wine with a lot going on."



Click here for the rest of the review - 10DollarWine





I concur - for an everyday wine priced at about $7 - $10, this is a good choice for me. My quest for the perfect $5 bottle of Zin/Cab continues. But at least I can enjoy a Menage 'a Trois from time to time in the interim.



A Courageous name for a wine!



Cheers! Drink responsibly!

6 comments:

jennifer@jenniferwrites.ca said...

A great review! I wouldn't mind trying this wine and will have to look for it this weekend.

intrepidideas said...

Thanks Jennifer,

Let us know what you think?

stacyknows said...

Stopped by for a visit and I get a menage a trois. I will have to come here more often

Heather Dugan ("Footsteps") said...

I've had that one! Not a name to forget. I also thought it very good for the price.

intrepidideas said...

Stacy,

You never know what you'll get when you stop by my blog... :) Thanks for the visit and the comment.

Hey Heather... I should have known you'd be familiar with this wine. You don't miss too many good deals. Thanks for the endorsement!

Dick Stone said...

I could go for a Menage 'a Trois








I have always been partial to reds