Full disclosure: This blog has been off to a slow start because I have been very busy with one of the most enjoyable activities ever – moving into a new apartment. Don’t get me wrong, this move is highly exciting because not only did I get out of the suburbs and into a chic apartment downtown, this is also my first official apartment with my boyfriend. We’re playing grown-ups. It’s too much fun.

In any case, I have been drinking far more wine than has been documented here. I had to backtrack a few nights and share this one, though, because it is delectable. My first Saturday afternoon in the new place, I ventured out to find a Trader Joes, where they were sampling Found Object wine:

However, the nice little TJ’s lady was sampling white wine only, and from that shot of pinot grigio, I gathered that would be a thumbs-meh at best. I was in a red mood anyway, what with the December chill in the air and it being my first time wearing boots and a sweater out and all. (Sidenote: Don’t you just love my owl salt and pepper shakers? I know. Adorbs.)

To be honest, I had no idea what petit verdot meant, and this was the first time I’d tried one. According to the bottle, it’s Chilean, and according to Wikipedia, it is a red wine grape variety, mostly used in Bordeaux blends, and ripens much later than most other grapes. Sounds sexy.

That evening, a few of our friends came over to check out our new digs, and something about this bottle said “classy hostess” to me compared to the other two reds I’d bought. I was right. It was smooth, warmed me up from the inside, and tasted almost a bit dense. It also fell perfectly in that fine line between semi-sweet and too juice-like. This may become one of my Trader Joe’s staples this winter — especially since according to this Trader Joe’s fearless flyer, Found Object is exclusive to TJ’s. Maybe next time I’ll try it with one of their frozen burritos or flatbread pizzas and report back on how it pairs.