Back Away From That Lampshade

Tip Of The Day: Stock up on every hostess’s favorite gift, WINE. She may even serve it to you instead of hoarding it to drink alone after the holiday season. Cheap recommendation – Coppola’s Diamond Collection Claret. Price varies depending on the store, but it should be under $20. If not, keep shopping.

Tip For Tomorrow: How to make even Two-Buck Chuck Cabernet taste better.

Further Elucidation Of My Cheap Deal: It may surprise you to hear this, but The Cheap Chick enjoys an occasional glass of vino. Who am I kidding; I like all booze, all the time. It makes everyone prettier and smarter, including me.

Since I want to tell you about the biggest bang for your buck, wine-wise, I’ve done extensive research into which inexpensive ones taste best. I know, hard work, right? I have SLAVED AWAY for you people. I hope you appreciate it.

My new fave is made by Coppola – yes, the Francis Ford one. I’ve heard mixed reviews about his wines, but I am deeply in love with his Claret. I think I’ve finally found a relationship that could actually make it. Unlike some others I won’t mention (you know who you are).

According to the source of all knowledge (Wikipedia), Claret is the British term for medium-bodied (like me!) red Bordeaux. It’s not a “fruit-forward” wine, but is a mix of fruits, oak and tannins. Whatever that means.

Coppola’s Claret is not too heavy and is nicely balanced. I won’t bore you with a bunch of wine description, which I would have to completely pull from my nether regions. Instead, I’ll say this: it’s really, really drinkable. I can polish off a whole bottle by myself, which I normally can’t do with red wine. And yes, after drinking a bottle of red wine, I WILL start singing Red, Red Wine. God bless UB40.

You can find Diamond Collection Claret at most wine stores for under $20. I usually buy it on sale for $15.99 a bottle. Or you can buy it directly from the vineyard for $19 a bottle, but it won’t get here in time for all the Christmas parties you need hostess gifts for RIGHT NOW.

I buy my many bottles of wine at Bacchus on Highway 96 in Shoreview. They have good and plentiful sales, and friendly staff, which I appreciate when I need to get my drink on.

Wherever you shop, look for the all-black label. Coppola makes other reds, such as Merlot and Cab, but I’m not as crazy about them as I am the Claret. They’ll have other colored labels, so as long as you grab the black one, you’re good to go.

Pick up a bottle of Coppola Diamond Collection Claret today. When you’ve finished drinking it, the whole party can discuss the oeuvre of Francis Ford Coppola. I personally enjoyed Peggy Sue Got Married.