Wine Snob Question

[jbindm]

Yup, there is always something to learn, including recognizing ridiculous BS marketing when you hear it.

My rule of thumb is the flashier the label on the bottle, the crappier the wine inside probably is. Not always true, but beware of the $15 bottle with a really bright or elaborate label.

Other than that, the best wine is the one you like and don't worry if it's cheap. My go-to white in the summertime is a viognier that I get for a measly 8 bucks a bottle.

 

[isu22andy]

Boone's farm /thread

 

[coolerifyoudid]

Wine is one of my hobbies, and I have a couple good friends who have been certified sommelier and we aren't snobs about it. Matter of fact were more'wine lashes than anything. But there are some $45 - 75 bottles that are like sex in your mouth.

 

[ClonesFTW]

Recommend me a bad dry red wine and a good dry red wine... I want to go purchase both and blind test to see if I can tell. Yes I'm serious.

 

[jbindm]

Recommend me a bad dry red wine and a good dry red wine... I want to go purchase both and blind test to see if I can tell. Yes I'm serious.

It's subjective. But I personally think Dreaming Tree is terrible ****. You can get their Cab or red blend for less than $15 and get a bottle of Ravenswood at a similar price point and I think the Ravenswood is noticeably better.

 

[CySanka3]

Production methods can go hand in hand with cost as well. Was it aged in barrels, what kind of barrels, how long in barrels, new barrels, used barrels, both? Are the grapes being picked by hand or machine, are they using catalog bought yeasts or native yeasts for their fermentation? Whats the fermentation process, stainless steel, wood, concrete? Equipment and barrels are expensive and that can reflect in the cost.

There are people who are all about cost, there are people who are all about the age of it, but like others said its what you like. Instead of prices try tasting the difference between the same grape from different places and see which style you like better. California Sauv blanc, v.s. New Zealand Sauv Blanc v.s. France/Loire Valley Sauv Blanc.

Cheers,