A Class in Mediocre Wines

How To Stop Worrying And Love Cheap Wine.

The first thing you need to know about my wine preference is, it is champagne. Understand, I mean champagne from the Champagne region in France. Do you know the story of Veuve Clicquot? If not, immerse yourself into their fascinating story while you savor a flute of their extraordinary bubbles. When I am feeling extra-bougie, I opt for their Clicquot Rich, the bottle all silver and shimmery.

Now, understand I am all in on all sorts of sparklings, which are fine for making fruity brunch libations. What about Cava, from Spain? Yes, what about it? We'll get to in another of a Mediocre Class. See, you really do need to come to another one, just for Cava.

The second thing you need to know is, I totally took a movie title and repurposed it for my new blog ramblings. Do you know which one? Well, if you don't I'm sure not going to tell you.

So, pop that cork, or twist that cap, and let's sip.

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​As any well-trained Sommelier will tell you, forget the price and label and drink what you enjoy. Some wine experts I know prefer beer over wine, so it's all about personal taste.

Snobbery is simply not part of my journey, in every aspect, and this includes wine. Keep it real.

Once, at a chi-chi dinner party with a load of overall snobs -- no names will be revealed -- we were served Dom Perignon to start the epicurean feast, and Opus One to conclude the longest meal I have ever endured. I was seriously tempted to jump into the prattle and ask if they had ever tried Mark West. I didn't, as I could hear my parents' voices in my head about propriety.

Why am I doing a blog about cheap wine?

Why shouldn't I?

Have you seen all the Master Classes being promoted all over social media? Everyone and his kitty are hosting these classes, and for a hefty fee. Good for them.

But, how exactly should I define my mission here? I am thinking of it more in the vein of Mediocre. Yes, my Mediocre Class On Cheap Wine. It's a work in progress, but stick with me.

My mate in everything above and below mediocre, prefers a very sweet wine, such as, Moscato or dessert wine. Believe me, there is much judgment on this when we travel and he requests Moscato. Typically, he gets an incredulous look, a moment of silence before they say with a smile, “Let me check.” Mostly, the answer is in the negative, so he finds something tolerable without a hint of rolling his eyes at the server, he is way too mannerly for that behavior.

Recently, while on a lovely ship in Europe, I discovered a white wine, which is my first blog entry here. Although I am using the term cheap because most of the wines I will bring, even if  not overly pricey, cheap does not mean inferior or even mediocre. But, I had to give this blog a moniker, right?

Do you know New Zealand wines? 

How about Nobilo, from the Marlborough Region which is at the northeastern tip of the South Island?

I ordered the Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc (translated means savage white, if you are interested in factoids), and decided it was a keeper. So, upon our return home, we headed for Total Wine (I get nothing for mentioning any of this stuff, BTW) to check the availability and price. Pleasantly surprised, it was in-stock, and priced at $9. Then a funny thing happened (doesn't it always?), I discovered this New Zealand winery gem has another white I think I must have. The Icon version, which takes me into the over twenty-dollars arena. Okay, barely at $22.99. 

Living in very, very South Florida, a chilled white is always appropriate. I will tell you, if you are into Chardonnay or Pino Grigio we have a problem. I may cave and try a few, just to share here, but they are not my favorite. I always keep an open mind. 

Back to Nobilo, it is a screwcap (no sniffing a cork with this varietal) it is vibrant and crisp with hints of pineapple, elderflower, cantaloupe, citrus and herbs. I must be honest, I rarely attempt to distinguish the specific bouquets, balance or legs of any wine. Remember? I am being mediocre here.

Like food, I know what I like. My taste buds tell me.

Salud!