Wine talk

There are few wines that  haven't passed through my lips over the years. In my hot-shot 30's and 40's I made the effort to become a conniseur and collector of fine wines as I had the money at the time. I collected all of the French first growths; storage became something of a problem and after a while I became convinced that a lot of othe wine game was bogus. California wines were bringing ridiculous prices. Australian wines which tasted as good as wines from Virginia were bringing $40 a bottle. Yet than, as today, wines from Spain and South America which would blow you away were selling for $10 a bottle.

Yes, I can still appreciate that some Cabernets are worth $100 a bottle for a special occasion and I have developed a weakness for Petite Syrah at any price but I have come to realize that wine need to be drunk every day and that for most of us that means a bottle of $40 Zin is out of the picture and crappy Zin in a box won't cut it. So from time to time I'm going to discuss great CHEAP wine here, starting with the stuff they serve at Olive Garden for $30 a bottle which you can find at your local liquor store for $8.50 a bottle at the 1.5 Litre size Principato Rouge. It's great Pizza, spaghetti and burger wine! Hell it goes with anything and for those who love rose, they tell me people are fanatical about the blush version. There is a Pinot Grigio which I find is acceptable but there are better on the market at the same price. Phooey on Chardonney, Pinot Grigot served ice cold IS the best substitute for ice water in the summer you know.

For more information on the Principato line of wines, visit this web site of the importer, they have to moving  tanker loads of the stuff just for Olive Garden. http://www.palmbayimports.com/uploads/brands/AboutWinery/principato_bp.pdf