Low brow question for wine Snooties (& we know you're out there) :

[UTUSN]

I shouldn't even claim that it matters, but how outre is it to sort of/almost like a (mixture?) of this wine thing.

Talking about a thing from Chile, labeled as (both) merlot *and* sauvignon/whatever?

Here's the deal: I've experimented (practically nothing) over 40 years with wine, just because it sounded like the thing to do, and my low brow impression has always been half-YUK and half-WHAT-have-millenia-made-a-big-deal-about-WINE?!1

So I have vague memory of my early tries, the sauvignon, that was passable. In the most recent experiment, merlot: *YUK*!1

Gave up the merlot. Yet, comes this Chilean combo of merlot & sauvignon, and it has been *PASSABLE* in trials over the past couple of months.

The key factors are: 1) Taste and 2) alcohol content. And 3) NO RETCHING is a plus.

So of course I had no idea that "mixing" was a possibility, thought that "purity" was what it was all about.

So: Come on, ya big Snooties, what's the deal with this mixture here? Taste is all right, not fantastic but better than the other things, and the main thing is SMOOTHNESS, defined as minimal RETCHING.

Answers?

[dhill926]

1. If ya like it...

drink it...

[UTUSN]

3. Well, that's the point, don't get to all-out LIKING wine, am wondering how low brow I am?!1

[dhill926]

8. Brow doesn't matter...

enjoyment does. But you know that. I'm happy with a $50 bottle of Pinot from the Santa Rita Hills...and a $5 find from Trader Joe's...

[UTUSN]

9. You are a very kind person!

[emulatorloo]

2. Check out some of the red blends from Spain. Smooth.

Affordable too. Tenish bucks or so. Ask liquor store folks for a recommendation, say you want smooth

[UTUSN]

4. Smooth *and* low-RETCHING!1 Oh, and not to forget the alcohol percent!1

[RockRaven]

5. Most wines are a blend, everywhere. In the US, wines are labelled by majority content...

based on the grape variety, i.e. merlot, cab, chardonnay, etc. But if there is not a majority (like if the most present variety is a mere plurality) then they are labelled as blends. Most(many?) wines from, or sold in, the US display the percent of grape variety on the label -- next time you're in the market check out the fine print on some of the labels, it is interesting (well, maybe only a little).

But in other places, like Europe, they are labelled by (a complicated/controlled system which ensures consistency to maintain the reputation of the name of the) region, i.e. Chianti, Bordeaux, Burgundy, etc. This may be where the impression of expectations of "purity" comes from. They are basically protected brand names, or in this case protected style/result names.

This is a massive oversimplification, of course.

[UTUSN]

6. Wow, good info!1 "massive oversimplification" is always appreciated *and* my middle name!1 Thnks

[Aristus]

7. I think I have a pretty good palate.

Not "Chateau Lafitte-1976-shade-grown-grapes-from-the-north-slopes-and-bottled-from-the-aging-vat-just-about-two-days-too-early" kind of palate. But good.

As stated above, if you like it, drink it.

Blends are perfectly fine. But as long as you're going Chilean, try a nice Malbec. They're Heavenly...

[dweller]

10. i'm not big on reds, prefer whites

but i found a pinot noir fun, quaffable, affordable ... it's on the lighter fruitier side of the palate... probably blended with other grapes also

PINOT EVIL was the name as i recall

✌🏼

[UTUSN]

12. "quaffable" - ya *win*!1

[defacto7]

11. A nice blend...

Half Boons Farm Apple and half Strawberry Hill. A little dry but satisfying.

[IcyPeas]

20. ahh yes, memories of high school. retch factor on this is very high.

[Buckeye_Democrat]

13. My niece likes wine...

... and she buys some expensive ones.

She makes a lot of money as the "Director of Operations" at a major hospital, despite how she majored in MARKETING in college because other majors were too difficult for her. She's very pretty, unlike me, so that probably played a big role in her getting such a position. I majored in mathematics and I'm working in a factory for far less pay.

Anyway...

I've sampled some of her wines, but my favorite was her cheapest offering.... Trader Joe's (Two Buck Chuck) Cabernet Sauvignon. She admitted that was her favorite as well.

[Harker]

14. Good, inexpensive wine cured my tendencies toward snootiness.

Forty years ago, I was involved with a fine French restaurant in the US, and my girlfriend was a wine rep for a big wholesale concern.

There are fantastic blends, both foreign and domestic available for under $20.

As has been suggested, find what you like... and enjoy it!

[Brother Buzz]

15. Merlot is a wonderful blender....

and by adding it to a Cabernet Sauvignon you can take the edge off a young Cab and make it presentable sooner (NEVER more than 10%!!!) Without it, a GOOD Cab needs more time in the barrel followed by more aging in the bottle before it comes into its own; something the beer swilling accountants hate.

How that for Snootiness?

[Lars39]

16. Was told about a website in line at Aldi...

reversewinesnob.com

[Major Nikon]

17. Given your two key factors I have a recommendation

[UTUSN]

19. Wow, sounds like a most *constructive* suggestion, thanks!

********QUOTE********

Wild Irish Rose (750ml) An alcoholic beverage produced by Centerra Wine Company, which is part of the Constellation Brands organization. It was introduced in 1954 and currently sells about two million cases annually. The brand is available in 13.9% and 18% alcohol by volume.

Richards Wild Irish Rosé is a strong but sweet wine that consistently delivers great taste. It comes in five delightful blends: Red Wine, White Wine, Wild Fruit, Wild Grape and Platinum.

The wine is then blended, sweetened, and fortified with citrus brandy. Wild Irish Rose 17% Red Wine is 100% pure grape wine.

********UNQUOTE****

[Major Nikon]

21. They couldn't say it if it weren't true

[UTUSN]

22. Droll!1

[yellowdogintexas]

18. Total Wine has wine tastings in the store

Usually on Saturdays. They have very helpful staff too.
Mostly I drink red and red blends but a nice rose' can be a delight.

I have found some frighteningly cheap wine that was smooth and delicious and some other more expensive ones that were not so good.

You might try some German Reislings from both the Rhine and Mosel valleys. Mosels are a bit sweeter but both are light and delightful

Sometimes the wine is too oaky and for me that is not good especially if it is a white wine. Try an unoaked Chardonnay; they are soft and buttery.