Hot -- Not Hot

(Work in Progress)

Here's my take on the wine biz right now in the United States:

HOT

• Blends -- haven't the French been doing this for awhile?
• Spain -- great value and fresh wines.
• And Argentina and Chile -- ditto!
• Sauvignon Blanc -- a great range of flavors.
• Un-oaked Chardonnay -- it's so NOT chardonnay.
• Gruner Veltliner -- it's a drier, toned down Reisling without the baggage.
• Secondary Malolactic Fermentation -- just kidding!
• Wine Bars -- wine by the glass, brilliant!
• French Oak
• Chablis -- who knew? Skinny ties next?
• Syrah, Petite Syrah -- flavors and elegance.
• Malbec -- a hearty red wine with steak. It's good for you.
• Cava's and Prosecco's -- Pinot Grigio with bubbles! But chicks dig the bottle.
• Oregon Pinot Noir -- better than Burgundy?
• Inter-state shipping?

NOT HOT

• Chardonnay -- ABC (but see above).
• France and Italy -- no offense, great wine--bad labels.
• Australia -- love the Two Hands, but Yellow Tail! OK, it's better than Gallo or Mondavi.
• Paying $28 at a restaurant for a $12 bottle of wine. I'd rather pay $38 for two bottles and everyone comes out ahead.
• Ratings -- is an 89 not as good as a 91?
• American Oak
• Merlot -- unless we're talking Petrus, of course. But, that's only 90% Merlot!
• Pinot Grigio's -- I'll have a cold glass of white tastless 12% alcohol please. No ice.
• 30 wines at Sam's Club at great prices -- is this the future? 30 wines? Great Prices? Give me 20,000 wines from $2 to $2,000. I'll decide! Or maybe, try them all!