FYI: for value-conscious WINE LOVERS

[KValley]

Just wanted to let you all know of the latest issue (May 31) of Wine Spectator magazine. There is a really nice article on great wine values- a review of 50 wines for $12 or less. The wines are all widely distributed, so relatively easy to find. There is also a handy chart that breaks the wine into 4 categories (Light-bodied whites, full-bodies whites, light-bodied reds, full-bodied reds) and the type of food with which they match well.

The wines hail from all over the world and are of all different varietals-so just about any taste would be suited.

A bit of regional pride- a Washington State Chardonnay (Columbia Crest Grand Estate) received top billing! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Salud!

Julie

[SandyM]

WOO HOO!! The bulletin board is back!!!

Hey Julie - do you like this magazine, or is it something you're getting now to just let it run out? I've been tossing around subscribing to Wine Spectator or Wine Enthusiast, but I'm not a wine snob - I know what I like, and I don't care what it should be paired with!!!

Please give me your opinion on the magazine. Thanks!!!

[KValley]

Hi Sandy,

Hmmm....DH and I used to buy Wine Spectator every so often when we saw an issue that we liked. I then had an offer from one of my frequent flyer plans to use up miles on magazine subscriptions and W.S. was one of the choices. Otherwise, I would not pay $45/year for a sub. I haven't really looked at Wine Enthusiast. Food and Wine is another that I got from the mileage plan and I do like it.

I'm definitely not a wine snob, either, in fact, DH and I pride ourselves on seeking out $15 and under wines. W.S. has a love affair with California and frankly I find many CA wines overpriced and overrated. By contrast many French, Italian, South American, Australian and Spanish wines are available for a fraction of the price, as long as you are not expecting a top rate Burgundy or Bordeaux- which W.S also focuses on quite a bit.

I also think they are over-generous in their rankings and there is a bit of controversy as to their role in driving up wine futures, particularly for Bordeaux and Burgundy.

But I do use the Best in Market guide from W.S. and I think they do a good job at providing info on non-luxury wines. I also like it when they have articles on viticulture- DH and I are hoping to someday grow our own vines; this issue has an article on canpoy management.

Is that absolutely more information than you ever wanted to know? http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif Bottom line- if I can't renew my subscription next year with air miles, I will go back to buying the occasional issue.

Whew! Julie

[SandyM]

Hiya Julie - thanks so much for the information! I had no idea a sub was that much - I think I'll do like you and pick up the occasional issue.

Goodness I would love to grow my own grapes - not for wine making, but simply because I think I'm the only one on the planet who enjoys eating concord grapes! When we went to Napa a few years back I did the Homer Simpson groan and drool session, driving through those vineyards!

[KathrynY]

Thanks, Julie! I'll check it out. Always looking for good recommendations - hate to spend $10 on a bottle of wine that turns out to be only so-so.

BTW, we tried a couple of Washington State wines this weekend and really liked them both. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

P.S. I just visited the WS web site and they do have some articles available for viewing even if you don't subscribe (the ones I saw were reviews of Oregon wines). Just a thought - I already get WAY too much stuff in the mail to even think about another magazine!

[This message has been edited by KathrynY (edited 05-01-2001).]

[AndreaU]

As for Wine Enthusiast vs. Wine Spectator, I personally prefer WS. SandyM, like you, I am not a wine snob either... just someone who likes to try new and different things. To me, WE seems a bit high end. I like WS for its straightforwardness and honest opinions. As KValley pointed out, the latest issue focuses on GOOD wines for $12 OR LESS- I definitely like that.

I don't know off hand if they would carry these magazines, but there's a site called enews where you can usually get subscriptions for less than cover and/or renewal price. (I just renewed CL for $16/11 issues- as an 8 year subscriber, I was offered a special deal of $22/11 issues! Gee, thanks.) Anyway, the site is http://www.enews.com

SandyM- as for the concord grapes, you're not the only one! I love them straight from the vine, but even more so in Grape Pie (a Finger Lakes, NY specialty). I can't wait for concord season to get here...

[This message has been edited by AndreaU (edited 05-01-2001).]

[SandyM]

Originally posted by AndreaU:
SandyM- as for the concord grapes, you're not the only one! I love them straight from the vine, but even more so in Grape Pie (a Finger Lakes, NY specialty). I can't wait for concord season to get here...

Too funny Andrea - I forgot you're a fellow WNY-er! My sister lived on Canandaigua Lake for a few years and she would ALWAYS bring an entire trough of grapes home for me - white and purple. The smell of them brings back such awesome memories for me. I can get them here, but in small quantities, and they don't seem as good.....but I enjoy them just the same!!