Woodbridge/Mondavi

[zenda2]

"Fighting varietals" is wine-speak for lower priced but decent wine made by 'big wineries' from the main grape varieties (the ones that even beginners have heard of). Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, etc...

These 'fighting varietals' are different from blended wines, which is what the big wineries used to make with the grapes grown in the same space where they now grow this valley merlot and zin. They've replaced a lot of the old jugwine 'mixing' grapes with these noble 'varietals'.

Just between us, I miss a few of the old inexpensive well made blended wines but overall this trend has benefitted the average joe/jane. For instance, Mondavi used to produce a blend of Italian grapes labeled 'BOCCE Rosso' that was a heckuva buy, reminded me of a decent chianti for $5 or so. But Woodbridge Zinfandel at $6 is a really tasty replacement.

P.S. I believe they're 'fighting' for marketshare.


[This message has been edited by zenda2 (edited 04-08-2002).]