better by the gallon??

[Spidermom]

I'm eager to widen my scope of wine tasting.
In time, with guidence from this board, I will! However, I'm currently a "White Zinfandel" gal, and I know that this particular type is poo-pooed by "those in the know". My husband recently came across three brands that come in "boxes" (5 liters total)...they are "Almaden", "Peter Vella" and "Franzia". Is buying this much wine a good "deal" or a waste of money. My other concern is are they any good? Thanks for your help!

[chittychattykathy]

Welcome to the board Spidermom!
All mentioned above box wines are often blended with lower quality Thompson seedless grapes (which are not really a wine grape even) and/or Flame Tokay a cheap wine grape (it grows fast and easily). They are also made from grape pressings beyond the first press, sometimes many more pressings. The quality really goes down hill each time. Not to say all box wines are bad, as when I was in France last spring I could have bought a 5 liter box of really great wine for $350.00. But I've not run across thing like that around here.
It takes a bit of time , but soon you'll know what you want and do not want in the wines that you consume. I would suggest buying a few wine books and a bit of travel on the internet. Also hit a few wine shops in your area.
Read around at this web site, and < http://www.wine-lovers-page.com/index.shtml> has some good info as well.

[Bucko]

*I was in France last spring I could have bought a 5 liter box of really great wine for $350.00.*

I guess so..... that figures out at about $52.50 a bottle.

Bucko

[chittychattykathy]

As for adding to your list of wines you like, you could start by going to better quaility white zins like Beringer LVS, Shooting Star or Bonnie Doons zin gris & maybe try some the "In Style" white merlots. Then move to fruity reds like Rosemount (Australia) Shiraz-Cabernet, or La Palma Cab/Merlot from Chile. For whites try some reislings from Washington or Germany.

[chittychattykathy]

Yeah there was a Bordeaux from Chateau Tayac in a 18 liter box as well, $665.00. Anyone know if there are many places that do this?

[Spidermom]

Hey THANKS Everyone for the quick responses!
I'm convinced that I "don't" want to try the boxed cheapo wines! When dear hubby said those 5 ltr boxed wines were around $15 ... I already knew they must be, well...not what I'm looking for. The only White Zin I'll drink is Beringer, all the others taste moldy to me! I have written down the suggestions offered (for reds and whites) and I'm heading to the local wine shop today!
Thanks again everyone!! Kathy