Water and Wine, This Curse of Mine

The priest pouring water into the wine before the consecration during the Mass

So I took my wine back from yesterday because it was bad--corked or some other similar flaw. So I did not buy the same wine obviously, but a cheap Chianti that I have gotten in the past that is of good quality. Well, it was flat. Watery. It is drinkable and I am not going to pour it down the drain. Historically wine was watered I read, and it was considered low class to drink wine straight up. It is one reason Christ poured water into the wine at the Last Supper, and to this day it is done in the Christian liturgy of course. But no one waters their wine down anymore. 

But though the wine is bad, I am not going to dare take it back. If this were an actual wine shop, MAYBE. But two times in a row? I just think they will think me crazy or something. In fact, I've been getting a lot of bad wine this year it seems. Is it even possible to get many bad wines within a year if say you buy two bottles a month average? I've tried to say to myself that maybe it is myself, that I do not like the wine perhaps. But often these have been wines I have had before and liked. And when wine smells musty and cardboard like and has the same taste, I am pretty sure it is not just me. But I want to ask someone if I am just experiencing some twilight zone style coincidences, or if just maybe this is no unheard of?

Bota Box 2011 Zinfandel

So, I suppose this is a good chance to do a series on box wines. I'm on a budget now, and though I may be able to get a bottle a month, my Social Security Disability limits what I can spend. What, with rent, school, debts (maybe. Depends on if I feel like paying the banksters), and food (a food card is not enough) it is hard to buy bottles, and box wines are a great alternative for those on a budget. To the snobs, remember that you were once a college student, too!

I will also be cutting down on my intake. Say 2-3 glasses a day. Box wines allow that, since the bottle is not good after a couple days; and even the second day, it lacks something. I think I am going to try and live like a Stoic. Seriously, not just a figure of speech. I am going to start reading them again, and do Zen meditation, too to mix it up. Stoicism is great though. Cato, they said, drank the cheapest of wines, which if he were living today would be Franzia. I will do Franzia, but this month it's something less Americana. I think Franzia is a comedic image of your everyday American wino. It's been a while since I have had it, but it's worth revisiting. Actually back in 2010 is when, I think. My roommate got the stuff.

In any case: very fresh on the nose, like rain. I get woodsy aromas, too, or maybe that smell of fresh sawdust. There's something sweet but I can't quite name it.

Taste-wise it is rather tannic, not completely unpleasant, but putting in the decanter might help. But since I am only going to have a glass or two I won't worry about it. Besides the tannins, what comes to mind is holiday cranberries.The finish is interesting though. I have never eaten saw dust mind you, but sometimes you can kind of taste something by smelling it. It's worth putting in a decanter. Maybe I will leave it in the glass and see after say an hour. Yes, that seems the best idea.


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Post-decanter 

Yes, softened very well. Now I get that rainwater smell that I like so much. I think of that plastic kids swimming pool, but I think rainwater is a more sophisticated adjective. I also get that sawmill smell layered in there, and the smell of cranberries, in a cranberry scented candle maybe , because there is a sweetness somewhere beneath it. Cinnamon maybe.

As for taste, the tannins have calmed down, though still somewhat strong. However after a medium finish of the tannins, it's really soft on the tongue. Berries too and maybe a little pepper. Quite a complex wine for something out of a box. Also there is a sweetness, and the box does say it has hints of chocolate or something like that. I love how they advertise wine. The main negative though is the tannins.

I give it an 86.

Next month I think I will try Black Box. Also, I might put a recipe up soon. I made some wicked quails last night. Rubbed with goose fat and everything! The negative of quail is there is so little meat for such a pricey meat. But it was worth it. Better than lamb.