Is Cheap Wine Poisoning You?

You may love the price of cheap wine but cringe at a dangerous chemical that is in it. Poison was not one of the things you read about on the label. According to a lawsuit filed against 28 California wineries they "produce and market wines that contain dangerously high levels of inorganic arsenic, in some cases up to 500 percent or more than what is considered the maximum acceptable safe daily intake limit” (1).  

The lawsuit may or may not have merit depending on how the facts play out. A little extra arsenic is common in wines but stay way below dangerous levels. According to a study out of Cornell 1,300 bottles of wine tested only 83 showed up with 5X more arsenic than what would be found in water (2). The risks are relatively low and multiple tests seem to confirm this. 

The type of wine that will be most likely to have higher levels of arsenic are cheaper white and blush wines that are from areas that need lots of irrigation. Cheaper wines are general produced in less healthy soils while quality wines are focused more on maximizing value from higher quality soil. You will pay a premium for the highest quality wines.

Wine and food can be mass produced like any other product. We see this with meat , chicken, and other mega agriculture. With a cheaper price comes the necessity to mass produce. It is that mass production that will create problems as repetitive actions are taken that raise pollution levels.  Yet without that mass production products would be extremely expensive.

Unless something significant comes out of the lawsuit there isn’t much a consumer can do unless they are an avid reader on wines and know their berry backgrounds. Moving up in price to higher quality wines is one option but that wine will cost you more money. Stay tuned and continue to read websites, lists, and blogs on the quality of your wine and where it came from.

Wine Review: Shiraz by Benefactor Cellars

Having the snob affect is great but so is saving your money so don’t run to pay the highest you can. Shiraz by Benefactor cellars is a barebones wine that retails for under $5. If you’re buying wine in the high price range then you might as well just add it to your collection of overpriced shoes and jackets. However, if you’re buying to try new tastes such as that of South Eastern Australia put your savings in an interest bearing account and pick up a bottle. 

This wine celebrates those who have passed away. It is readily apparent from the skeleton label design and red coloring that it is something you should pick up for a Halloween party. Regardless, the wine is about life and celebration even though it has a unique artistic decor. 

Nose: Ripe berry and chocolate

Mouth: Ripe berry, tobacco, cherry, spice and currant. Slightly pungent and wet.

Wine Review: Gato Negro Cabernet Sauvignon

Even though I am a fan of homegrown Californian wine I do like to occasionally venture into import wines to see how different different regions create new tastes. Gato Negro Cabernet Sauvignon was one of those wines I came across in my shopping activities and decided to throw a bottle in my cart. It wasn't a bad choice. 

Gato Negro is a well known brand of Chile that is exported to many other nations. It is from one of the older wineries of Viña San Pedro. A popular wine that has won significant award. Consumers generally rate the experience positively but a minority of online reviews expressed dislike. 

Personally I found the wine to be very drinkable. It was smooth and fruity and seemed to lay more in the wet arena. I have never been fond of excessively dry and high tannin tastes. As an important wine that can be used to add some variety to your selection life it is worth picking up a bottle. 

Out of all the red wine available Cabernet Sauvignon has the highest concentration of antioxidants. Wine made from red and purple grapes are better for you than green and white. The dark purple and red hues being the best.Gato Negro's Cabernet Sauvignon offers a higher level of antioxidants.

Gato Negro Cabernet Sauvignon

Taste: Berries, chocolate, and vanilla.
Glass: Dark, maroon, red
Nose: Ripe berries with a touch of strawberry. 

Certainly you can find more expensive wines as well as those that may tantalize your taste buds to a higher sizzle but you are unlikely to find a quality wine for under $5. Try a taste of Chile without having to skimp on your bills. 

Wine Review: La Ferme Julien Rouge

La Ferme Julien Rouge is an everyday pleasure wine produced in France. As a red wine it is served with most meat, pasta, and spicy foods. Made from a combination of Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache Syrah it is well balanced option. Seasoned in oak barrels for 10 months it takes on a touch of sweetness.

Nose: Ripe berries, spices and tobacco

Taste: Subtle, cherry, ripe, vanilla, wet, and light aftertaste. Soft tannins.

Glass: Dark red and medium body.

The wine was grown and produced in France on the Mont Ventoux slopes that sits over 5,700 feet above sea level. The area supports high quality grape production and adds to the wines flavor. The type of soil also supports a solid production of mild wines.

According to Food Tourists the region is known for its interesting wines all the way over to mediocre wines. It was part of the Ancient Roman wine making system and still maintains its small town charm. Whites, reds and roses are produced here and exported to the rest of the world.

Wine Review: Bosco’s Montepulciano d’Abruzzo (2011)

If you are fond of the Italian food then certainly you should follow tradition and provide a glass of wine to wash it down your favorite pasta dish. If you’re eating at home you will naturally need to pick up a bottle of Italian wine to provide to cater to family and friends.  No one likes to spend a lot of money for a bottle of wine when there are alternatives that taste just as great. If you fall into the price sensitive category but still want a high quality product try Bosco’s Montepulciano d’Abruzzon for under $10. 

It can be hard picking wine that is going to have a wide appeal. Sometimes wine is too tart, acidity, or carries a poor aftertaste. Price and quality sometimes seem separate. Choosing a wine with softer tastes usually is better for guests.

Bosco’s Montepulciano d’Abruzzo (2011) is a Red Wine that is a popular export of Italy. Such wines are made in the Abruzzi region around 9,000 feet above the sea. This area is known for its wine making and wine exports and has a history of high quality products exported internationally.

What I liked about this wine was its subtle tastes that didn’t overpower your senses. Mild wines have always been my favorite. That include low tannins and low acidity. This wine is considered dry with a soft overall flavor. Because of its mild temperament it complements most food dishes and makes for a solid everyday table wine.

Review: 

To the nose: Ripe flavors of seasoned grapes. 

To the palate: Light start, peaked middle and subtle aftertaste.  Low acidity and dry.  Orange and oak are noticeable. 

In the glass: Overall smooth texture. Dark Ruby red. Full bodied.