The most difficult thing to do as a wine writer is to keep an open mind. It's essential not to judge wines before you taste them, and it's even more important not to let a wine's pedigree -- who made it, the size of the company, and the like -- influence your opinion.
Which is the polite way way of saying that I didn't want to taste the Bivio ($12, sample), which had all the earmarks of an overpriced, poorly made corporate wine. The press materials used the term "refreshingly modern style," something that scared the hell out of me. In fact, the Bivio sat in the wine closet for eight months before I was brave enough to taste it. Stupid me.
The Bivio was much better than I thought it would be (which, again, is my fault, and not the wine's). It's a solid, dependable, inexpensive red blend (mostly sangiovese, with some cabernet sauvignon and merlot) with a bit more red fruit in the middle than traditional Italian wines. I'd drink it again. Yes, it's not quite up to the Tormareca Neprica or Faleseco Rosso, but how many wines are? Pair this with any red sauce kind of food, and even something like roast chicken. And don't let your prejudices get in the way of enjoying it.
Hi ,
Why do people always look at the price of the wine ?
Taste it and then judge the price , correct ?
Posted by: Hampers | November 04, 2010 at 06:14 PM
You are exactly correct, Hampers. That was one of the points of the post, as I try to spread a little wine wisdom in my Curmudgeonly way.
Posted by: Jeff Siegel | November 05, 2010 at 07:09 AM