Stirring the pot
This is where I share my most provocative, and controversial opinions. I have the newsletter to write about the wines I taste, the website and my book for the facts of wine education, and this blog to rant, rave or whatever I feel like.
So what controversy do I wish to stir up today? I have already picked on wineries outside of the better known regions, including my home state of Colorado. I have chastised producers of Pinot Noir for adulterating their wines. I have even rebuked wine lists, without even looking at them. What is left? You.
The consumer is ultimately responsible for the wine market. Dollar votes determine the pricing, and availability, not only of wines, but of all consumer items.
So what have you been doing with your votes? Buying bad wine. Certainly, not you personally. You have already shown good taste by electing to read this diatribe. Rather, it is your friends, coworkers, neighbors and family. They have been buying bad wine, and it is your fault.
Not guilty you argue? How could you be responsible for your brother and sisters of the world? Surely this is a gross injustice heaped on you by a yet another hack writing from his ivory tower.
Well, you have a point, but it is still your fault.
Bad wine exists for the same reason inappropriate ethnic jokes still make their rounds, because people do not speak up to condemn their use. Social injustice is a greater offense, but this is a blog about wine.
In the words of someone I share almost nothing with, "Just say no!'
When you go to a restaurant, and they are serving swill, tell them so. Don't silently suffer, while dishing out your hard earned cash. If your neighbors are pouring something dreadful at their next BBQ, turn them on to a nicer bottle of wine, that is still reasonably priced. If your relatives pop open a box of wine at your next reunion, get new relatives - oh wait, you probably should share a better wine with them too.
If you want to make the world a better place, and I know you do, don't sit by and let the petty injustices go unnoticed, speak up. When something tastes bad, or is in bad taste, exercise your rights, and before you know it, we will all get along - or at least we will have better wine to drink.
So what controversy do I wish to stir up today? I have already picked on wineries outside of the better known regions, including my home state of Colorado. I have chastised producers of Pinot Noir for adulterating their wines. I have even rebuked wine lists, without even looking at them. What is left? You.
The consumer is ultimately responsible for the wine market. Dollar votes determine the pricing, and availability, not only of wines, but of all consumer items.
So what have you been doing with your votes? Buying bad wine. Certainly, not you personally. You have already shown good taste by electing to read this diatribe. Rather, it is your friends, coworkers, neighbors and family. They have been buying bad wine, and it is your fault.
Not guilty you argue? How could you be responsible for your brother and sisters of the world? Surely this is a gross injustice heaped on you by a yet another hack writing from his ivory tower.
Well, you have a point, but it is still your fault.
Bad wine exists for the same reason inappropriate ethnic jokes still make their rounds, because people do not speak up to condemn their use. Social injustice is a greater offense, but this is a blog about wine.
In the words of someone I share almost nothing with, "Just say no!'
When you go to a restaurant, and they are serving swill, tell them so. Don't silently suffer, while dishing out your hard earned cash. If your neighbors are pouring something dreadful at their next BBQ, turn them on to a nicer bottle of wine, that is still reasonably priced. If your relatives pop open a box of wine at your next reunion, get new relatives - oh wait, you probably should share a better wine with them too.
If you want to make the world a better place, and I know you do, don't sit by and let the petty injustices go unnoticed, speak up. When something tastes bad, or is in bad taste, exercise your rights, and before you know it, we will all get along - or at least we will have better wine to drink.
posted by Wineguy at 12:32 PM
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