JF

Wine Snobbery for Dummies, Part III

Feb 6, 2014

MW
Stage· 204 messages
Feb 6, 2014

Palate? Mouthfeel? Finish? What?This week Jenn & Molly lead the Winos in a discussion on wine tasting...during a live wine tasting! Grab a bottle of Rex Goliath Free Range Red (one of our favorite el-cheapo wines) and join us in a toast...to wine!

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 1:49 AM

★ Spotlighted from Leonard Wolfgram

“Hi Ladies; I thought I should join the discussion and learn how to drink cheaper wine. A little math showed me that my $14.00 Carlo Rossi glass "jug" of wine cost more than Molly's 4 quarts of "$2 buck chuck". Gad!!! The money I've wasted and only it”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:00 AM

Good Golly, Miss Molly! (Sorry...I'm sure that's totally old.)
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:00 AM

What? Never heard it.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:00 AM

How about "Wham, Bam, thank you Wolfgram"?
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:00 AM

hahahahahaha! Love it!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:00 AM

Hellooooooo Winos!!!
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:01 AM

And look! It's Papa Leonard! The patriarch of Wolfgram-dom!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:01 AM

I want to make one thing very clear. I am totally sick, all doped up on cold meds, and yet I am forcing myself to sip this wine FOR YOU!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:02 AM

I see that...welcome, Papa Leonard!
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:02 AM

Mixing wine and cold meds? Classic.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:02 AM

It's a sacrifice I'm willing to make...
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:02 AM

Glad y'all could make it tonight!
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:03 AM

★ Spotlighted from Leonard Wolfgram

“I never thought I'd get to the point where I didn't think a drink would cure my illness but the last three weeks have proven an obstacle! Boy does the galss of Arbor mist hit the spot tonight!!!!”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:03 AM

So, Molly - I see a lot of Wolfgram-ish people here tonight. do I need to watch my mouth? ;)
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:03 AM

Have you met me?
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:03 AM

No
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:04 AM

Ahhhhh!!!! Arbor Mist??? When infested with viral nastiness, I recommend Sambuca.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:04 AM

Lol.
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:04 AM

I think they're pretty used to the crazy crap that comes out of my mouth :)
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:04 AM

Sweet. Figured as much. :)
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:05 AM

So...who's got their wine? You know...the one with the, um, big...rooster?
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:05 AM

I want you to know what a sacrifice it was to keep my hands off that bottle for the last 3 hours.
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:05 AM

★ Spotlighted from Leonard Wolfgram

“Make that my fourth glass of Arbor nmist”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:05 AM

Molly! Why didn't you just get two???
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:06 AM

Ohhhhh....Leonard!
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:06 AM

And that's where my love of the grape comes from...
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:07 AM

I would like to mention one thing before we get started "tasting" (like y'all haven't started already!) Molly...could you please tell the class how your sister Mary described our little group?
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:07 AM

Oh lordy...I almost died laughing!
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:07 AM

It's like book club...for wine.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:08 AM

Thank you. And thank you Mary. That's perfect! :)
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:08 AM

Okay, so last week we sniffed our wine. Who's ready to TASTE it???
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:08 AM

I think that needs to be our thing.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:08 AM

Agreed.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:09 AM

★ Spotlighted from Marlys Wolfgram

“I think "Wine Snobbery for Dummies" aprons are in order.”

MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:09 AM

I don't have time to read books, but I can read labels.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:09 AM

Lol! Sure you do1
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:09 AM

★ Spotlighted from Sean Donaghy

“evening folks”

MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:09 AM

Hey Sean! Ready to decompress?
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:10 AM

At the turn of the century, HRM (His Royal Majesty) Rex Goliath was a treasured circus attraction. Weighing in at 47lbs, Rex was billed as the “World’s Largest Rooster.” Our wines are a tribute to Rex’s larger than life personality with big, fruit-
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:10 AM

-forward flavors sure to please.
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:11 AM

With enough wine I can become something of a circus attraction.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:11 AM

From Rex Goliath. So, this is one of those fabulous wine-finds I came across because I couldn't resist the ridiculous label!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:11 AM

★ Spotlighted from Sean Donaghy

“yes pretty crappy week so far”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:11 AM

@Sean, it's about to get better! :)
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:12 AM

Seriously, who calls a rooster "His Royal Majesty"?
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:12 AM

★ Spotlighted from Leonard Wolfgram

“Yeah?? well with enough wine????? you can read minds???”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:13 AM

@Leonard, with enough wine, anything is possible.
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:13 AM

Touche
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:13 AM

So Mary has Blue Moon, but we forgive her because we adore her.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:14 AM

Alright, since this is supposed to be SOMEWHAT of a learning experience, who smells plums?
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:14 AM

And Papa Leonard has Arbor Mist...is he at least sharing Momma Marlys?
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:14 AM

Anyone have anything else?
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:14 AM

★ Spotlighted from Bridget Dozier

“I have a glass of HRM!”

MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:14 AM

I do!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:15 AM

And, Mary - you can't evaluate your Blue Moon right along with us - there's a whole other area when we begin to investigate Beer Snobbery...
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:15 AM

Alright...ready??? First we toast! To Winos!
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:15 AM

★ Spotlighted from Marlys Wolfgram

“I usually choose wine by the label but I do want to learn more so I can choose not so cute labels as well.”

MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:16 AM

★ Spotlighted from Marlys Wolfgram

“to wine!”

MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:16 AM

To wine and great friends!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:16 AM

@Marlys - it's always a crap-shoot when you pick the cool label. Sometimes it works out. :)
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:17 AM

AND...sip! No pinkies up though, cuz we're not really snobs...remember? :)
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:17 AM

Feel free to swirl if you want...
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:17 AM

I would be lying if I said I wasn't wearing a turtleneck right now.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:17 AM

Oh, Molly...
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:18 AM

One of the telltale signs of a wine douche
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:18 AM

I know, but it was cold here today...like 40-something.
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:18 AM

★ Spotlighted from Sean Donaghy

“saw a label the other night, Fat Bastard, really thought about it”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:18 AM

I am picturing you as Mike Meyers in So I Married an Ax Murderer right now...Woman! Wooooo-man!
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:18 AM

Sean, Fat Bastard is great!
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:18 AM

I
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:19 AM

I've had them all because I like to swear.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:20 AM

@Marlys - swirling lets the air in - allows the flavors to emerge. Now this is certainly not a super-complex wine, but, if you focus you can taste the plums...a little bit of pepper...
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:20 AM

Lol @ Molly - Sean!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:20 AM

Hey! Are we tasting wine here or what? lol
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:20 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shannon Kelley

“I have a cup of tea, which is just as well, it took me 18 minutes to navigate iOS to get this far. So hello!”

MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:20 AM

Sorry, wild ADD
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:21 AM

Welcome Shannon with your tea!
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:22 AM

I, personally, get a more berry taste
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:22 AM

Mom, do you get strawberries at all?
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:22 AM

Right...like really ripe raspberries. Juicy!
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:22 AM

Yes! Raspberries.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:22 AM

★ Spotlighted from Bridget Dozier

“Swirling is the standard barometer to how sloppy I can get with the wine until I have an accident. Prudent move.”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:23 AM

Chloe would love this! Raspberries are her fave. Too bad she's only 6. Poor kid.
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:23 AM

I get pepper on the finish.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:23 AM

★ Spotlighted from Leonard Wolfgram

“THis sounds like an interesting wine.”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:23 AM

Poor Leonard with his Arbor Mist! ;)
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:23 AM

Dad, you'd like it...it's fairly smooth.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:24 AM

Molly, that's the thing about this wine. It's a balanced red. Interesting without being overbearing. I like to call it the "red wine for non-winos".
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:25 AM

A lot of people think they don't like red wine, mostly because they were introduced to something that was too strong or outside their preferred flavor profile...but there are so many variations!
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:26 AM

★ Spotlighted from Sean Donaghy

“I think I'm finally starting to pick up the plums”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:26 AM

★ Spotlighted from Leonard Wolfgram

“This sounds like an interesting wine. Boekenhoutskloof The Wolftrap 2008nn$12nnThis full-bodied blend of two red grapes—syrah and mourvdere—with the white grape viognier has complex notes of spice, smoke, game, and leather. "The result is stunning,”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:26 AM

★ Spotlighted from Marlys Wolfgram

“Leonard, you copied and pasted that, didn't you.”

MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:26 AM

I got the plums right away because I'm an overachiever, but took me awhile to get the pepper.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:26 AM

Yep...definitely sounds like that descriptions was written by a wine snob. lol.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:27 AM

Molly, that's because you're already so peppery....
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:27 AM

Haha!
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:28 AM

But truly, there are some wines where you can pick up things like leather. It sounds bizarre, but it's true.
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:28 AM

★ Spotlighted from Sean Donaghy

“and Jennifer that would be me, always liked the whites easing my way into the reds”

MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:28 AM

Changing the world...one wino at a time.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:28 AM

My favorite red in the whole wide world is made by Bridlewood Winery in the Santa Ynez Valley. Six Gun Syrah. I tried that one because I was so intrigued by the descriptors, which included "a hint of flinty steel."
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:29 AM

Who the hell is licking flinty steel?
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:29 AM

I just had to know what they meant by that. Now I like to call that one (affectionately) "Cowboy in a Bottle."
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:29 AM

Um....me, Moll. Me. Okay???
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:30 AM

★ Spotlighted from Leonard Wolfgram

“HEY! I'm really a sophisticated Carlo Rossi Sangria affecianado.I like the fruity flavor and It compliments people with a complex mixed up self.”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:30 AM

@Sean, that's common. We probably should've started with whites, but y'all seemed like an adventurous crowd. :)
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:30 AM

Does the review say, "with a hint of psychotic"?
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:31 AM

My review says that, but it's not the "official" one.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:32 AM

Not that it comes as any surprise but, Molly's Dad - you are a funny, funny dude!
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:32 AM

It's genetic, apparently!
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:33 AM

★ Spotlighted from Mary Erickson

“Blue Moon #2.... very smooth”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:33 AM

Here's a hint about Sangria, people - it's all about FRESH FRUIT. Make your own. Boxed white wine suffices nicely...
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:33 AM

Sister Mary...case in point.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:33 AM

★ Spotlighted from Sean Donaghy

“wait a minute, we can use crib sheets ?”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:33 AM

No, Sean...that would be cheating.
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:34 AM

So, back quickly to our pal, Rex....
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:34 AM

Those of you drinking it...what are your thoughts.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:34 AM

yes...Rex. He is a big, um....rooster, indeed.
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:34 AM

Chris, Bridgie, Joanie...I've seen pictures. I KNOW you are drinking it.
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:34 AM

Gimme your thoughts.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:35 AM

yeah! c'mon! thoughts?
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:35 AM

★ Spotlighted from Chris Dozier

“On my second glass”

MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:35 AM

That says a lot coming from @ chris!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:35 AM

It's my favorite el-cheapo.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:35 AM

★ Spotlighted from Bridget Dozier

“Oh Cowboy in a Bottle? Sounds right up Molly's alley!”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:36 AM

@Bridget, let's take her there - directly to the source!
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:36 AM

I haven't had it in a good while and I loooove it.
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:37 AM

Wait a good gosh durn minute here! Why am I on the spot?? I thought we were talking about Roosters and wine...not my Freudian obsession w/ cowboys.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:37 AM

Especially velvety for a cheapo.
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:37 AM

It really is. Kind of creamy?
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:37 AM

Lol, Molly! You are on a roll with setting yourself up today!
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:37 AM

Anyone else get that?
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:38 AM

Or is it because Isabel was practicing her trombone and I accidentally drank most of the bottle in the first 40 mins of this convo?
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:38 AM

Yes...that's a little somp'n somp'n you really only expect to find in a $60+ bottle of wine. Great find in my book. Chicken on the label or not...
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:39 AM

★ Spotlighted from Leonard Wolfgram

“Well, if ya want Cowboy in a Bottle you might try Ten Spoon wineries Miles City Bucking Horse Sale wine. This is a berry wine from a Montana Winery. It's a Syrah with a hint of braided berry flavors and is good for anyone who...never mind”

MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:39 AM

Who the hell braids berries, dad? And what does that taste like?
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:39 AM

Hey, I have a trombone! Let's get Izzy involved next time! lol
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:39 AM

Someone please send me a set of noise canceling headphones.
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:40 AM

Or more wine
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:40 AM

Omg, you people are so random. And THAT'S WHY I LOVE YOU!!!
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:40 AM

★ Spotlighted from Leonard Wolfgram

“Probably HORSE SHIT SO I'm GONNA ORDER A BOTTLE”

MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:40 AM

@ leonard I can barely type I'm laughing so hard.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:41 AM

Hey, Second-Glass-Chris! Tasting notes?
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:41 AM

@ chris' internet is "wonky" so they'll be back online in a min.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:42 AM

Plus I'm curious...do you all get more than a glass out of a bottle? Cuz...
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:42 AM

So funny story about that...
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:43 AM

a friend of mine and I were reading somewhere that you can serve 5 people a bottle of wine at a dinner party.
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:43 AM

He was like, "obviously, they've never invited a Wolfgram to dinner."
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:44 AM

Okay...point being, experience the wine, people! Smell it. Feel it. Taste it...on the front of your tongue...in the middle...and on the finish. It evolves - like cavemen to, well, whatever we are now...only in a single sip.
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:44 AM

Ok friends...so we only have 15 mins left so we should start talking about next week.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:44 AM

LOL!
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:45 AM

It's Valentine's Day next Friday!!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:45 AM

Thanks for keeping us on schedule, Ms. Wolfgram. 1 hour is never enough...
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:45 AM

It really isn't. Always goes by so fast.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:45 AM

Ooohhhh! What shall we drink???
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:45 AM

Something bubbly perhaps?
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:45 AM

Effervescence....
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:45 AM

Get y'all in the mooooooood.
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:46 AM

Except for my parents, who are on here...IGNORE THIS.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:46 AM

Or should we all just plan to meet up here on V-Day...lol
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:46 AM

Just kidding....I will have plans, dammit!
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:47 AM

★ Spotlighted from Bridget Dozier

“I'm pleasantly surprised by this wine. I've always been turned off by the label. It just seemed like some thing you'd see in a country themed kitchen.”

MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:47 AM

Cool label, great taste, nice price point. I see this at many of our family dinners!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:47 AM

Atta girl, Bridget! See? Surprise!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:48 AM

So, Molly...what sort of bubbly thing shall we drink this Valentine's Day?
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:48 AM

So for next week, how about a Prosecco?
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:48 AM

Or pre-V-Day...next Wednesday will be practice
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:49 AM

Lovin' it!
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:49 AM

★ Spotlighted from Sean Donaghy

“for the insomniac's there is a movie on Netflix called SOMM, about 4 guys trying to become Master Sommaliers”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:49 AM

@Sean - totally gonna look that up!
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:50 AM

Prosecco is sparkly...which is APPARENTLY romantic, but not as expensive as Champagne.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:50 AM

What label should we be lookin' for, Moll?
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:51 AM

I like bubbles!
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:51 AM

I like Zardetto
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:51 AM

Easy to find (can't miss the big Z on the bottle)
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:52 AM

Soooo, gentleman...what are y'all gettin' your lady folk for Valentine's Day?
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:52 AM

Zardetto Prosecco, it is!
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:52 AM

@ dad, I don't think mom wants a bottle of wine w/ a hint of horseshit.
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:52 AM

Anyone have any good gift ideas?
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:53 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shannon Kelley

“I've always wanted to try a Bellini (Prosecco & peach purée). I hope not being a wine snob means I can put fruit in there because snobs get REAL snobby about those thing in the beer and wine world.”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:53 AM

Ooohhh! Ooohhh! Pick me! ( Everybody ready for some shameless self-promotion?)
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:54 AM

Guys, Gals...either way, if you want to impress your significant other with a really cool V-Day gift, go here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/WoodsyWino?ref=search_shop_redirect
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:55 AM

Yes! Definitely check out the great gifts.
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:55 AM

And send me one too
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:55 AM

★ Spotlighted from Sean Donaghy

“apparently after 4 drinks the speeling is the first to go”

MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:55 AM

@ sean my fingers feel like baseball bats.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:55 AM

Type "Wine Snobbery for Dummies" into the message space & I'll throw in a free hand-made wine glass rack. Tawkers-only special - just cuz I dig you all. :)
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:56 AM

We also need to get y'all's opinion on a name for our blog.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:56 AM

Oh, yeah!
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:57 AM

It's going to be a sister project to our Wine Wednesdays with y'all.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:57 AM

We're building a community for Winos. What should we call it???
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:57 AM

Actually, we don't need your opinion...we really want your ideas.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:57 AM

A safe place...a sacred space...
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:57 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shannon Kelley

“Stemless wine charms?! Jennifer, you are a genius!”

MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:58 AM

Where one bottle of wine doesn't need to serve 5 people...just one.
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:58 AM

★ Spotlighted from Sean Donaghy

“Boozin with Babes ?”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:58 AM

Thank you, Shannon! Kinda proud of that invention! ;)
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:58 AM

Right Molly - With a nipple.
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 2:58 AM

@ sean, have you even seen me on Thursday mornings after wine Wednesdays...um...no.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:59 AM

Oh, man! Why does an hour go by so fast here??? This is not over!!! Good night all! See you next week! Here's to life!!! :)
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 3:00 AM

Next week - with bubbly!
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 3:00 AM

Cheers winos!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 3:00 AM

I suddenly love hump day!
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 3:00 AM

#winewednesday
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 3:01 AM

I wonder if we could get Kathy Lee & Hota to join us???