Yes, a simple $10 wine can make me happy!
Maybe it's only me... but it seems that the "hardcore" wino crowd who know the skinny on every vintage for every premium region in France and Italy from all brand-name producers have settled on their favorites, and it would take 7.0 earthquake to shake them out of their established circle of "acceptable" wines. I guess the question is - if one can afford to drink nothing but high-end Burgundy and Barolo, does it mean a simple Chianti or Dolcetto should never grace their lips? Gentlemen (and ladies), please stop posturing - your wine snootiness is no fun. I for one am happy to munch on a simple charcuterie with a glass of exceedingly enjoyable Portuguese red for $10, my joy only slightly marred by watching 49ers give away yet another game. Dow's Vale Do Bomfim Reserva Douro, 2005, 13% alcohol - made from 45% Touriga Franca, 20% Touriga Nacional, 30% Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo) and 5% Tinta Barroca grape varieties. Smooth, ripe, fruity but not too fruity, infini...