shaming the vine
I received an email forward from a friend and member of our wine tasting group today about Walmart Wine and suggested names. http://user.pa.net/~nrwing/buyamerican/walmartwine.html
Freakish, I know. The sad thing is that while most people thought this was purely a hoax, I distinctly remember about 5 or so years ago reading about a business venture between E&J Gallo and Walmart to sell a private label of cheap swill of believe it or not, 4 different varietals under the name of Alcott Ridge Wine. After reading the email today (link above) I immediately googled this to make sure I wasn't hallucinating and shore 'nuff, found the following exert from Wine Spectator Online's "Grapevine" publication in late 2000.
Wal-Mart, the chain of discount stores that sell everything from clothing to garden supplies, is becoming a wine retailer, too. Many Wal-Marts in the United States and overseas now carry the company's exclusive wine brand, produced by California giant E. & J. Gallo. The Alcott Ridge Vineyards brand includes four varietals -- Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and White Zinfandel -- each priced under $7 a bottle.
'Shaming the vine!', that's what I've got to say about that. Walmart supported Pro-lifers, clansmen, and NRA aficionados, drink your heart out!!! What next? Are they going to open The Walmart school of Viticulture? A Walmart sponsored sommelier certification program?
I can see it now...
"Hi... welcome to the KKK (Kentucky Kritters Kitchen) Diner. I'll be your sommelier this evening. Most of what we're pouring tonight will be coming straight from our finest quality boxes. Might I recommend the Walmart private label cab sauv with your pork rinds and squirrel-kabobs. It has these exquisite hints of gasoline and foot fungus with a finsih slick enough to grease your rifle with. Bon Appetite, and please don't forget to pick up your complimentary burning cross at the counter."
Freakish, I know. The sad thing is that while most people thought this was purely a hoax, I distinctly remember about 5 or so years ago reading about a business venture between E&J Gallo and Walmart to sell a private label of cheap swill of believe it or not, 4 different varietals under the name of Alcott Ridge Wine. After reading the email today (link above) I immediately googled this to make sure I wasn't hallucinating and shore 'nuff, found the following exert from Wine Spectator Online's "Grapevine" publication in late 2000.
Wal-Mart, the chain of discount stores that sell everything from clothing to garden supplies, is becoming a wine retailer, too. Many Wal-Marts in the United States and overseas now carry the company's exclusive wine brand, produced by California giant E. & J. Gallo. The Alcott Ridge Vineyards brand includes four varietals -- Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and White Zinfandel -- each priced under $7 a bottle.
'Shaming the vine!', that's what I've got to say about that. Walmart supported Pro-lifers, clansmen, and NRA aficionados, drink your heart out!!! What next? Are they going to open The Walmart school of Viticulture? A Walmart sponsored sommelier certification program?
I can see it now...
"Hi... welcome to the KKK (Kentucky Kritters Kitchen) Diner. I'll be your sommelier this evening. Most of what we're pouring tonight will be coming straight from our finest quality boxes. Might I recommend the Walmart private label cab sauv with your pork rinds and squirrel-kabobs. It has these exquisite hints of gasoline and foot fungus with a finsih slick enough to grease your rifle with. Bon Appetite, and please don't forget to pick up your complimentary burning cross at the counter."
posted by E-Rae | 6:46 PM
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