Snow Bound!

Thanks to 4” of snow and a lack of snow-drive-ability, we were stranded inside all day today. Not to worry, though, for we had plenty of wine! OK, so truth be told, we only opened one bottle and it was at dinner. It was a bottle one of us bought at a local Wine & Jazz Festival last summer. It cost a whopping 5 bucks and at the time, it was thought to be an amazing bargain. Tonight, we’d still say it was a pretty good deal, but we’re not about to go out and buy a case of Forest Ville Chardonnay, unless we have a big BBQ party in the works.

This wine from “California” (so unspecific about their grape heritage that the best they can do is name the state) is best described as industrial, inoffensive, and safe. It’s an un-oaky Chardonnay, which is why it made the cut in the first place. It still has a fair amount of butter, but there is also a hint of fruit lurking behind it. At first sip, it is interesting, but then it disappears into a forgettable wine. We wouldn’t keep this in stock, nor would we seek it out for a meal. However, the next time we have a large gathering and want to serve a non-homemade wine that is sippable and universally inoffensive, this will be our choice. Indicative of its caliber, Forest Ville is found in our state-run liquor stores (NEVER a good sign). It has also been spotted in most major grocery stores in our area. And $5-$9 is about right.