Food vs. Fuel?

[Mertek]

I am concerned about food prices in the wake of mandated ethanol use. I don't think that the general population realizes how much corn makes it into the feed sector, and what high feed prices will eventually mean for the average consumer.

What is your take on this? I feel that it is a pandemic in the making.

[Mertek]

I meant to say that this is a potential "ag pandemic", and not one by medical standards. Probably not a very fitting question for Medhelp, now that I think about it.

I guess the word pandemic got me all flustered. :)

I do think it is quite serious, and although it looks good on paper, the ethanol process takes more fossil fuels to create then it saves. But I digress...

[peekawho]

Good point, Mer.  

Will the rising prices affect my box of wine?  That, coupled with a sudden rise in Big Mac prices, could be disastrous beyond our wildest dreams.

Excellent question!  

[Forum-M.D.-EC]

The word "pandemic" should get you all flustered.  It does me.  But I get less upset the more I get prepared.  I've got a family to protect just as you do.

[Forum-M.D.-EC]

Yup, rising corn prices have broad affect in pricing in the food industry, and as it spurs inflation, your central valley boxed wine prices will go up as well.

But don't worry, they're already on the upswing with the recent freeze that destroyed most of the grapes.  The distaster beyond your wildest is upon you...

Switch to Napa/Sonoma or Australian boxed wines.  They'll be less affected by the freeze, and just more affected by general inflation.  Black Box is a great brand from Napa/Sonoma.  Hardy's does nice aussie shiraz as well.  What's your favorite box?  ;)

[peekawho]

I totally heart you!  I'm giving up Dr. HHH on the HIV Prevention Forum for you.

Currently, my favorite box wine is whatever is the cheapest at Vons.  

But I'll look into some of your suggestions.  Thanks to a fellow volume-oriented wine lover.  

[borninquisitive]

A person who enjoys a good red wine (however not boxed) is this: Yellow Tail Merlot.
It is an Australian wine and I will say this, it's EXCELLENT. No need to spend big bucks for a nice wine. While I would like abit oak in my wine, this is my all-time favorite and at a price that any person can afford.

Of course, year matters. I have had great red wine from a certain manufacture, only to be disappointed in later years (Kendall Jackson & Columbia Crest). I learned that crops do matter.

That said, I have been consistently happy with Yellow Tail.

[Forum-M.D.-EC]

Well, Yellow Tail Merlot is certainly a consistent value with more fruit flavor than many domestic or french merlots -- but that's why I don't like it, it's too sweet.

Both Kendall Jackson and Columbia Crest are pretty consistent in quality from year to year since they have such huge properties to draw from for their blends.  Crops do matter, but they've got so many, they both do pretty well, in my estimation.

And you have the benefit of not having the big 1.5 liter of Yellow Tail oxidizing before you can finish it.   Drink responsibly!

[AndiJ78]

***speaking for peekawho*****

"What?!?! Wine oxidizing, who allows that to happen?!?!"

Just kidding, I couldn't miss the chance.

[Forum-M.D.-EC]

Gassing the bottle with nitrogen (private preserve or others) or putting it in the freezer, or putting it in 1/2 bottles and not leaving any air at the top of the bottle, are some options...  then you can drink it slowly, enjoy, and not "hic!" as much as peekawho does ;)

[AndiJ78]

I do not have a refined enough palate to enjoy wine. When the odd chance presents itself (not too often considering I have spent most of the last 6 years pregnant or nursing) I prefer a nice small glass of Bailey's and cream or Kahlua and cream. I'm a  cheap drunk, hence all the babies ; )o

[borninquisitive]

"Both Kendall Jackson and Columbia Crest are pretty consistent in quality from year to year since they have such huge properties to draw from for their blends."

Well, got a bottle of Columbia Crest (2002) and will try it again.  

"Crops do matter, but they've got so many, they both do pretty well, in my estimation."

As I understood it, year matters in that some crops (years) don't produce an optimum berry. Assuming it has to do with weather.

"And you have the benefit of not having the big 1.5 liter of Yellow Tail oxidizing before you can finish it."

I don't have to worry about oxidization but neither do I buy the 1.5s ;-D

[Forum-M.D.-EC]

try Columbia Crest's Two Vines line, priced around $10 and a good value.  It's a little less than their Grand Estates line
http://www.columbia-crest.com/wines_grand.cfm
but about as tasty.

yup, it's about the weather.  gotta have the heat in the summer for the sugar levels and ripeness.  can't have too much rain at harvest or you'll get rot.  too much rain and berries burst.  Pretty tricky, but nature seems to be on our side compared to over in France.

You'll be able to tell oxidation when the flavors turn to a rusty tone...

[borninquisitive]

Due to your statement, thought I would give CC a try again (it began as my favorite) and will say, that this time, I was pleased with it.

It began as my favorite but some time later (and different year-it had a bite)...I was disappointed. This last time, proved favorable.  

[Forum-M.D.-EC]

cool.  glad you liked it.  what'd you like about it?  why was it your favorite before, and why'd you drop it?