I read a book recently called "The History of the World in 6 Glasses". The author mentions that Oak barrels were traditionally used to alter the flavour of the wine. Really it is a flavour enhancer and was orginally used hide any bad tastes in the wine.

I prefer modern wines that are aged in inert casks. Much more fruity tasting.

>There's a really good place here in Los Angeles called the Wine House. I've taken several classes there that were of great quality. They also have a day dedicated to a type of wine, Chardonnay, I think Zinfidels, and Champagne.
>
>You get a bunch of tickets with several labeled for just the expensive varieties. The last time I went to one of these, I didn't find a single wine that required a labeled ticket that I liked. So I asked around. The only answer I could find that made sense was that the more expensive wines were aged in expensive oak caskets.
>
>Personally, too much oak tasted awful.
>
>>Once saw a study in a wine journal that said the average person, in blind taste tests prefers cheaper wine. The explanation in the journal was that they are far more drinkable than expensive wines.
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>>I Portugal, back in the early 90's we could get little 30 cent glasses of beer. I can't remember the price for beer in Central America but it was equally as shockingly cheap.
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>>>It is always worth looking into the quality of wines and affordable wines. Thank you for the information.
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>>>Our wines from Napa are among the finest in the world. You can find many under $10 in California but I have no idea what they cost outside of the state. I do recall seeing California wines for twice the price in other states.
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>>>Wines from Chile, Argentina and Spain are excellent. Do not tell my wife Katy, I mentioned Argentina or Chile. She is from Peru and her family is from Spain. Katy was born in the wine country of Peru called Ica, much like our Napa.
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>>>In 1963 in Spain you could buy a bottle of vino tinto (red wine) for 3 cents. A haircut was 17 cents. Many Spaniards had long hair – wine was cheaper and more fun than a haircut. I long for the “good old days”, when I enjoyed Spain and learned so much about flamenco guitar and the Spanish people.
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>>>Now back to my guitar! :)
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>>>>Vancouver Magazine's 3rd wine review lists 6 wines that are considered the best value, at any price.
>>>>
>>>>http://www.vanmag.com/_foodanddrink/07jan/Bargains.shtml
>>>>
>>>>For those in BC, you can see the stock at your local liquor store.
>>>>
>>>>http://www.bcliquorstores.com/en/products/632919
>>>>http://www.bcliquorstores.com/en/products/197806
>>>>http://www.bcliquorstores.com/en/products/566836
>>>>http://www.bcliquorstores.com/en/products/612036
>>>>http://www.bcliquorstores.com/en/products/336750
>>>>http://www.bcliquorstores.com/en/products/119917