I had the opportunity to taste (oops) wine when I was at the BlogHer conference back in July. It was yummilicious! Now, I'm no wine connoisseur despite attending a wine tasting with Ted Allen from Queer Eye for the Straight Guy and Iron Chef America and Top Chef. I did learn a little about wine though. Like getting the kids to bed is so much easier after you've had a glass or two. And a nice Merlot goes very well with macaroni and cheese (thanks Jenifer for that suggestion!) I also learned that during a wine tasting, you're supposed to taste the wine and not down the whole glass at once or you'll find yourself in the position of having an empty glass and won't know what to do when he says something like, "Now eat a bite of the mango and taste the chardonnay. Do you think it complements the mango?" Oops.Speaking of "oops", there's a really interesting story behind (oops) wine. In 1994, Jean-Michel Boursiquit discovered that the Merlot of Chile was not made entirely of Merlot, but a blend of Merlot and the lost grape of Bordeaux: Carmenère.
In the 18th century, there were 6 noble grapes of Bordeaux. In the 1860s, a root-feeding aphid destroyed vineyards throughout Europe. The Carmenère was lost. Or so it was thought. However, these Carmenère grapes had been transplanted from France to Chile and have been enhancing the Merlot of Chile for over 100 years. Now they're used in all the (oops) wines. There ya go - not only do I provide a laugh or two, but I'm now bringing you social studies lessons!
Check out the 5 varieties (oops) offers: Sauvignon Blanc, Carmenère, Cabernet Franc Carmenère, Carmenère Merlot, and Chardonnay. And while you're there, take their quiz on the lost grape of Bordeaux! It's hilarious and it'll enter you to win a cool (oops) girl t-shirt, golf shirt, or voluptuous beauty apron.
And just for my awesome readers, (oops) wine is giving away 3 voluptuous beauty aprons! Just leave me a comment and let me know your favorite varietal and I'll choose 3 random winners on Monday, Oct. 13! Good luck!
120 comments:
I had to look up varietal to even know what I was commenting about!! Holy smokes...I'm the last person ever to ask about wine...however, I did find one I like...it's a rosa riesling from Silverlake. I've tasted 2006 and 2007. And if I mix it with sprite, it's even better!!!!
I'd love to try the Cabernet Franc Carmenère. Thanks. I'll be looking for this in PA.
I'm hoping that varietal means type of wine?!? I had to look it up and I'm still not sure. being the wine cooler connoisseur I am, I'm not familiar with the lingo. LOL
I like a good Merlot, so I'll go with the Camenère Merlot.
Thanks Dawn!
That's really interesting...you learn something new everyday! Wine is yummy! My favorite would probably be the Chardonnay but I wouldn't turn down a glass of a different variety either.
Mmmm... The Carmenère Merlot sounds amazing!
And I'd love one of their aprons!
Steph P.
Not much of a wine person myself. Well not much a drinker but I do love my chardonay (is that how you spell it?) LOL!
I don't care if it brings out the taste...I care if it is smooth enough to drink a whole glass before the kids wake up and tell me they broke something else in the house!
LOL! I know you can't give away any wine because of the law but man would I love to try some OOPS! I have never heard/seen it before!
I love a good merlot. You're right, it does help with getting the kids to bed. :-)
I'm no wine connoisseur myself, but I'm slowly learning a little here and there. I have seen this wine before and was tempted to buy it but never did. Next time, I will try it out. Thanks Dawn!
Stephanie E.
Hi Dawn - I love the Cabernet Franc Carmenère - (oops) I usually drink the whole bottle!....love your blogs!
Kim, Annapolis
I'm not gonna lie, I had to look up the word "varietal." And, as 98% of my wine knowledge comes from either Queer Eye or trying the random wines my friend picked up during her "try a new wine every month" kick, I have to say I honestly have no idea what my favorite is. This is not to say I don't drink wine. I'm just horribly unschooled in the whole thing and not likely to gain more schooling until I cease to be a grad student and get a real job.
I do, however, now know what a varietal is.
My husband and I enjoy Merlot...
Ali/IL
oh my! I am drinking a glass of their Sauvignon Blanc right now as I read your blog. this is the first time I've tried it and it's verrryyyyy good. hmmm, things are looking a bit wavy. believe me, this makes for a happy Momma:)
so, I haven't tried OOPS yet, although I have looked at it and wondered if it was good...so now I need to try it! :) This is my first comment on either of your blogs, but I read them all the time! I would love an apron as I am constantly spilling things on my clothes when I cook...thanks a bunch!
Any variety works well..... I have always wanted an apron.
Carmenère Merlot is what I'd choose! What a fascinating story, now I'll be googling the Lost Grape all night!
Thanks for entering me in the contest.
Lisa-Anne W.
I love Chardonnay...but am starting to like more red wines.
The Carmenère sounds interesting though.
Too bad you aren't giving away a few bottles of wine :) (although you can't get shipped to you in Utah) :(
I love it all! One of my good friends once told me that if she wasnt pregnant she might be an alcholic because she loves wine so much, I am the same way!
Wow, I am the first to comment?! I love Merlot and would love to try the OOPS merlot blend. I will have to send my wine-guy (husband) to purchase this! Hope he can find it somewhere local.
I have never found a wine I like too much but I would love to find a good sweet wine any ideas?
Fun!!
Katina S.
KatinaSharp@aol.com
KatinaSharp.blogspot.com
I love Merlot!
I saw these in World Market about a year ago and thought it was so coool (the story) that I bought a couple of bottles (the Cabernet Franc Carmenère & the Carmenère Merlot). I liked them so much that they are preety much what I drink if I'm going to drink wine. I like trying wines with unusual names (like 7 deadly Zins & Fat bastard) so oops was a definite candidate. Fat Bastard Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc are good also if you ever get curious.
I'm no wine expert, so I'd be up to trying anything!
I don't like wine :( but I have an apron obsession. Can I still be in the drawing for the apron even if I don't like wine?
I think the merlot varietal sounds fab! Can't wait to try it!
Hmmm...one favorite. I lke Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay. Most times I pick Chardonnay, so that must be my favorite.
The Carmenère Merlot sounds delicious! I would love to win the apron. :)
I would love to win the chardonnay. I've been wine deprived. I have to wait until January to consume it but it would be fitting since baby #2 was a bit of an oops!
I have 2 babies under 2 and I'm nearly done breastfeeding after 2 years straight! I NEED a glass of wine since it's been even longer since I've had a drink!
Ooo, my favorite varietal. If we're going strictly by taste, I think I'd go for viognier. But for the fun of saying the name? Gewurtztremeiner! (ok I may have no spelled that correctly)
Carmenere Merlot is what I'd pick.. and I'm sorry I don't know how to make the e with the little swiggly line above it. =)
Carmenère!!!!
Umm... I am glad that I got to read a few comments to figure out what varietal meant. LOL!!! But I do have a favorite. There is a local variety call Red Tiger from the Carousel Winery. I am not into Red wine that much but this one is really good!
Wine- yep, I like to drink it :)
Well not right now since I'm 17 weeks pregnant! So I need the apron to make up for the lack of wine I'm (not) drinking.
I'm a red wine drinker....I enjoy a Pinot Noir or a CabSav or Merlot or pretty much anything red. Although a glass of white is nice on a warm summer day.
(Okay, can you tell I'm missing wine?!?)
-Erika j.
Love a good Merlot! Love both of your blogs, Dawn!
I love wine! I prefer reds, like merlot and cabs, but any red will do. Oh, I hope I win! I've never had Oops, but I'll be looking for it next time I'm at the wine store. Thanks for sharing!
Dawn - I think the Carmenère Merlot would be a great wine to view a parade in Marengo! Can I get it before Sunday!?
Karen C=:)
I am mostly a pinot girl, but I can go for a merlot every now and then
;0
The wine my husband and I drank on our first date was Kendall Jackson Chardonnay. Before this date I only drank reds. Any shiraz is my favorite!
I love Oops! We tried it one night as kinda a funny and WOW we were caught off guard. It was GOOD cheep wine.
I think we've tried the Sav Blanc and the Merlot.
I would love to win!
Vicki W. in GA
Since the chardonnay is a white wine I am more inclined to try that one to minimize the stain frequency of my indulgences! With a toddler running around, it is inevitable that beverages will be spilled and stains will be made. Maybe I should have listened to that sales guy when he suggested I buy a darker colored couch than light beige if I planned on having kids!
Perhaps I could spread out a coupe of those aprons over it and try to save the 2 or 3 remaining places of original color! Or just wear one on myself and save the original color of my clothes instead.
I am a wine lover-not to be confused with WHINE lover (my twin boys are into a whiney stage). Hope I win:)
My fav is Strawberry Honey from Oliver Winery...YUM!
I'd love to try Carmenère Merlot. I'm not an expert on wines, but this sounds great! Margaret S.
Hi Dawn,
It's a toss up between the Chardonnay and the Sauvignon Blanc. I'll have to check out the local store and see if they have it here. Thanks for the contest!
Monica A/Houston
I am thinking the Carmenère Merlot sounds good. I typically like sweet wines/ desert wines more... but a good merlot... its worth it.
Yum! I love wine, and my favorite is always chardonnay :)
I love their labels! I'd like to try Carmenère. It sounds yummy.
Hmmm wine, yum-O!
I love a Merlot. It helps put me to bed!!!
well I don't drink but I do like the apron!!
A good merlot always makes the day better!
A merlot would be my choice.
Carmenère Merlot for me please! But I would be happy to try any of them.
MMM... I love pinot grigio. Honestly, I'm really a white wine person - unless there is good chocolate around :)
I love to try new wines - Merlot...
I'm going with the Camenère Merlot. Anything that goes with mac and cheese is a winner to me!
Mindy A
My favorite lately has been pinot grigio.
mmm wine... my favorite is moscato d'asti. but pretty much any kind of alcohol is a-ok
emiliy m
Wine?? I love wine....all wine is great!! Thanks for the opportunity!!
When it comes to alcohol, beggers cant be choosers :) But I do love a good Merlot! Hope I win!!
My Hubby is big into wine and has gotten me into it as well. We love a good chardonnay! We usually try to stick to the "off the beaten path" labels. My hubby loves wime so much he even made it while stationed in Iraq, with a little grape juice from the chow hall and some yeast that someone had brought with them :) I will definately have to check out this Oops stuff! Thanks for the review. I love reading your blogs!
Sami A.
Merlot is my favorite. This past summer I've really gotten into the white merlot too.
ok - i have not found a wine i can drink yet..so my favoirite is a cheap white Zin. does that make me pitiful?? maybe i have not tried the right ones yet? i better get on that huh??
sandy N
I LOVE WINE!!! I like stuff that has a really full body, so if I am drinking a red, I will go for a nice Petit Syrah, they are really spicy and yummy. If I am drinking a white, I like it to be sweet and fruity, so I will go for a Sweet Reisling.
Bethany K.
MMMM wine!!! I do love me a good Cab and a blend is even better!! I'll be heading out to buy a bottle or four. :) Very cool story too, thanks for sharing!
yummy I love any and all red wines! I can't wait to try oops! I'll look at the package store when I'm there. Yes, I live in MA and we cannot buy wine in the supermarket, we have to go to the liquor store (the packie) and buy it. Gotta love the blue laws.
I love all wine especially Merlot and Pinot Grigio.
Heather
I've had their Merlot and it is quite good. I really want to try their Cab Franc. That sounds like it would be my favorite!
I'm not a big fan of red wine. My favorites of white wine are Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc!
The Carmenère Merlot sounds divine right now! Had a rough week, so an apron winwould start of next week so nicely!
Eileen.
Glad to know I wasn't the only one who had no idea what a varietal was lol! I'm more of a beer girl, but when I order wine it's usually white zin - so if that's made with one type of grape, that's my fave!
My husband likes Merlot, so I think I would go with that one!
Michelle in MO
I'm a wine dunce... I should have look up varietal, but I didn't (hoping I was able to figure it out from the context of the other comments)
I have not had any good wines (At least, that's what my husband tells me when I tell him I don't really care for wine), but I would like to learn a little more...
I love all wines, but, lately, I have been partial to pinot grigio...
OK, my favorite oops is the Carmenère. i only like it because of the purty color on on the bottle top. LOL
hey, oct. 13 is my birthday i will be 35. Yippie!
not sure if someone else told you this (I don't have time to read all the comments- how in the world do you do it???) but the link to the varietals doesn't work, send them here:
http://www.oopswines.com/wines.html
The quiz was hilarious, did you write that for them? It sounds like your kind of humor!
Ok, to business, I have never really had an opportunity to try wines, we're margarita kind of gals, but I'd say next time I'm at the grocery (which should be in, oh, about 10 minutes, since I go every 15 minutes) I'll be looking for the Carmenere Merlot... mmmmm blackberry....
I like Riesling...namely Chateu ST. Michelle...YUMMY!
I like Chardonnay, myself...
I've pretty much never met a wine I didn't like!
Ooo, ooh, I LOVE Seranza Pinot Grigio. It's a white Italian wine that has these little hints of apple and peach. SOOO juicy. I love it with pork tenderloin with mango chutney, asparagus with feta crumbles, and garlic mashed potatoes. Holy cow, I'm drooling.
The Sauvignon Blanc would be my first choice. I hate that red wine gives me baaaad headaches. Boo.
I just want an apron, I don't care what varietal! Actually my preference in wine is a White Zinfandel variety. But keep the wine and send the apron! Love the new look, glad Rick's picture is still a part of it, I quickly looked for it and was ever so happy to see it on the refrig!
Diane
We drink no wine before its time...and baby its time!
Cathy
I NEED WINE!!!! I have been trying to find a good red wine. I like sweet wine and I usually drink Zinfendal. Do you know of a sweet red wine? I tried a Cabernet it was not very good :( Have fun in your trip!!!
I like Chardonnay.
I'd like to try the Camenère Merlot. Although I'm sure they're all yummy...
I love a local vintage called Llano Estacado Blush.
And I need a new pretty apron. Thank you for your offer.
I have yet to find a wine a like so I guess I should go to a wine tasting or visit friends who buy wine and drink theirs till I find one I love. I'm sure I will.
Dawn - my husband's family owns a winery "Traver Home Wine" in Willow Springs, MO. We have an awesome selection, and would be happy to send you some to try!
I would love to try (OOPS) WINE.
~ Misty Traver
My favorite is either Silver Lake's Rosa Rose or any fume blanc. Really though, most of Silver Lakes wine is yummy! And their vineyard is GORGEOUS!
I think the sauvignon sounds yummy!! Def. looking at the store next time for this kind!
Kara
momof3beas@yahoo.com
I'm not much of wine drinker, but my hubby likes a glass of red with a meal. Oops sounds like a fun wine and I'll look for it in our area!
Latah Creek Huckleberry Riseling. THE BEST! Nikki E
I don't know much about wine. I'd love to learn more one of these days. For now I always order white zinfandel when I'm out because I know I like it.
My favorite wine is usually whatever's in the glass I'm currently drinking! :) But my most recent fave is Chateau St. Michelle Reisling because that's what I had when my husband and I enjoyed a waters-edge outdoor lunch in Seattle on a blow-your-socks-off gorgeous day last month. We escaped the Texas heat for some R&R, and part of the wonder of the experience was that wine.
But the next time I go to the store I'm going to look for Oops' Carmenère Merlot. I promise. :)
My friends and I are just starting to become Wineux's(spelled this way for sophistication)
I however am, and probably will always be a Boone's Farm wine-o.(spelled this way b.c it's more true!)
Either way thanks for the great giveaway!
Does Boone's Farm count? It's the only wine I can stand....well, I could when I was a teenager. :)
I would probably pick the Chardonnay and one of my favorites is Oliver Soft White from right here in Indiana
I absolutely love Riesling! The best Riesling I've had is from Biltmore Estate in Ashville, NC.
I love a sweet red!
I think my favorite would be the Chardonnay, this is such a cool contest!
~Valerie P.~
We are Merlot lovers around here!
I am typically a beer girl, but I absolutely love anything Left Foot Charley makes. The winemaker happens to be my cousin, but this stuff ROCKS!!! The riesling is amazing. It is a small winery in Northern Michigan, but if you ever get to Traverse City, make sure you get some LFC!!! The website is cool as well.
Steff W
I'm sad, I like arbor mist... But then I dont' have as much wine experience as I'd like since I moved to Utah. To get wine here you have to go to the special alchohol store and I'm WAY to lazy for that. Expecially considering the looks I get shopping for booze in a booze only store with a two year old on my hip. Yeah, it's the most fun ever!
Merlot or Sauvignon Blanc are my favorites!!!
I like wine but it goes straight to my head so I rarely drink it! I like White Zin the best but don't really know any brands, except for Chateau Ste. Michelle (since that is my real name!)
ME! LoL! I love trying new wines...
I think I would have to go with the chardonnay, however I am a lover of wine of all kinds...so I think I would enjoy them all!! :)
Thanks!!
Savignon Blanc! And you don't have to explain to a mother the wonderful things a glass of wine can do!
I like the trio "menage e trois"
Sarah
Mmmm, a nice Chardonnay sounds great right now!
Hope your trip is going well and that you're doing plenty of wine tasting!!! lol
Donna in PA :)
My favorite wine is 2 buck Chuck (aka Charles Shaw) Merlot!!!!!
You crack me up everyday, so I just wanted to say thank you!!!!!
Oh I love wine!
My fav wine is Gallo's Cafe White Zin. So good. :}
Hey, October 13th is my mom's birthday! Maybe I'll win! I am a definite Chardonnay drinker. In fact, you're making me thirsty....be right back!
I don't drink wine, can't b/c of my kidney's BUT I really like the apron! Everyone else in my family drinks wine so I know they'd get a kick out of it =) It's too cute!
Kitti
There may be trendier varietals, but nothing beats a good Cabernet Sauvignon.
:):) Sara
I love cabernet. I have also had some great cab/shiraz blends.
Laurel
that is hard question. i am not an expert on wines. i would drink anything rose i guess.
Dawn, I hope I'm not too late. Since our visit to Europe all we drink is wine. I hope I win.
Deb
I love a good pinot grigio or reisling..guess I'm not that fancy of a drinker.
I like merlot
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