Contrary to what uptight wine weenies will tell you, partaking in the fruit of the vine isn't always serious business. Sometimes it can even be fun — and I don't mean that in an isn't-it-marvelous-to-expound-upon-the-wine's-aromas sort of way. Just ask the pranksters who created wines like Cat's Pee on a Gooseberry Bush, Fat Bastard and Scraping the Barrel. Despite the goofy names, these are quality wines made by talented winemakers.
The idea behind this irreverence, aside from generating a few laughs, is to create a name that will stick in people's minds and provide a distinctive edge in a sea of competing products. Rebel wineries like California's Bonny Doon have been doing this for years with great success. Why buy Chateau de Boring when you can buy an equally delicious wine with a funky name like Cardinal Zin?
While snobby sorts may say that wine is no laughing matter, I believe that in this case, the joke is on them.
WHIMSICAL WINES
Porcupine Ridge Goats do Roam — An earthy number from South Africa. This is a blend of relatively unknown grapes such as Pinotage (a South African specialty), Shiraz, Cinsaut, Grenache and a few others. Very smooth and fruity, with a great price ($9).
Fat Bastard 2000 Shiraz — When French winemaker Thierry Boundinaud first tasted the wine he created in collaboration with U.K. wine merchant Guy Anderson, he reportedly remarked, now that is a fat bastard. And so the wine was named. (Sorry to disappoint Austin Powers fans.) Earthy aromas, great balance and delicious blackberry flavors make this wine a great value. Try it with baby back, baby back, baby back ribs ($12).
Fat Bastard 2000 Chardonnay — Featuring a plump golden hippo on the label, this French Chardonnay smells and tastes like a combination of vanilla, pear and Sweet Tarts candies. Very subtle oak, medium body and quite yummy ($12).
Smoking Loon 2000 Viognier — The label features — you guessed it — a duck sucking on a cigar. The guy who owns the brand, Don Sebastiani, is a cigar fanatic, and his passion obviously spreads over to his profession. His Viognier is fragrant, silky and delicious ($10).
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Vinum Cellars 2000 CNW Cuvee White Table Wine — Folks who love to hate Chardonnay will appreciate the CNW part of this Chenin Blanc's name: it stands for Chard No Way. The front label shows two guys at the side of a road holding up a sign that reads, Will Work for Chenin. The bottle's back label text explains that the wine was barrel fermented in French oak and aged for six months, Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah. You just have to love that; not to mention the wine inside. Pleasant tropical fruit aromas, along with tasty pear and vanilla flavors. Nicely balanced and not too oaky ($10).
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Wine and Dine at Roy's On Tues., April 2, enjoy a five-course wine dinner paired with award-winning EOS. If you miss that one, check out the one on Thurs., April 4, which features Rombauer wine, another award-winning vino. Info for both events: Attendees are asked to arrive at 6:30 p.m.; introductions and first course at 7 p.m. Reservations are required and limited. Roy's is at 4342 Boy Scout Blvd., Tampa. 813-873-ROYS (7697).
Single Malt Scotch Tasting The Highland Games of Dunedin and The Scottish American Society present an evening of six Single Malt whiskies and two premium blends. The event features appetizers of smoked Scottish salmon, smoked cheeses/shellfish/meats, the first keg of Dunedin Brewery Highland Game Ale for 2002, bagpipers and Celtic musicians, a Whiskey prize drawing, educational handouts and an engraved tasting glass. All proceeds benefit the Dunedin High School Pipe Band. 6-9 p.m. Wed., April 10. 917 Louden Ave. (and Main St), Dunedin. $15. 813-243-7176 or www.dunedinhighlandgames.com.
This article appears in Mar 27 – Apr 2, 2002.