Habánské sklepy 1614 Zweigeltrebe

 In Prague, I picked up an absolutely delicious Zweigelt (similar in flavor to a Pinot Noir) at a Billa.

I was, in fact, quite lucky to get a good wine...not because the Czech Republic is rife with bad wine, or anything, but my Czech abilities are - how shall I put this? - nonexistent. Which makes it difficult to pick out a wine you'll like, if you can't exactly read the bottle.

I was biting my nails all the way home, wondering if I had bought by mistake a sweet red wine (they are somewhat more popular in eastern Europe than in the Mediterranean...except for Greece, inexplicably). But, because of my German abilities, and having tasted a Zweigelt before, I thought I'd be pretty safe. Zweigelts are an Austrian grape, and known to be spicy and rich in tannins, but not as heavy as the Blaufränkisch, another popular eastern European grape variety.

At around 100 Czech Korúny, or €4, this was an especially good choice for the connoisseur on a budget...moi! I accompanied my wine with a nice Austrian cheese (Bergkäse - similar to a Gruyère) and stuffed mushrooms...DEEEE-LISH! The wine's color was ruby red, with raspberry notes and a woodsy flavor which paired excellently with the mushrooms.

I only wish now I had bought more bottles. Though I doubt that they would have fit in my backpack. This can be another excuse to go back to Prague - not that one needs excuses...

Prague's famous Astronomical Clock

Reasons to Love Wine

OK, so, for anyone interested, I will now delineate why I love wine:

1) It gets you drunk.

2) Good wine is sooooooo yummy, I have no idea how to explain the sensation to someone who doesn't like wine. If you don't like wine, sorry, we can't be friends.

3) Grapes. I love grapes. I love raisins. I love wine. 'Nuff said. Ask my mom.

4) You can be a total snob about wine and be completely justified. Name one other aspect of life where this is appropriate. Can you?

5) Wine is grown in many wonderful regions of the world. Including Austria. I want to visit them all.

6) Food and wine go well together. I am a total foodie.

7) Wine is fine by itself. I love wine.

8) See my Facebook profile.