Snappy Mart

Today I paid a visit to the Snappy Mart at Duval and 51st after an awesome meeting with Ron Berry about the international FuseBox art festival in Austin TX.

This store has its wine selection tucked away in a corner and seems to focus more on Quantity, rather than Quality. Most wines are offered in the 1.5 liter size and are from mass-produced wineries like Vendange and Turning Leaf. While they did have a few nice lower range wines from Berringer, Mondavi, and even a Texas wine called Llano, I also saw a lemon-lime flavored Mad Dog 20/20 the color of Mountain Dew.

I bought a bottle of 2005 La Villa Pinot Noir that turned out to be pretty terrible. I'm convinced the Mad Dog would have been a better choice. Don't inflict this wine on your friends....although you might use it to remove that nail polish spill from the bathroom floor.

This store might make for a last-minute stop on your way to a friend's for dinner, or on your way home---the clerk was friendly and conversational and really wanted to know what I was writing in my little book!

Prost!
Marcy

Kick Off

At a dinner party the other eve with some fantastic friends--foodies all, I expressed my amazement of a new trend at convenience stores and gas stations. At least 30% and sometimes up to 50% (depending on the neighborhood) of these small retail establishment's shelf space is dedicated to wine. In the more upscale neighborhood stores, you can find $100 bottles of Silver Oak Cabernet, White Bordeaux, and everything in between. These stores rival the best wine shops I have been to, AND you can fill up on gas, grab a bag of Cheetos and be on your way. Fantastic!
My first recommendation for your discerning taste is the Chevron on Lake Austin Blvd. Check it out and let me know what you think!
Cheers!
Marcy