At a French bar years ago, the French owner was telling me about their "ja ja" wine. He said it was the term for a house wine, often when they'd pour the leftovers from a few bottles into one. It's cheap and usually just fine but not fabulous. I don't see the term often (and it tends to mean something different every time), but I saw it again at a French bar recently. The bartender told me it was a house wine with no set vintage (though they did offer a region). She poured it out of one bottle (thought they may have used a funnel). It was pretty darn good. Can anyone tell me the origin of the word, and what it generally means when you see it on a wine list? Is it lots of leftover wines poured together, or only from one region, or something altogether different? It's not listed on wikipedia, my first reference, and with such a short word, Google searches don't help. I just want to know what I'm drinking. Thanks!
posted on Jul 24, 2008 - 2 answers

Why are wine bottles 750ml in size? My lady and I find that we usually don't want to drink that much when we order wine with dinner, but ordering wine by the glass isn't always an available option. 500ml would be more suitable, I would have thought. [more inside]
posted on Jul 1, 2008 - 39 answers

So what exactly are the restrictions regarding purchasing alcohol in Maryland? [more inside]
posted on Jun 27, 2008 - 11 answers

Tricks, tips, and recipes for cooking with alcohol? [more inside]
posted on Feb 18, 2008 - 19 answers

Can I grow wine grapes in Boston? Advice and anecdotes sought... [more inside]
posted on Dec 19, 2007 - 9 answers

My best friend and I are sake (rice wine) lovers. Not lovers, because he's a guy. And ugly. But he's a great guy and I'd like to buy him some top quality traditional sake and a set of cups and bottle. [more inside]
posted on Dec 6, 2007 - 10 answers

Yes, I know each recipe is best with a specific type of alcohol, preferably from the region that the cuisine originates from. But it simply not economical to have so many different bottles of alcohol If I only could have half a dozen bottles of alcohol to cook with, what would they be? Any specific vintage/brand recommendations. Bonus question: How to solve the "wine goes bad in a few days" problem, when I don't drink on a regular basis?
posted on Nov 28, 2007 - 20 answers

Book research: Will cats drink red wine? [more inside]
posted on Nov 5, 2007 - 43 answers

What kind of aperitif did I drink? [more inside]
posted on Sep 22, 2007 - 8 answers

I'm doing a (semi) limited bar at my wedding reception on a (semi) limited budget. What is the best hard liquor to serve? How much should I buy? We would also love to hear suggestions for wine and champagne that offer the most for our dollar. [more inside]
posted on Jun 27, 2007 - 25 answers

I've never had a hangover in my life, how common is this and will it stay this way? [more inside]
posted on May 28, 2007 - 51 answers

What alcoholic drinks go with seafood paella? [more inside]
posted on Apr 24, 2007 - 22 answers

Why does different sorts of alcohol affect you differently? [more inside]
posted on Jan 9, 2007 - 29 answers

I wanted to buy (at some point) a really, really expensive bottle of liquor or wine (no Champagne). The idea was to hold on to it for a very long time until one day something so important happens in my life that I deem it worthy to drink the alcohol in celebration. Any suggestions on what to get?
posted on Nov 30, 2006 - 44 answers

Why is drinking alcohol not enjoyable for me? [more inside]
posted on Oct 30, 2006 - 35 answers

What are the liquor laws in New York State? I tried looking on the NYS common law page, but I couldn't understand them. I am 20 years old, and therefore cannot purchase alcohol. If I were to make my own wine using this method, would it be legal? Does the Law cover production and consumption of liquor, or does the "drinking age" just cover the sale of alcohol? I know that it is legal to make small quantities of alcohol for your own personal use, but I don't know about the age thing.
posted on Oct 6, 2006 - 8 answers

A delicate Yorkshire Riesling, robust Canadian Cabernet? If global warming raises temperatures, an often mentioned consequence is the growing of wine grapes in the far North (for example the article in Slate today). Does this really follow? [more inside]
posted on Sep 22, 2006 - 13 answers

Experimental Gardeners!!! Will flowers grow in wine? (or any sort of alcohol?) [more inside]
posted on Aug 2, 2006 - 7 answers

What are your favorite wines under $20?
posted on Jun 15, 2006 - 53 answers

Why does red wine make me overheat? [more inside]
posted on Jan 5, 2006 - 15 answers

Why is wine snobbery fanaticism predominately limited to reds?
posted on Jan 28, 2005 - 43 answers

I do a bit of drinking, and I'm looking for a new toast. "Panties: Not the best thing in the world, but right next to it." is what my friends use, but it's getting a little old. Any suggestions? (Witty and sublime both appreciated)
posted on Jan 12, 2005 - 105 answers

Hangovers and red wine. Have any of you regular red wine drinkers noticed that any particular wines (by region, varietal, maker, year, dryness, tannin levels, or whatever) give you worse hangovers?
posted on Nov 29, 2004 - 29 answers

I've been tasked with providing the wine for a holiday dinner. I know nothing about wine and the dedicated sites are pretty heavily loaded with jargon. [more inside]
posted on Dec 20, 2003 - 16 answers