Term coined in California from the mid-1980s for inexpensive varietals, i.e. single-varietal wines. At that time, these wines made of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot and other varieties, which were produced in large quantities, became popular and outranked the generics (generic wines) that had been common until then. In terms of quality, however, they were above the cheapest Jug Wines and, unlike the latter, they were not bottled in bag-in-boxes but in 0.75 liter bottles. The brands Woodbridge by Mondavi and Carlo Rossi by Gallo, for instance, which were created at that time, belonged to the Fighting Wines, but today, the term is hardly used and replaced by Value brands. See also under branded wine.
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Roman Horvath MW
Domäne Wachau (Wachau)