The 1970s was an interesting time for the wine industry, with a mix of traditional producers and emerging brands making their mark. While there were certainly some notable still wine producers during this time, it's worth mentioning some of the more popular and iconic wine brands that were widely consumed in the 1970s.
1. Night Train: This fortified wine was infamous for its high alcohol content and cheap price. It was often associated with the urban poor and gained notoriety for its potent effects.
2. Thunderbird: Another low-cost fortified wine, Thunderbird was known for its sweet taste and high alcohol content. It was often referred to as “T-bird” and was popular among college students and budget-conscious consumers.
3. Ripple: This fruity fortified wine was quite popular during the 1970s. It was known for its cheap price and was often associated with the counterculture movement of the era.
4. MD 20/20: Also known as “Mad Dog,” MD 20/20 was a flavored fortified wine that gained a strong following in the 1970s. It was available in various flavors and was often associated with rebellious youth culture.
5. Boone's Farm: This flavored wine brand was widely consumed in the 1970s, particularly among younger drinkers. It offered a range of fruity flavors and was known for its affordable price and easy-drinking nature.
6. Cisco: Cisco was a high-alcohol fortified wine that gained notoriety for its potent effects. It was often referred to as “liquid crack” due to its strong reputation for getting people intoxicated quickly.
7. Wild Irish Rose: Another popular fortified wine, Wild Irish Rose was known for its sweet and fruity taste. It was often associated with low-income consumers and gained a cult following during the 1970s.
While these brands may not be considered high-quality or prestigious in the world of wine, they certainly had a significant presence during the 1970s. They were often associated with the counterculture movement, rebellious youth culture, and budget-conscious consumers.
It's important to note that while these brands were popular during the 1970s, the wine industry was also seeing the rise of some exceptional still wine producers. Quinta do Vallado, Quinta do Crasto, Luis Pato, and Quinta Dos Roques are examples of Portuguese wine producers that were making waves with their quality wines during this time. These producers were known for their commitment to traditional winemaking methods and producing exceptional wines from indigenous grape varieties.
The 1970s saw a mix of popular wine brands like Night Train, Thunderbird, Ripple, MD 20/20, Boone's Farm, Cisco, and Wild Irish Rose, which were associated with affordability and accessibility. However, it's important to recognize the contributions of still wine producers like Quinta do Vallado, Quinta do Crasto, Luis Pato, and Quinta Dos Roques, who were producing high-quality wines and making a name for themselves in the industry.