Misophist, I ask my liquor vendor for 2-3 bottles of cheap wine for cooking, and he bags it for me. I seldom look at the label. Usually the result is fine (I don't really use measuring cups by the way) but one bottle had a very strong flavor and it spoiled the taste of the stew. I have been careful ever since. It was French. I should have checked because the french cheap wines are the worst of any sold here.
I have a recipe for a French stew that uses a lot of wine. I will dig it out for you. I liked it, but my wife didn't- taste too concentrated, if that's the word, so I only used it once.