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Why France is Whining About Wine
The Observer [UK] ^ | January 30, 2005 | Tim Atkin

Posted on 01/29/2005 9:48:17 PM PST by quidnunc

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To: shibumi

Nah, they're still making that. The problem is, now they let Muslims make their most famous product--French brats.


41 posted on 01/30/2005 3:38:02 AM PST by LibertarianInExile (NO BLOOD FOR CHOCOLATE! Get the UN-ignoring, unilateralist Frogs out of Ivory Coast!)
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To: singfreedom; Agent Smith; Bob J; RayChuang88; ONETWOONE; antaresequity; cyborg; quantim; okie01
what is a replacement for Champagne that isn't made in France?

I like Champagne but I refuse to buy "French".... I'm not an afficianado so what kind of "bubbly" substitute is there?

42 posted on 01/30/2005 3:56:08 AM PST by Dick Vomer (liberals suck......... but it depends on what your definition of the word "suck" is.)
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To: quidnunc

Buy American!

"Sparkling Muskatell! One of the finest wines of Idaho!"

"Would you like to smell the bottlecap?"

Steve Martin, "The Muppet Movie"

Mark


43 posted on 01/30/2005 4:01:12 AM PST by MarkL (That which does not kill me, has made the last mistake it will ever make!)
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To: cyborg
People have discovered that French wine, like De Beers diamonds, is overhyped.

Sorry, this has nothing to do with this thread, but I just saw the "Blue Collar Comedy Tour" DVD tonight, and there's a line by one of the commedianes...

"De Beers has a new advertisement that comes close to telling the truth. Last year, their advertisement was 'Diamonds... Take her breath away.' This year it's 'Diamonds... Leave her speachless...'"

"You know what they really mean is, 'Diamonds... That'll shut her up... for now...'"

LOL!!!

Mark

44 posted on 01/30/2005 4:05:19 AM PST by MarkL (That which does not kill me, has made the last mistake it will ever make!)
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To: quidnunc
I like wine and I have not bought any French wine after they stiffed us at the UN. I hope it all turns to vinegar.
45 posted on 01/30/2005 4:12:41 AM PST by gakrak ("A wise man's heart is his right hand, But a fool's heart is at his left" Eccl 10:2)
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To: quidnunc

If a country's best know export is a processed batch of grapes, then that country is probably in amidst some kind of economic doldrums.

I'm sure the wine geeks will disagree, but I prefer local wineries to store bought wine of any variety, French, German, Australian, etc.

The advantages are enormous....led by the opportunity to taste before you buy. I buy stuff I like the taste of. I was in a Kroger's the other day and they had these hundred dollar bottles of wine behind locked glass. You can bet I wouldn't drop a hundred bucks on a single bottle of wine without knowing what I was buying, but apparently some people do.

Who cares if it costs a thousand bucks and tastes blah?

Likewise, I'd rather drink a $4 bottle that I've tasted and like the flavor of. (Local wine will generally be less expensive.)

Support your local wineries. Shop around and see which are your favorites. (Here's a big Hooo-Ahhhh for 'Firelands Winery' near Port Clinton, Ohio; and for "St James Winery near Ft Leonardwood Missouri.")


46 posted on 01/30/2005 4:15:01 AM PST by xzins (Retired Army Chaplain and Proud of It!)
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To: xzins
If a country's best know export is a processed batch of grapes, then that country is probably in amidst some kind of economic doldrums.

Actually, nowadays the most visible French export is airplanes from Airbus Industrie. However, Airbus can't offend the Americans too much because 35-45% of an Airbus airliner uses parts from American companies. Indeed, 40% of the Airbus A380 superjumbo airliner is American-sourced components.

47 posted on 01/30/2005 5:11:50 AM PST by RayChuang88
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To: ccmay

I have not seen the movie yet but I have been to the Fess Parker Winery. The American Tradition Pinot Noir can hold up to anything French. His Syrah is something to chew on and enjoy. Long live Pinot Noir!!


48 posted on 01/30/2005 5:53:44 AM PST by thummy
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To: Agent Smith
Yes, and anyone who sneers at Merlot obviously never heard of Petrus, Le Pin, or Masseto.

I would think that as knowledgeable as Miles seems to be, he knows good wine can be made from Cabernet Franc, and simply didn't like that winery's poorly made version.

-ccm

49 posted on 01/30/2005 7:48:27 AM PST by ccmay (Question Diversity)
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To: Dick Vomer; singfreedom; Agent Smith; Bob J; RayChuang88; ONETWOONE; antaresequity; cyborg; ...
what is a replacement for Champagne that isn't made in France?

There isn't any.  This goes true for the hundreds of other wines from the great Zind Humbrecht wines from Alsace in the north to the fantastic red and white Rhone blends in the south, the list is endless.  It pains me to say that France produces many of the best wines in the world in particular styles, and that is not not likely to change in our lifetimes.  The soils, climate, and terroir are unique in the world and can't be replicated.  That is the bad news.

I share your sentiments on buying French wine - I don't either.  I only recommend when asked specifically.  The good news is there are tens of thousands of alternatives.

In a effort to answer your question about Champagne (or any other French wine) is to migrate to a different style.  There are some respectable American sparkling wines produced by Jordan, Iron Horse, and others.  Some even fancy those from NY!  However, one must not try to compare these bubblies to the wines of Champagne - the proverbial apples vs. oranges.  In addition to domestic sparkling wines there are some really fantastically produced wines from Germany, Spain, and Italy.  I have just done a wine list for a new 3 1/2 star restaurant  and had an opportunity to try many northern Italian sparkling wines and have taken a particular fancy to Rotari, Blanc de Noir.  Ridiculously inexpensive.  As Italy has supported us in the war effort I've really been pushing them lately.  The old world producers tend to do better than the new world when it comes to sparkling wine especially when you factor in cost.  There are a lot more politics in selling wine these days than 25 years ago.  Since Spain's takeover by socialists I've really slowed down on moving those products too, but there are some real bargains there.

The problem with trying to recommend a specific bottle is that every state has different distributors, with different territories that represent different labels and I've got no idea what may be available to you.  Don't be afraid to experiment - try a red blend from Chile, or a Malbec from Argentina, or a Pinotage from South Africa.  I've also tried some incredible wines from Greece, and yes both Israel and Lebanon.  Australia is smoking just about everybody in the quality/price ratio except in the sparkling wine category.  New Zealand is the place for Sauvignon Blanc for the buck these days.

Price is not necessarily a reflection of value.  The Wine Spectator's current top 100 features some great buys.  No. 11 is Seghesio's Zinfandel (CA, 92 points) is a show stopper.  Or Waterbrook 'Melange' a nifty, gutsy, unconventional blend (WA, 90 points) both about $20 retail or $30-35 restaurant, buy them if you can find them!

May the market decide and let it continue to punish the French, they're taking quite a beating.

50 posted on 01/30/2005 7:50:02 AM PST by quantim (Victory is not relative, it is absolute.)
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To: MarkL
"You know what they really mean is, 'Diamonds... That'll shut her up... for now...'"

Heh heh... Or maybe "Diamonds... the only way she'll ever give you << favorite perverse sex act >>!"

-ccm

51 posted on 01/30/2005 7:53:14 AM PST by ccmay (Question Diversity)
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To: quidnunc

whine and dine.

a world tradition.


52 posted on 01/30/2005 7:55:19 AM PST by ken21 (baba boxer + ted kennedy = nuf 2 make u wanna puke)
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To: ONETWOONE
You can take this to the bank.....Won't drink French wines. I instead will buy the fine Australian wines or California wines.

What struck me about this article is it doesn't mention the American boycott of French wines as a contributing factor to the decline in French wine sales. - tom

53 posted on 01/30/2005 8:00:02 AM PST by Capt. Tom (Don't confuse the Bushies with the dumb Republicans - Capt. Tom)
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To: Agent Smith
I was surprised by Miles's choice of the '61 Cheval Blanc

Did they 'open' the wine (a new bottle) in the movie?  A '61 vintage would have to have been re-corked a couple/several times to preserve it.  The cork would not likely survive over 40 years without negatively affecting the wine.

And if you can get your hands on a Jarvis Cabernet Franc you'll never be satisfied with anything else, ever.

54 posted on 01/30/2005 8:03:19 AM PST by quantim (Victory is not relative, it is absolute.)
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To: quantim

I use them but find WS's ratings sometimes influenced by ad sales...I've been burned more than once.

I find "The Connoissuers Guide" (no advertising) to be pretty accurate, particularly to my tastes.


55 posted on 01/30/2005 9:14:47 AM PST by Bob J (RIGHTALK.com...a conservative alternative to NPR!)
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To: quantim

Not to mention the "fill".


56 posted on 01/30/2005 9:15:22 AM PST by Bob J (RIGHTALK.com...a conservative alternative to NPR!)
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To: quantim
What do you recommend as far as a dry sparkling champagne substitute... like Dom by any other name... thanks for your help in this matter. I really love Dom Perignon on special occasions and have been pretty adamant about not buying French over the last several years. I know my one little bottle won't make the French change but it beats yelling at the TV or flaming Francophiles on the Internet.

I personally like the Spanish wines from the Rioja region. The white wine quenches my thirst like a fresh glass of water. It was amazing.

57 posted on 01/30/2005 9:49:08 AM PST by Dick Vomer (liberals suck......... but it depends on what your definition of the word "suck" is.)
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To: Dick Vomer
Favorite sleeper inexpensive white wine from Spain.   It is little known outside Spain.  Pansa Blanca varietal by Marques de Alella from outside Barcelona.  much like a crisp Italian pinot grigio.  You may be able order direct from a shipper in your state, many states don't allow this practice.  These wines from NW Spain are much different than Rioja - generally friendlier, IMO.

Here is a succinct synopsis  that will give you leads to Google.  Personally, it is the 'brightness' or acidity if you will that makes Champagne so great and if you want to experiment try finding 'sekt' or 'trocken' when searching - meaning dry in German, the drier the better.  German wines are notorious for bright and acidic wines both sparkling and non-sparkling.  American sparklings produce some great flavors like what Domaine Chandon (Napa) produces but just don't have the sharpness to justify the price point.  

You shouldn't have any trouble finding some quality "Cava" either at really good prices.  Many don't realize that Spain actually possesses the most vineyards in the world.

58 posted on 01/30/2005 10:41:35 AM PST by quantim (Victory is not relative, it is absolute.)
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To: LibertarianInExile

Peut etre, "sans merde"...


59 posted on 01/30/2005 11:25:42 AM PST by sheik yerbouty
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To: quantim
I'm off to the "store" tomorrow to find me some experimental bubbly.

Thank you sir..... er or madam..the info has been priceless. I'll keep you up to date on the hunt for an acceptable bubbly.

60 posted on 01/30/2005 12:18:57 PM PST by Dick Vomer (liberals suck......... but it depends on what your definition of the word "suck" is.)
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