[sheik yerbouty]

They could always use the wine to bathe.

[wagglebee]

In fact, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that French wine generally is mired in the merde.

Or to say that the French in general are full of merde!

[GVnana]

the best-selling imported wines in the UK and the US, Blossom Hill (from California) and Yellow Tail (from Australia) respectively, are low on personality and high on residual sugar. But that's what punters want.

Can't believe they drink that stuff, but whatever. The author's point about appellations is good. Varietal labeling is more consumer friendly and makes it much easier to become acquainted with wines. Frech appellations take a lot of study. But I have to wonder if the reduced exports don't also have something to do with French politics.

[quantim]

I have not seen the movie but something seems wrong here. I'm told from customers this movie is about the (winewise that is) pinot noir varietal, which is in Burgundy and bears no relevance to the wines mentioned in Bordeaux. I am a certified and practicing sommelier. I would like to hear more.

[26lemoncharlie]

POOOOR BABIES!! The EU will pick up the TAB!!! For how long! The new members of the EU are Poorer than the original countries, France and Germany are on the Brink and the new members are coming in with their hands out!!

With the "WEAK" dollar, The Euro is picking up steam, but this is not good, because the Euro is CHUMP CHANGE, it's HOLLOW!! There's no solid base to support it!! CRASH!!!

Nothing like that French leadership though!!! That's why Jocko wants a WORLD TAX for the POOR!
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=40559

I bet Jocko will be first in line to receive some free bucks from AMERICA!! Then AMERICA will have saved their BUTTS again, but will they ever admit it?!!

[okie01]

When it comes to the consumer market for wine, the French were the very epitome of "fat, dumb and happy".

You could see this coming years ago. California wines, for example, are quite comparable to all but the French grand crus. And American production know-how, combined with greater marketing savvy, insured that California would eventually surpass the somnolent (yet arrogant) French houses.

[cyborg]

People have discovered that French wine, like De Beers diamonds, is overhyped.

[Marano NYC]

Italy makes excellent wine and cheese. California and Long Island produce excellent wines as well.
This short sighted anti American pomposity of Chirac is hurting his countries economy. He will try to make a conciliatory gesture.
Remember his English is fluent and he uses a translator in interviews. This is the same trick Goering used during the Nuremburg trials. This provides additional time for spin.

[antaresequity]

Alaxander Valley all the way...our local wines are better and cheaper...

[ONETWOONE]

You can take this to the bank.....Won't drink French wines. I instead will buy the fine Australian wines or California wines.

[Bob J]

France could try making better wine at a more competitive price. The top labels will always find a buyer if for nothing more than the mystique that surrounds them. Too many french wines in the lower 80% are thin, overpriced or unmemorable.

[opinionator]

The best wines come in a box!

[NotJustAnotherPrettyFace]

When they fill their country with the non-wine-drinking Muslims and they offend a ton of people on the other side of the pond with their Bush-bashing politics, what do they expect?

[paudio]

I didn't know how vibrant wine industry in CA is, until I watched this movie. What came into my mine was, if this movie is true, French wine industry may be in trouble, perhaps in the long run. Just like clothing. People may still buy expensive designer clothes, but the big money is the mass-product clothes, like GAP, etc. French wine may still be the 'best' and the most expensive, but now (at least American) can look for CA wine for everyday drink.

[longtermmemmory]

I am hoping the renamed California Campaigns catch on.

Annoying the french is always a worthwhile endeavor.

[xm177e2]

It's not that we don't like French wine, its that we don't like the French! I'm sure the wine is great. We'd buy it... at cost. But we're not going to hand them any profits.

[NaughtiusMaximus]

Be American! Buy American! Drink American! (I don't like the taste of dirty Froggy feet in my wine anyway.)

[shibumi]

"The French have lost the initiative when it comes to selling and making their most famous product"


WHAT?!?!? You mean to tell me they've gone out of the effete snobbery business?

[MarkL]

Buy American!

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

"Would you like to smell the bottlecap?"

Steve Martin, "The Muppet Movie"

Mark

[gakrak]

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.