Why France is Whining About Wine

The Observer [UK] ^ | January 30, 2005 | Tim Atkin

[GSlob]

"Huh?"
Easy: a bag or a bottle, or any container could be easily envisioned to be full of sh*t, but sh*t itself is not FULL of sh*t but merely IS sh*t. Thus you were suggesting that the French are containers and made of something else. I expressed doubt.

[NotJustAnotherPrettyFace]

The best wines come in a box!

Or how about.......

[quantim]

Thanks for the detailed reply. I'm not much inclined to support anything the Hollywood crowd produces, but I'll buy/rent the DVD based on your endorsement. I understand it is up for Best Picture Oscar so it must have something going for it. However - I seem remember a sick film about a cannibal in recent years that took that title, so much for credibility. Guess I'll just have to filter the 'wine' part out of it.

[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.

[Agent Smith]

While most of the wine info in the movie was spot on, I was surprised by Miles's choice of the '61 Cheval Blanc. It is usually composed with about 2/3s of "FLABBY" Cabernet Franc in the final blend. It was the one thing that did not ring true to me.

[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.

[xm177e2]

French wine may still be the 'best' and the most expensive, but now (at least American) can look for CA wine for everyday drink.

Trader Joe's "Two Buck Chuck" is a perfect example of that. It's not great, but it's not bad, and... it's only two bucks a bottle, if you live on the West Coast.

[singfreedom]

Only Aussie and American for me too! I'm not subsidizing that Jac "A$$ Crack" Chirac person either! My Aussie Port, Whiskers Blake is marvelous. Who needs the EU?

[NaughtiusMaximus]

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

[GaryMontana]

Even the State of Montana has international award winning wines.

I am from Montana and I will purchase wine from the USA, Australia, Italy or Israel -- let the french eat cake and drink their wine

BOYCOTT FRANCE!!!

[spinestein]

The best wine is the one you've made yourself.

Way back when our country was new, everybody made their own wine and beer using all of the best local fruit, grain, and other ingredients.

In the last 20 years, this practice has made a comeback and the overpriced commercially made products are now suffering from a reduction in sales.

I am personally ecstatic that I can make a wine (or beer) of the highest quality and not have to pay some French company for the privilege.

[Information Friendly]

Obviously you've had (more than?) one too many already!

[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?

[fire_eye]

Damn, you're right. The bottle of Crown Royal is empty. (Tastes pretty gay, anyway). Maybe I'll start on the rum...

[LibertarianInExile]

To what?!? Is there a French word for that?

[LibertarianInExile]

And for years, overpriced. It's probably underpriced now, but I wouldn't buy French wine if they sold a gallon for a penny.

[LibertarianInExile]

No argument there.

[LibertarianInExile]

ROFL.