French Wine Sales Still Dropping in United States

Wine Spectator ^ | June 18, 2003 | Dana Nigro

[concentric circles]

Yes, no effort at all.

[Lazamataz]

That's not fair. That's really not fair.

[Lazamataz]

That's not fair. That's really not fair.

[speedy]

Concur -- life is very pleasant in the south of France, but like you I will just have to live with the memories. I also used to go to Paris regularly -- just for the sheer joy of it, not for business. As you said, it doesn't exist for me anymore, either. So sad. But they started the problem, and after living through September 11 -- literally, I worked at the WTC and was there -- there is no longer any room for forgiveness for those who side with our enemies. Yup, it is very fine to be looking at the Mediterranean from the Hotel Carlton in Nice through a glass of Cote du Rhone at sunset. Too bad we can't ever do things like that again. I hope most of our countrymen feel the same way.

[speedy]

Grass-stains-on-the-belly. Hee hee, I like that imagery. Can't see the Frenchies doing it unless the Nazis invade again. But I think you could be forgiven for a nibble of Brie every year or so. Kind of the exception that proves the rule.

[contessa machiaveli]

sometimes i would stay at la perouse a hotel overlooking the sea in the old town of nice. i remember walking through the markets on the cours thinking life could not be better.

even then, i saw the demos change..the north africans harrassing me whether it was st. trop or nice. it's part of my life that i did love but it's over. i still remember driving from perpignan to menton, then taking the train along the coast into italy.

[RJayneJ]

Your post reminds me of an old play on words joke from the 50's. Q) How do you make Mogan David wine(whine)? A) Squeeze his grapes.

[A_perfect_lady]

Yeah, just a little brie. Occasionally. When I can't resist. So far, I'm resisting fairly well. Only weakened once since March.

[speedy]

Ah, the good life. I enjoy the stories and the imagery. Also not bad to run into Cap D'Antibes for a Saturday lunch with a sea view, or the hills above Cannes and Nice to get the F. Scott Fitzgerald outlook. But, as we carry on, many other beautiful places in the world still left to us to visit with a clear conscience. You had mentioned Mendocino -- there are some pretty sweet drives along the coast near there. Other great coastal drives include the Great Ocean Road in the south of Australia and the peninsula below Cape Town. Such a lot of world to see, as the song put it. And it's fun trying to do it!!

[speedy]

I admit I faltered once about two months ago and got some Roquefort to put in a Cobb Salad. My only lapse since my personal boycott kicked in, and it does bother me. One thing is clear -- the wine and cheese shops near me are obviously downplaying their French products -- you can still get them, but they are much less prominent in displays. This is starting to make me hungry, but I have some new English cheeses to try in the event of a breakdown.

[Think free or die]

"Your kids have quit asking for French wine?"

Touche!

Actually, they ask for a taste of any wine that's being served with dinner. If they eat their dinner they're permitted a bit along with the adults.

[kitkat]

***Sacre beu heu!***

That one broke me up.

[kitkat]

LOL! Where have you guys been? I haven't seen you for ages. MORE, MORE

[contessa machiaveli]

i don't see myself ever leaving the US again, there are lots of things to see here.

in other words, i've decided to boycott the entire world (LOL),although if i had any kind of courage i'd visit israel.

[Mamzelle]

re: There has been a huge surplus of grapes worldwide. This has driven the price of lower end wines down but better wines come from better grapes and their supply is more stable. There's a lot to choose from in the sub $10 range. .... Normal market forces, as in the current economic downturn, have had an impact on higher priced wines and their prices have crept downward a little. The strong dollar of recent years has also given us a broad range of attractively priced imports to choose from. .... Great wines still command great prices, if no one buys them now, another year in storage won't be a problem.

Interesting. Looks to me, that with the softer dollar, Franco-loathing, and the bumper crop, American winemakers are set to grab huge market share and change drinking habits for the millenium. Investment op?

[thasea]

Just seeing this post brought a ray of sunshine to this
rainy day in S.W.Florida. For me, buying anything from
France has become a permanent no-no. There are too many
good alternatives. And if I can't find one, I don't
mind going without.

[oldtimer]

and so is Miller or Bud Lite.

[PoorMuttly]

We be back !

Beer is also nice...but that German stuff will have to wait, along with the French cheese. Sure hope it isn't too long, but Muttly in for the long haul...like a good Muttly should. He is grateful to America.