French wines for beginners

"cherie" in news: snipped-for-privacy@posting.google.com...

Why did you gravitate first toward California wines, I am interested.

It's a serious question, much more so than may be obvious. (I follow what shapes people's wine educations and have been interested in comments like cherie's, above, for three decades. I'm from California but not in the wine industry.)

(Email if you prefer, note instructions within my address in the header.)

Max Hauser

Sorry if I'am repeating (I have not read all the answers)

But I would try a good Cahors (Chateau Lamartine, Chateau Lagrezette)

GG

Mike Tommasi wrote:

Super stuff.

Also in Cotes du Rhone, try Domaine Rouge Garance, and for something far out, try Domaine Viret, they practice something called cosmoculture... (theme from the Twilight Zone playing)...

Hey, drop a line, maybe we can meet when you hit the coast, I'm near Bandol, I can take you to visit some upcoming unknowns...

Mike

Max:

That's a wonderful question. When I first started drinking and appreciating red wine, say 10-15 years ago, I found that every time I tried anything that was not a California Merlot or Cabernet, it was just too thin for me. I generally only liked the richer, bigger, bolder red wines that were also smooth with a hint of fruitiness. I have branched out a little in the past few years, and have found that I love Amerone, and I like many varieties of Shiraz, Syrah, and can appreciate Zinfandel (although many are a little too sweet for me). I've never been much for Chianti--the few I've tried were too thin. French wine was just one type I never tried much, I really can't say why. I think I tasted some French red wine when I was 16 and hated it, though I think at that age I would have hated any red wine. I did try a French merlot (Soleil?) a few months ago but found it totally unpleasing--too rustic. My favorite sparkling wines/champagnes, however, are the French ones. As far as white wine goes, when I was young and knew nothing about wine, I drank mostly sweeter Reislings, and occasionally I drank white zinfandel. As I grew slightly older, I gave up the white zin completely and just drank Reislings, and branched out to some that were more dry. Now and for the past several years, I really only drink Chardonnay when it comes to white. No other reason than I just can't seem to appreciate Pinot Gris or Sauvignon Blanc, they just don't do it for me. And why I always gravitate to California Chardonnays, I don't know--ignorance, habit? I'm not even sure what other Chardonnays exist. So again, I think one reason that I have gravitated toward California wines in general may just be my exposure level--I have tried more of them throughout the years, and I also toured Northern California wine country about 7 years ago which increased my interest as well.

Let me add that, other than during Cannes film festival week, the average age there is higher than the average august daytime temperature in degrees Fahrenheit. Nothing against the older crowd, I am no spring chicken myself, and I will not speak for that kid Nils, but no matter whether you are in your 20's or your 70's, you might prefer a more hopping place...

Mike

Thank you, Mark. I have a feeling you are right. In fact, I think that simply being privy to this newsgroup may forever change, or at least, greatly diversify, my taste in wine.

Thanks, Mike, what a nice offer. I believe we will be renting a car in Arles and driving to Cannes around the 10th of July or so. We'll keep in touch.

-Cherie

You're joking not mentionig Austria?! p-p-p-p-leeeze tell me you're joking!

M.

Oh, well then, I guess I have the right to be overwhelmed! It is a lot, isn't it. Lucky me. :)

-Cherie