TN: Wines in a depressing week

Dale.... I symathize... I'm currently taking a month off the sauce. (a little tasting & spitting @ work... for professional reasons only). The urge to drink on US election night was intense... From a Canadian perspective, @ least US wines should start to get cheaper as the ameribuck continues to tank.

One of the reasons that group is of consistently high quality is that we rarely discuss politics.

Dana

Dana: Sorry if my obvious political leanings have offended you. I'll refrain from such references in the futer... As to my comment on the US $, that is purely a statement of fact.

Cheers Mathew

No need to apologize; you didn't offend me, your leanings have nothing to do with my observation that this group remains of high quality because we rarely discuss politics.

Dana

I'm for staying out of politics here also but the value of the US dollar as it affects wine prices in the USA is fair game. If its value continues to decline, as most economists expect, how will this affect (in particular) low-cost wines where the profit per bottle must be very low but the business itself is profitable because of the volume involved? I'm thinking primarily about some of the Australian labels, but the same thing could apply elsewhere.

Vino

Sure, of course.

Dana

"Dana H. Myers", Matthew, Vino and others wrote .............

I have no interest in the internal politics of the US or Europe or Australia or Canada, *except* when it influences the world market in wine (to keep this within the bounds of this ng) - or world trade in general (because I have a professional interest) - thus I have no problem discussing how EU regulations do often amount to trade embargoes by another name; or the US

*subsidises* local production, whilst lambasting Europe of elsewhere for doing likewise.

You see, if we do not discuss these matters in an open, international forum, with respect for another's opinion, how do we see *the bigger picture* and how do we learn what others are thinking.

When one lives in a very small country, with no borders (other than the South Pacific Ocean) as in New Zealand, one can chose to be inward looking (and that would be so boring after 5 minutes) or keep abreast of what is going on overseas.

If you live in a very large country, you are actually faced with the same choice - but the tendency is to be more introspective - and I believe that this leads to arrogance and ignorance.

Let me bring this onto the topic of wine.

Statement or Fact - Neither New Zealand or Australia can export *dessert wines* to the EU - notwithstanding that Australia makes some sensational Botrytised Semillon and some of the Botrytised Rieslings from NZ are truly world class.

And why not - because of rather nonsensical EU regulations designed to protect the Franco/German sweet wine industry.

For many years, exactly the same situation occurred in respect to meat exports to the EU. Many of the hygiene standards hoisted upon the Australasian meat industries were 1000% more stringent than those expected within Europe; these were simply tantamount to increasing the cost of production in NZ and Australia - a sort of tariff by default.

So, why is this relevant within a forum on wine?

As consumers, if you are interested, you should be aware what is going on under the surface and behind the doors within the corridors of power.

Or you can choose to imbibe in ignorance.

The choice is yours - however, I choose to be aware.

I am totally ambivalent as to who won the US presidential elections - save what it may mean to the international marketplace.

But if someone in power starts spouting via semiChristian rhetoric that the drinking of wine is sinful, don't start bleating that we should never discuss politics within this group.

Tis Sunday in this little corner of the world - and here endeth today's lesson.

Today, I am full of the joys of life; I have just had one of the most amazing weeks you could imagine: I have been cleared of some health issues which have been plaguing my life for the past 5 or so years: I have secured the chief executive position with a small rural construction enterprise back in my hometown (which will see me very comfortably through to retirement in

100 or so years!!!) - today is my wedding anniversary, and I could leap tall buildings, but won't because I haven't got a care in the world.

I am off for a walk along the beach.

I wrote that *I observe* that this group remains of high quality because we *rarely* discuss politics. How do my words turn into "bleating" that we should *never* discuss politics? It's not what I wrote at all and you needn't assume that tone with me, sir ;-)

Everyone take a breath. I'm not telling *anyone* not to discuss politics. I'm just implying this group remains great because we collectively have amazing discipline and avoid falling into the death spiral of endless political debate that other NGs have become.

Cheers, Dana

I wrote that *I observe* that this group remains of high quality because we *rarely* discuss politics. How do my words turn into "bleating" that we should *never* discuss politics? It's not what I wrote at all and you needn't assume that tone with me, sir ;-)

Everyone take a breath. I'm not telling *anyone* not to discuss politics. I'm just implying this group remains great because we collectively have amazing discipline and avoid falling into the death spiral of endless political debate that other NGs have become.

Cheers, Dana

Dana, firstly, I did note the smiley - OK!!!

Secondly, nothing in my diatribe referred specifically to your personal postings or thoughts - I have read and re-read my post, and cannot see where you could possibly interpret my saying that *you* were bleating (remember, I live in a country of 4 million people and 50 million sheep, and am somewhat of an expert on the subject!!!).

Indeed, if you personally think that *I* said *you* were bleating, then I unreservedly apologise - it was not my intention.

But Dana, over the years of contributing to afw, I have seen much baying and bleating: stupid interstate transshipment laws, made and sometimes enforced by self-serving politicians; much bemoaning the fact that Europe [and other places] have a much more liberal and tolerant attitude to alcohol consumption in general; Government control of distribution elsewhere in North America and Scandinavia.

Now please, I am not writing about you, or any other specific contributor - OK?

I have a library full of many "self-help" styled books, many from the US - basically saying the same thing on change "If it is going to be - it's up to me!!!!"

I have read of 50 complaints taking offensive advertising material off air.

I know personally of a company who will look at changing policy, if they receive three complaints - ***3***; such do they fear the power of the people.

If we as a group do not discuss issues as they affect how the world makes, sells, and drinks wine, then we are truly sheep.

I enjoy just as much, reading of Bill Spohn's tasting experiences as I do Joe Rosenberg's sometime irreverent comments about protecting the rights of kids to take guns to school, as long as they cannot order a case of wine over the internet.

Did you realise that tonight, my wife and I will walk down to our local beach: open a bottle of Veuve Clicquot and drink out of the outrageously expensive flutes which I purchased on the island of Murano, whilst breaking absolutely no laws whatsoever?

Now, this may be the case where you live, but I know for a fact that in more than one state of your great nation, one could be arrested if one tried this same thing, which I find so civilised.

Again, I was not "poking the borax" specifically at you, however, what did Willie Shakespeare say? "Thou protesteth too much.....!!" :-))

Regards

Heh. You know that whenever I have lamb, it's almost always from Costco - imported from NZ? Excellent meat...

Well, you're comparing apples to oranges when you seek to compare NZ to the USA; California's population is what,

8x that of NZ? We're a large state, but we're *one* state (frankly, it would do everyone a world of good to split us into 2 or perhaps 3 states, but we're still one state today).

The landmass of NZ roughtly compares to that of the state of Colorado, and the population is about 1/8th that of California.

There are about 80x as many people in all of the USA as NZ. The law of averages just insures that you'll see a lot more public stupidity inside the USA borders than those of NZ - it doesn't mean we're actually stupider on a per capita basis. One bad apple can spoil a pretty large crowd.

Actually, Matt, from BC where my family vacationed last year seemed to think my admonishment was based in disagreement. Then you used the "b" word...

Don't make me come down there to NZ... oh wait a minute... make me come down there to NZ ;-)

I might just have to open a Martinborough Vineyard PN to toast international relations tonight... ;-)

Dana

To de Lord: Mazel tov Bravo Hip, hip Hooray Buon Fortuna Quite

Yes, summer is a-cumin' in, is it not milud? Congratulations on all three fronts, and please extend my best wishes to Kathryn as well. Perhaps this ocassion might call for a bottle of the '01 Ridge Lytton Springs? ;-)

Mark Lipton

So explain the d'Arenburg Noble Riesling 91 that I've been drinking over the last 10 years. Not only that, Botrytised Semillon and Liqueur Muscats that are available in places like Tesco and Asda as well as specialised wine merchants.

James James Dempster (remove nospam to reply by email)

You know you've had a good night when you wake up and someone's outlining you in chalk.

Quite. I can only think he may be referring to wines named Port and Sherry etc.

IIRC there was a relatively recent agreement between the EU and Australia (don't know about NZ) - I think it went along the lines of "if Oz stops using these names internally, the EU will be a bit more flexible in accepting Oz winemaking practices". This might be it, but I have not had time to check.

snip

Hello Andrew SIR,

I humbly remark that this alleged ban on antipodean noble rot not in effect, nor ever was to my knowledge. I saw Oz stickies in Lavinia in Paris the other day, and though it may not be easy to find such luscious delectable nectars, this is not due to any regulation, EU or national. It is possible that certain wines that do not meet the EU regulations be banned, just as the local wines would be if they did not meet the requirements (mainly Regulation 1439, or infringements on protected names of origin) but quality wines from AUS or NZ or elsewhere that are not called Sauternes and not made from beetroots would not be subject to any ban.

The Franco/German sweet wine industry? What is that, kind sir of noble rotten Jersey descent? Industry? Sweet wines represent 1% of the total AOC and Praedikat wine production, and of that small percentage take

1% to get to the producers of natural (no sugar no MRC no osmosis) botrytis. Hardly enough to be considered an industry, more like a bunch of 50 producers with no more lobbying power than UK banana producers or Saudi rice growers. That is why I can call the top botrytis makers of each country in the EU and get them all to participate in a megadinner somewhere deep in Piemonte.

Now, as I return the keyboard back to you, I beg you to please communicate your best list of botrytis wines from down under, so I can plan around it next time I put together a shindig on naturally concentrated noble rot. You will of course be welcome to come as ambassador of your hemisphere.

Mes hommages mon cher comte de St Helier,

Mike

Mike Tommasi, Six Fours, France email link

Hi Mark,

Today was weather perfection - not a cloud in the sky; not even a zephyr of a breeze (most uncommon in a maritime environment) the gulf literally sparkling - summer has indeed arrived early.

And thank you for the congrats, which I have duly passed on to K.

Actually, notwithstanding my considerable bulk, I have been tripping lightly over the last week or so - such is the power of good news.

Of course, despite all those *minor* afflictions which have amounted to "His Lordships Curse" - the hardest to shake was an acute case of F.I.T.H. (f****d n the head!!!) disease; believe me, all the drug and treatment regimes paled into insignificance compared to what was going on inside my head.

And, pride of place among the messages of support I have received, remains the note received from one Lance Armstrong (albeit from one of his support crew) - I would love to meet that guy one day, and thank him for his inspiration to this somewhat older, former champion road cyclist.

Actually, I have one earmarked for New Years Eve - the other can wait another year or so!

Best wishes

St.H

Salutations de l'Antipodes mon ami;

Firstly, apologies if this message makes little sense; because my brain, at this moment, is subject to the whims of (1) one bottle of Veuve Clicquot NV; (2) One bottle of Vidal Marlborough Sauvignon '03 (served with pan fried snapper, 30 minutes from the ocean (3) one bottle of Penfolds Bin 128 Coonawarra Shiraz '98, with fillet steak (very rare) and salad; three Drambiues and a large Taylors 20 years old Port - all shared with "she-who-walked-me-home, dragging-me-by-the-ear"!!!!

Mike, I have no intention of trying to compile any list of wines, which you could not find - save to say that one I.Hoare rated a couple of NZ botrytised Rieslings as three yums on his unfathomable scale of approval.

So, we are left with two alternatives - preferably both!!!!!

I should find my way to the south of France, with a bottle or twelve in my kit (of course, you may have to fight with the aforementioned Hoare) - which is now looking much more likely than it was a year or so ago - OR you should pack your bags (including that woman of yours) and get your ass down here for Xmas/New Year '05/06 for a taste of antipodean delights, which I promise will live with you forever.

Until you have laid back on a sundrenched NZ beach, on Christmas day, full of the combined celebratory joys of fresh caught fish and Marlborough Sauvignon, you have never lived.

As to the subject at hand, right now, I am incapable of coherent argument; but I will check my facts, and will further elaborate.

Kindest regards

Duly noted, and will consider for 05/06 !!!

Meanwhile, I expect you for the next Tour de France.

Mike

Mike Tommasi, Six Fours, France email link