What do you currently prefer more, French or Californian wines and why ?

Why French or California? There are lots of other places that produce great wines. Different regions sometimes make superior wines with some grape varieties but no so great with other. Sometimes the soil and climates are identical but the winemakers use better or worse methods.

I don't think so. It may not be the best question, but truly, even with regular samplings of French wine, over many years, there have been none I really like. Other generalizations that are less subjective: Italians can make passable red wine, but their whites are often dismal. All regions. Though I did have a nice Pisan pinot grigio in Florence. But it was hot and I was tired and thirsty, too.

"Ophelia" wrote

Which ones do you like?

"Sarah" wrote

I will look for this. Any particular brand?

I prefer NYS wines, especially those from Lung Guyland vineyards... I believe in supporting local business, that's reason enough.... and I've never noticed any difference in wine based on geographicals, all wines pee out the same... well, all CA wine is really Eyetalian implants, and French wine always pees out a vaginal uretha... actually CA wine swings both ways! LOL

On Sun, 02 Aug 2009 03:05:35 -0500, Omelet shouted from the highest rooftop:

So do Chile and South Africa. But the reds and whites they export don't compare to the Australia reds or New Zealand whites IMO.

In general, yes. However, sometimes one can't help but observe some generalities. For example, I have noticed that in the domain of the cheap wines on the American market (less than $5 to $10 per bottle), I invariably like wines coming from the Atlantic seaboard (and associated seas, like the Mediterranean), much better than wines coming from the Pacific. I have yet to try a cheap California wine that I can drink. Same goes for Chile and Australia. NZ wines are great, but they are not cheap, unfortunately. :) On the other hand, lots of cheap Italian, French and even Spanish wines are quite drinkable, not to mention Argentinian, and some (but very few) South African. Long Island wines I like too, even though the cheap ones are in the high end of the "cheap" bracket. My $0.02.

To throw in my tuppence, I like many of the cheap pacific wines, particularly from Washington State and the Paso Robles area of California. I am just coming out of a generality - for a long time I wouldn't buy an Aussie red - They all seemed to have a "fruit bomb" style and the fruit seemed over-ripe/raisiny/cooked tasting like I often find in Lodi - Fresno reds. Of late, I have had some lighter syle reds from Australia that I have liked, so I think I should re-examine my prejudices...

There was a time when over done and undrinkable brought up Aussie before CA. There are a lot of really good fundamentally wine wines in Australia these days. Of course there is always Yellow Tail. I go to Yellow Tail country in Sep. and will be interested to see how the product is viewed in its S. Australia home. Joseph Coulter Joseph Coulter Cruises and Vacations

I've been afraid to try yellow tail for the aforementioned reasons. I will look forward to the story of your journey! Jim

"Ronin" wrote

Yellowtail tastes interesting at first then too quickly goes off--it it too thick, with far too much vanilla. No, seriously.

Fish Hoek shiraz is my favourite, but I haven't had a SA shiraz that I haven't liked, the First Cape ones have always been a success. Sarah

Well most dry wines. I prefer white and my better half likes the reds. My usual tipple is Pinot Grigio.

Excellent idea.

No problem, you're always welcome!

M.

For those who might be interested, Dave also asked (under the name of Barry Duncen) the very same question on the Parker Forum:

M.