Tasting sized pours
Think pink: The NYT discusses trendy rosé and the $30 Domaines Ott. Lettie Teague is quoted saying, “‘An expensive rosé is oxymoronic,’ she said. ‘Domaines Ott is good but not so significantly better than wines that are $10 cheaper or half the price.’ She suggested that Domaines Ott is ‘a good wine for those psychologically unprepared to drink rosé, because it’s so beautifully packaged and expensive.'” [NYT] I agree. Sorry, “D.O.” my picks can save you over $20 a bottle. All together now: do not overpay for a dry rosé!
Randall Grahm cashes out: Big House Red and Cardinal Zin are jettisoned from the Bonny Doon portfolio and sold to The Wine Group. Perhaps Grahm can now focus more on his biodynamic vineyards? [WBM]
Bordeaux adds a vin de pays category called vin de pays de l’Atlantique. More varietal labeling to come. [Vitisphere]
Beer regains the lead: a Gallup poll this year showed beer to be the drink of choice by 41-33-23 breakdown over beer-wine-spirits. Last year wine edged out beer for the first time. [WBM]
Illinois beer distributors, who are against shipments directly from wineries to consumers, have made record contributions to state legislators. [StL Today]
Illinois also approved a “doggie bag” bill so that diners can take an unfinished bottle home with them–just don’t forget to put it in the trunk! [Sun-Times]
Evan Rail chugs 70 cent beers on a quest for the best brew in the Czech Republic. Is this a new wave in going to the winery brewery? [NYT]
Jeffrey Stambor, winemaker at Beaulieu Vineyard in Napa, tells the NYT about his favorite travel companion: wine, particularly the rare and valuable. [NYT]
Blogging is economically rational! The Economist says so! [Economist]
UPDATE: A comment from Pat expressed the opinion that because the fasionistas at the New York Times (hear my Stephen Colbert impression) liked Domaine Ott rosé, that means it’s out. A good point. Fashionistas may know their Dolce from their Gabbana but as we saw earlier this year, they also fell for the “Eccotini” brought to them by Gallo.
On August 15th, 2006 at 10:35 pm ,Jack wrote:
I’m fond of the Domaines Ott rosé, but it’s been a couple of years since I’ve tasted it. Like Tempier’s, its price is not proportionally better than a bincuh of $12 ones.
And yeah, the cool bowling-pin bottle must have inspired Manfred at SQN!