The French lose again. Nice.
It’s been long accepted that the French make the best wine in the world, but that doesn’t appear to be true. A panel including several French judges found Californian wines to be better for a second time. The California wine industry has a relatively short history and its heritage began here in Wisconsin. The site where Wollersheim Winery is today was first selected as a location for vineyards by Agoston Haraszthy. He labored at the vineyard for several years, but ultimately couldn’t overcome problems with winter damage to the vines. He also suffered from asthma and his doctor advised him that he should move to a more temperate climate, such as California or Florida. The discovery of gold deposits in California is said to have influenced his decision and in December of 1849 he headed west to San Diego where he planted another vineyard.
Eventually Haraszthy established more vineyards near of San Fransisco, Crystal Springs and Sonoma. Frustrated with vines dying in vast numbers, in 1861 he traveled to Europe to find a varieties that would be more suited. He collected 350 varieties and successful vineyards in California soon followed.
In 1976 the first blind tasting pitting French against Californian wines found California wines to be superior. That’s an impressive accomplishment considering successful vineyards had been growing in California for just over 100 years, compared to France’s history of over 2000 years.
The top award went to Ridge Monte Bello Cabernet 1971.
I never liked French wine all that much myself - most of the stuff I’ve had has been little better than the Gallo box wines, imho. I much prefer German wines, especially the Gewurztraminers which are a little hard to find now that I’m back in the Land of the Big PX.
Comment by Chief Wombat — Thursday 25 May, 2006 @ 17:20
When all else fails, Froogle It.
Comment by Steven A. Stehling — Thursday 25 May, 2006 @ 18:10