Bulletin d’Info
Three interesting stories involving France and its storied wines are up this week.
First, Decanter.com reports that a bottle of 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay — the winner in the famous “Judgment of Paris” wine tasting of 1976 — has hit the auction block for a great cause, the Haitian charity “Friends of the Orphans.” Aside from a few bottles left in the winemaker’s cellar, and one bottle archived at the Smithsonian, it is unknown just how much remains of this seminal wine. Bon chance to those bidding!
On the other side of the world, French politicians are working with partners in China to develop a “wine embassy” to educate the Chinese public about wine. In addition to providing information on French denominations and winemaking regions, the founders also hope to stem the recent uptick in counterfeiting of French wines which has tarnished the reputation of some famous vintages. One question left unanswered in the article: Might the Ambassador of Champagne and Port consider the job?
Finally, the southern AOC of Languedoc — known until now for its seriously lackluster wines — hopes to raise its reputation with a new generation of vines planted not on the plains, but on its beautiful hills overlooking the Mediterranean. Andrew Jefford of FinancialTimes.com even posits that within a few decades these reds might contend with the best from Cote Rotie and Chateauneuf du Pape. Mon Dieu, pass the cassoulet and raise a toast to the end of the “wine lake“!
