http://www.saltshaker.net/20051012/salon-del-vino-part-i Casting a little flavor (and a few aspersions) on the world of food, drink, and life Sun, 12 Oct 2008 22:14:26 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.2 http://www.saltshaker.net/20051012/salon-del-vino-part-i#comment-79 SaltShaker » Blog Archive » Rainy Day Reading Wed, 23 Nov 2005 12:51:14 +0000 http://www.saltshaker.net/20051012/salon-del-vino-part-i#comment-79 [...] The book starts off with a detailed listing, with descriptions, of the Top 70 Wines of the year. From my perspective, it is unfortunate that so many of these are wines made in “the international style.” My gut feeling from the tasting, and from reading the book, is that there is too much of an emphasis amongst the judges on trying to find, and like, wines that will get high scores in international publications. That attempt to “fit in,” is in my view a mistake. This book ought to strike out on its own and create a new path, and a serious and critical look at the quality of wine making in South America. That doesn’t necessarily mean only looking for wines made in traditional fashion, many of which were low quality bulk wine, but perhaps to look more for wines that emphasize the qualities of traditional grapes. Of the “top 70,” 41 were Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or a blend with those, 9 Syrah, 1 Pinot Noir, 1 Sauvignon Blanc, and 1 Chardonnay, virtually all aged in new oak barrels. Only 11 pure Malbecs, 3 Tannats, 3 Carmenères, and not a single Torrontés, made the grade. [...] [...] The book starts off with a detailed listing, with descriptions, of the Top 70 Wines of the year. From my perspective, it is unfortunate that so many of these are wines made in “the international style.” My gut feeling from the tasting, and from reading the book, is that there is too much of an emphasis amongst the judges on trying to find, and like, wines that will get high scores in international publications. That attempt to “fit in,” is in my view a mistake. This book ought to strike out on its own and create a new path, and a serious and critical look at the quality of wine making in South America. That doesn’t necessarily mean only looking for wines made in traditional fashion, many of which were low quality bulk wine, but perhaps to look more for wines that emphasize the qualities of traditional grapes. Of the “top 70,” 41 were Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or a blend with those, 9 Syrah, 1 Pinot Noir, 1 Sauvignon Blanc, and 1 Chardonnay, virtually all aged in new oak barrels. Only 11 pure Malbecs, 3 Tannats, 3 Carmenères, and not a single Torrontés, made the grade. [...]

]]> http://www.saltshaker.net/20051012/salon-del-vino-part-i#comment-18 SaltShaker » Blog Archive » Salon del Vino - Part II Tue, 18 Oct 2005 12:43:14 +0000 http://www.saltshaker.net/20051012/salon-del-vino-part-i#comment-18 [...] SaltShaker Casting a little flavor (and a few aspersions) on the world of food, drink, and life Blog HomeSaltShaker Main Page :: MeOff to my Homepage :: Bigger Font Size Smaller Font Size Left Align Justify Align Right Align Bookmark This Page Print This Page « Salon del Vino - Part I Salon del Vino - Part III » [...] [...] SaltShaker Casting a little flavor (and a few aspersions) on the world of food, drink, and life Blog HomeSaltShaker Main Page :: MeOff to my Homepage :: Bigger Font Size Smaller Font Size Left Align Justify Align Right Align Bookmark This Page Print This Page « Salon del Vino - Part I Salon del Vino - Part III » [...]

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