Star Member Surya Gayatri (8,340 posts)
France wine country toasted with World Heritage status
Source: CNN
(CNN)France's world renowned wine country was toasted twice Saturday with world heritage status by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
The U.N.'s cultural body bestowed the special status on the historic hillsides and properties where the sparkling wines of Champagne are produced, as well as the famous vineyards that grace the slopes of Burgundy.
Wow, FINALLY France is getting some recognition as the source of good wines. That's been a pretty closely-held secret until now.To which street cred is developed:
Star Member Divernan (12,543 posts)
1. I will toast with mly favorite, Veuve Cliquot
In 1772, Philippe Clicquot-Muiron established the original enterprise which eventually became the house of Veuve Clicquot. In 1775, it was credited to be the first Champagne house to produce rosé Champagne, using the method of adding red wine during production.
Philippe's son, François Clicquot, married Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin in 1798 and died in 1805, leaving his widow (veuve in French) in control of a company variously involved in banking, wool trading, and Champagne production. She became the first woman to take over a Champagne house. Under Madame Clicquot's guidance, the firm focused entirely on the last, to great success.
During the Napoleonic Wars, Madame Clicquot made strides in establishing her wine in royal courts throughout Europe, notably that of Imperial Russia, thus becoming the first Champagne house to ship Champagne through the blockade to Russia in 1811. During this time, she also gave Champagne to the Prussian guards enforcing the blockade and the soldiers opened the champagne with their swords, so started the technique of sabring Champagne. By the time she died in 1866 Veuve Clicquot had become both a substantial Champagne house and a respected brand. Easily recognised by its distinctive bright yellow labels, the wine holds a royal warrant from Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom.
Translation: "I want to seem worldly and tasteful, so I will post a blurb about something that sounds really French and of which I once had an enjoyable sip."
And here comes Mr. Game Killer:
Star Member corkhead (5,025 posts)
2. Personally, I think there are better options out there but you have to admit Veuve is ubiquitous
It think you can get it at RiteAid, Kroger and Walgreens.
Miller claims to be "The Champagne of Beers", I call Veuve Cliquot "The Beer of Champagnes"
I prefer Champagne Montaudon, from a small independent family producer in that price range.
http://www.champagnemontaudon.com/index.php?menu=1&ssMenu=1
I am sorry, I didn't mean to trash your taste in Champagne. (yes, you did) I am not as big a fan of theirs as you are because they have become a big international corporate juggernaut.
When I can I like to try small independent producers over the big corporate brands and would encourage you to also give them a try. (you peasant) They are very often better value for your dollar because they aren't relying on brand recognition and aren't supporting a giant corporate infrastructure. ("I was into U2 in 1982, as well.")
Check out the movie Mondovino which talks about Corporate vs Family in the wine industry.
Hard to enjoy a sip of any beverage with the aroma of corkhead's farts in the room. Here is a recent photo of corkhead:
Anyway, here comes the pain from Admiral von Butthurt of the USS Ohnoyoudidnt:
Star Member Divernan (12,543 posts)
6. Hate to read how pompous you'd be if you MEANT to trash my taste! (have to agree with the DUmmy here)
You're welcome to select your wines based on some sense of political correctness re ownership, and you could have simply stated that. But no, you had to compare Veuve to Miller beer. Aren't you the droll, witty, passive-agressive poster! I didn't realize Miller Beer also held a royal warrant from Queen Elizabeth. That's not why I started drinking Veuve, of course - didn't know she liked it until I looked up Veuve's history today. I'm not a beer drinker, myself - except when I'm in Germany (I guess two can play at the poser game) - but I would think there are a lot of posters on DU who are quite happy to drink Miller Beer - and in part that's a function of how affordable it is. So you insulted them too. Way to go!
First, FYI, Veuve Cliquot has been my choice of champagne for about 50 years (translation: I liked it before it was cool) - long before it became, in your words, "a big international juggernaut". When I started drinking Veuve, it was the product of a distinguished and very old family owned operation - the very kind you now patronizingly advise me to try. Here's the thing - this brand of champagne has been the celebratory drink of choice for me and my family for decades - so I not only like the taste, I treasure all the memories associated with the label. (Yeah....surrrrrrre)
Second, you specifically trashed my "taste" but then gave the company's corporate ownership as your reason. With that as the basis for your preferences, blind tastings would be a minefield - quelle horreur, if you should prefer a wine produced by the wrong owner. Again it's your choice to put political correctness above actual "taste". Just don't lecture others to do the same.
Third, for the past 40+ years, I have lived in a state which runs its own liquor stores, which means there are very limited selections. I considered myself fortunate when I moved here that the state stores did stock Veuve Cliquot. They definitely do NOT stock little known small foreign wine producers whom you prefer.(This is called adding detail, and it hints of desperation. You're losing the edge, DUmmy)
Finally, don't you think it's about time you learn you can voice your own preferences, and politely suggest alternative choices to others, without insulting, or in your very own word "trashing" someone else's preference. It's called having some class.
My post just stated it was my favorite - I didn't challenge you. I was happy when I posted my reply - I'm a big fan of World Heritage sites - have been to a number of them - and I was happy to take part in a positive thread, as opposed to the primary battles of the day. Thanks so much for spoiling the thread for me (sarcasm).
Ah, DU. So many laughs, so much pointless worthless stupidity dressed up as sophistication.
