Just when you thought sparkling wine could get no worse
May 12, 2011, 2:59 pm
#1
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Just when you thought sparkling wine could get no worse
The stuff you'll be served next might come from China, courtesy of Moet-Hennessy.
Seriously, I don't think it cane be much worse than some of the stuff (Chateau Ste. Michelle) that's served on some airlines. Drank some Chinese wines when KL had a promo a few years back and it was o.k., compared to cheap stuff from other parts of the world.
That said, I've never been impressed with Domaine Chandon stuff from California and Australia (Yarra Valley, Victoria). Haven't tried the Argentinean stuff and didn't even know they made the stuff in Brazil!
Seriously, I don't think it cane be much worse than some of the stuff (Chateau Ste. Michelle) that's served on some airlines. Drank some Chinese wines when KL had a promo a few years back and it was o.k., compared to cheap stuff from other parts of the world.
That said, I've never been impressed with Domaine Chandon stuff from California and Australia (Yarra Valley, Victoria). Haven't tried the Argentinean stuff and didn't even know they made the stuff in Brazil!
May 14, 2011, 9:27 am
#2
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I confess to not having drunk Chandon in decades, but I recall it as being astonishingly good when it first came out (circa 1980 in California). St. Michelle is another cheap wine that I regard as being well made (good price/performer). Perhaps these are wines that fare badly in the air? I've never drunk them on an airplane, prefering to stick to Krug when I fly.
May 14, 2011, 9:54 am
#3
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Apparently at least some agree as can be seen here, here, and here.Keep in mind, OP, that back in our youthful days in British Columbia Brights President was the height of decadence for us.
May 14, 2011, 11:12 am
#4
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Back in my youth (late 70's) it was Giacobazzi and Riuniti for a cheap, sparkling wine buzz. I still remember the ad campaign. "Riuniti on ice, that's nice." Now it's French Pinot Noirs and Belgian Abbey Ales. How our tastes change (for the better).
May 14, 2011, 11:21 am
#5
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May 15, 2011, 9:57 pm
#6
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I don't think it is made anymore, but in Canada, Andres produced Moody Blue in 1.5l format which was a sparkling blueberry flavored wine with a denim patch label. If I recall correctly it was "crackling" wine which meant it was 7% alcohol.
May 15, 2011, 10:10 pm
#7
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Duvel -- a Belgian idea of a Scottish ale, and far better; of course, it has to be (the Devil made me do it). But having the right shape glass is such a pain for airlines!!!! Making it impossible to serve Belgian ales in mid-air.
May 16, 2011, 1:07 pm
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May 24, 2011, 1:30 am
#12
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As for China, they have been making some very nice Cabernet's there for over 15 years now. French winemakers have been there for a long time. I've not tried their sparkling wines yet.
May 24, 2011, 6:38 am
#13
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Quite a shame that actually, although I'm no Duvel fan, I do like a (preferably Belgian) beer on the plane.
May 24, 2011, 10:54 am
#14
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Just gotta remember to drink that first one in a lounge...
May 24, 2011, 7:49 pm
#15
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As for China, they have been making some very nice Cabernet's there for over 15 years now. French winemakers have been there for a long time. I've not tried their sparkling wines yet.
More than a few French winemakers have started up in France. Climates similar to France and cheap labour so vineyards can be intensively managed and grapes can be harvested at optimal times.
