Wine Marketing...which way is up?

In june of 2005, the CRAV ( the Regional Committee on Viticultural Action) took their fight to the streets in the South of France. The problem? An oversupply of grapes and wine. Was their a method in their madness? Not really, a year and a half later the problem still exists. But now there is a glimmer of hope. After 10 years of meetings by various commissions a proposal has been brought forward that would unite all of Languedoc's AOC's as well as the neighbouring Rousillon region. Now that is smart marketing. Placing a whole region under one banner and promoting it as such. However this raises some concern by some of the smaller up and coming wine areas. The plan is for the new AOC Languedoc to be in place in 2008. That is the plan... I don't see it happening all that soon. French governing bodies tend to drag their feet a bit.

A continent away, in the Central Valley of California, a different approach is now in effect.

The town of Tracy in San Joaquin County has now been put on the AVA map. Not happy about being lumped together under the California label, a determined Jeff Brown spend 6 years and $60,000 to convince the ATF ( Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms ) to allow the creation of the newest AVA in California. So which is the right way to go? Produce the best wine possible and you will create a market and loyal following. Congratulations to Tracy Hills and Good Luck to Languedoc!!

Wine Beef Burgers......and other fantasies!

Not satisfied with the flavor of your beef?
Well then, why not specify your steaks have to come from wine fed beef? It is reported that the cattle seemed to like the addition of wine to their feed and that they gained weight. This mind you, was based merely on the observation that they were eating more. Well of course! Wine is an appetite stimulant and can aid in the resorption of ingested food and increase the caloric intake.
No wonder they put on weight.
Maybe we are not doing them a favor and perhaps this is an animal welfare issue.
So what is next?
A demand for Pinot Plum or Merlot Mango flavored yoghurts? The headlines will read "Happy dairy cows eager to share their milk". Or how about Chardonnay scrambled eggs? Then of course we will probably be able to look forward to Pinot Gris pork products. Perhaps this over-indulgence is getting out of hand.
The picture of the vineyard with the bird netting was taken at the Blue Grouse Vineyards on Vancouver Island. Obviously it is to keep the birds out and that is a good thing. But the second picture shows a starving child with no protection from any birds, especially vulturous ones. Should make you think. At this time of the year I always get a little sad when I think of all my blessings and the countless people, especially children, who are not nearly as fortunate as I am. So when I read about this over-the-top procedure just to get your beef steaks kicked up a notch, I have to shake my head and wonder. So this holiday season, be kind and be generous to those less fortunate around you. Take care of those you love, including your pets and yes do take time to enjoy the fruit of the vine! As well, this is the Remembrance day week-end. Let us take a moment to remember all those hero soldiers who gave up their lives, so that we might continue to live in the freedom we treasure so much.

Hickory Dickory Dock......

The mouse ran up the clock.The clock struck one,The mouse ran down!Hickory Dickory Dock.
And what did the mouse do when he got down?
He ate some cheese and had a glass of wine. And here is to a happy and long life, eating what you want and making sure you get your daily dose of resveratrol. Click on the pic and join me once again to toast to our good health!
Then of course there is another recent discovery about resveratrol. And that is.... and that is...... hmm I forgot. Oh yes go to the end of this article and follow the link to the report on Alzheimer's disesase. Perhaps one word of caution. With all the data coming in on the benefits of resveratrol there is bound to be a rush on to produce a tablet or liquid claiming to be"your best source and highest level of resveratrol". Give us this day our daily bread ... and our daily glass of wine of course and that will be my source of resveratrol for now. I give thanks to all those wonderful winemakers out there who are keeping me happy and healthy.
Cheers!