Reason.tv: Red, White, and Sacrebleu: How American Wines Shocked the World!
by Nick GillespieFrom wine elves to classy pitchmen, American winemakers have tried just about everything to challenge the dominance of French vintners. And yet, with infamous labels like Ripple and Thunderbird, Yankee wines had long endured the reputation of being good for just one one thing—getting blitzed.
So it must have seemed like a cruel joke in 1976 when a British wine merchant arranged The Paris Tasting, a one-of-its-kind competition that pitted mighty France versus lowly America in a blind taste test judged entirely by Gallic wine experts.
But as viewers of the movie Bottle Shock and the documentary Mondovino can tell you, the unthinkable happened: America took home top honors for both red and white wine.
The Paris Tasting made Mike Grgich an instant legend, but back then, even the maker of the winning white couldn’t believe he had won. “I said are you sure it’s me?” recalls Grgich. How could this American, an immigrant who fled communist Yugoslavia, shock the world?
The French wanted to find out, so Jean-Noël Fourmeaux, an official government wine taster became a wine spy. He headed to California to discover how, in the span of a couple of decades, American winemakers progressed from Thunderbird to Grgich’s award-winning white.
Fourmeaux encountered a freewheeling atmosphere of technological and cultural innovation—one that attracted the likes of Squire Fridell of Glen Lyon Vineyards, a winemaker who has his own reason for smiling at America’s emergence as a leader in wine. Fourmeaux pondered what he could create by mixing French tradition with Yankee innovation, and it led him to a most unexpected decision.
“Red, White, and Sacrebleu” is written and produced by Ted Balaker, who also hosts. Director of Photography: Alex Manning; Field Producers: Paul Detrick and Hawk Jensen; Production Associates: Zach Weissmueller and Tannen Wels.
Special thanks to D’Argenzio Winery and the Wine Institute.
Approximately 7.30 minutes. For downloadable versions, go to Reason.tv.
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26 Comments
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Free markets lead to better quality. Unfortunately, California is going the way of socialist France.
While I drink a lot of European wines, the times have definately changed and American wines are right there with them. At this point, I don't think it comes down to the individual country anymore, as much as the individual producer.
I have had French wines that I didn't even want to finish, and I have had have had American wines that I love. There is no doubt that France still has great producers (personally, I like white Burgandy wines), but they no longer are the end all, be all of good wines.
That was a cool presentation! Heh, I thought that second Ronald McDonald guy looked familiar. I remember the '76 test. Shortly thereafter, Orson sWells was pitching "we will swell no swine before its time" or something to that effect…
Yes, French Fascism quashed innovation. What don't liberal regressives understand about that? American innovation is under siege and I still can't figure out why regressives can't see the inevitable outcome of Fascism in any form.
Can't beat a California Cab… 2004's are my favs.
mmmmmmm… wine!
South American wines are my favorite… specifically Argentina Malbecs.
Enjoy your wine!
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Has Obama heard about this?
I mean it is just so unacceptable that one might succeed while another might fail, I think he needs a new wine Czar to bring the level of all American "whines" back to that of the craptacular hobo blends what the jobless used to enjoy so much.
If the vineyards resist they should be taxed and regulated until they have no chance of competing with our french friends.
Try the Chilian Sparkling Red wines … they are absolutely great !
Don't you mean whine czar?
Interesting that when the French Whines went up against the German Whines….they retreated and gave up. Sound familiar (yes, I meant to spell it "whines" and not wines)?
the U.S. has also won top honors in cheeses… competing just has heavily against the well known countries, including brie and goat, etc.
good going U.S.
Ah, this story warms my heart…….the same feeling I got when watching the film "A Good Year" in which Russell Crowe's character drives by a group of french cyclists, extends his middle finger through the sunroof and declares "Vive La Armstrong" at the top of his lungs! Classic!
No joke, how dare we make the French feel bad. Something must be done at once!
lol, silly french and their yellow pants (urine) : )
Wine is for Liberals and women.
Sebastiani Napa Valley Merlot mmmmm Cali wine mmmmmmmmmm now thats worth a song!
We had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Grgich in the fall of 1979, when we visited his winery. He was not only a gentleman, he was very warm and friendly, and proudly discussed his wonderful chardonnay with us. He poured liberal samples for us and we wound up buying several bottles. They were excellent.
We've also had the pleasure of spending several years in Europe and got to know wines from several regions, France included. Wines from eastern and southern Europe are superb. They have a long tradition of winemaking stretching back to Roman times and before and are underrated.
it seems the French have been able to convince the world that their wines, superb as some of them may be, are the gold standard by which all others should be measured. I'm not convinced after sampling vintages from further east and from Napa, Sonoma, and other western US regions.
EUtards and American libturds two socialist peas in a pod.
Seconded
mmmmm………..thunderbird.
[...] post: Big Government » Blog Archive » Reason.tv: Red, White, and … By admin | category: american | tags: classy-pitchmen, country, david-cook, dominance, [...]
There are a lot of great winerys in the US … all competing and winning. Check out a local winery and enjoy.
California wines have been contenders for a long time. What I find even more impressive are the California beers! Especially those from the San Diego area.
PERSONALLY, I THINK THE BEST WINES COME FROM PORTUGAL.
IT'S REALLY TASTY, GOES WITH MOST EVERYTHING, GET'S YOU REALLY HAMMERED, MAKES YOU WAX POETIC, AND ENABLES YOU TO THROW FRENCHMEN AND LIBERALS (I KNOW, I KNOW…SAME THING) INTO THE SEA BY THE BUSHEL WITHOUT A SINGLE PANG OF CONSCIENCE.
ARRRGH!
Just think how much better the California wines will be once the whole nation pays to move the Napa Train Tracks. Socialism at work for the vintners! Viva la Napa!
I enjoy the Aussie Shiraz most of all with the Chilean Reds a close 2nd.
the turn of the tide.
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