In case you haven’t been paying attention, there’s been a recent surge in the amount of news being devoted to the topic of sweet wines. I guess I’m not the only person out there who believes sweet wines are poised for a comeback. Here are a few of the highlights:
- In light of my post yesterday, I should mention Dave McIntyre over at the Washington Post published a small blip about Madeira a couple of weeks ago, together with some suggested wines. It seems he didn’t like the Blandy’s 5 Year Alvada as much as I did, only rating it 1.5 stars out of 3, but his tasting notes are accurate and in-line with my experience. He also posted an article earlier this month that begins with a lede I can fully support: “We don’t drink enough sweet wine.” Amen!
- Bonny Wolf from National Public Radio explains “Moscato Madness” with a small article and an informative podcast. There’s been a nearly 200% growth in Moscato sales over the past two years, thanks in part to hip-hop songs extolling its virtues, but I like to think it’s becoming popular because it’s delicious.
- The venerable New York Times has an interesting article about the battle over recently proposed “Cru” regulations in the Loire Valley. Pint-sized appellation Quarts-de-Chaume, which is renowned for making botrytis-affected Chenin Blanc, is the center of a contentious battle between Domaine des Baumard, one of its largest and most consistent producers, and a number of other vingerons. The battle lines have been drawn over production methods and vineyard management. It’s an interesting look into the back-room political and legal wrangling often caused by France’s AOC system. Read the rest of this entry »
