Moderators: Jenise, Robin Garr, David M. Bueker
Robin Garr wrote:Keith M wrote:So "small, less-known properties" depend on a "tiny, obscure appellation" to sell their wines? Could anyone explain to me why this would be so? It seems like a curious argument . . .
In my opinion, it's because a niche market exists for small-production, artisanal producers. Importers like Dressner and Solomon feed retailers like Chambers Street who serve a relatively small audience of wine geeks like us. It's not a very big sector of the overall wine market - there are an awful lot of Kendall-Jackson, Rosemount and Duboeuf drinkers out there - but the producers don't make that much wine, so they've found their level.
I'm speculating - and only speculating - that the loss of a distinguishing label would weaken this niche over time, just as the world domination of Starbucks eventually starts hurting the business of local artisan coffee roasters.
Jon Peterson wrote:Next they need to tackle Burgundy and German wines - that's where I get lost.
Keith M
Beer Explorer
1184
Sat Jan 06, 2007 2:25 am
Finger Lakes, New York
Robin Garr wrote:In my opinion, it's because a niche market exists for small-production, artisanal producers. Importers like Dressner and Solomon feed retailers like Chambers Street who serve a relatively small audience of wine geeks like us. It's not a very big sector of the overall wine market - there are an awful lot of Kendall-Jackson, Rosemount and Duboeuf drinkers out there - but the producers don't make that much wine, so they've found their level.
I'm speculating - and only speculating - that the loss of a distinguishing label would weaken this niche over time, just as the world domination of Starbucks eventually starts hurting the business of local artisan coffee roasters.
Bob Parsons Alberta. wrote:William wrote...we'll come to rely on specific producers much more so than general regions.
I think this is a very good point, sir. I seem to be paying a lot more time cluing up in these guys, think I am familiar with names of many appellations. Ah hum, till Robin introduced us to this new Macon one!!!
I have not been able to digest all of Tim`s info yet but I sure see some confusion on the horizon.
I see/hear newbies in my local winestore, they wanna know whats in the bottle, is it sweet or dry? Yeah here we go again!!
AlexR wrote:The average consumer, even in France, is bewildered by the hundereds of wines on supermarket shelves.
Not to mention the foreigners!
Dale Williams
Compassionate Connoisseur
11175
Tue Mar 21, 2006 4:32 pm
Dobbs Ferry, NY (NYC metro)
wnissen wrote:They don't really have appellations the way the French do.
Tim York wrote: Producer reputation already is and is likely to remain the most important single factor in wine choice, other than price, red or white, sweet or dry, heavy or light.
AlexR wrote:Bill,
There are 61 great growths in the Médoc.
Is that too many?
I know Alsace wines very little. But as long as those 51 grands crus represent the best in the appellation, I have no problem with that.
All the best,
Alex R.
William K wrote:Tim York wrote: Producer reputation already is and is likely to remain the most important single factor in wine choice, other than price, red or white, sweet or dry, heavy or light.
On the point above, I'm thinking of a scenario where I am looking at a limited restaurant wine list or am in an out-of-town wine shop and I simply do not recognize any of the producers in a given category, e.g., white Burgundy (or alternatively I do recognize a couple, but as the source of previous disappointments). I think of myself as reasonably literate on this particular category, yet I find myself in this situation probably a dozen or so times during a year. When this happens, producer reputation is of course a non-factor in wine choice, and I have to fall back on appellation and vintage. Under the current system, I believe my odds are pretty good that any 2005 AOC Borgogne is going to be a crowd-pleaser. I'd be less confident if that were extended to include Macon, and therefore less inclined to take my chances. The likely effect of this would be for me to head to what I consider to be safer ground, e.g., Rias Baixas. Encouraging me to drink more Albarino is surely not what the French have in mind.
Jon Peterson
The Court Winer
2981
Sat Apr 08, 2006 5:53 pm
The Blue Crab State
Tim York wrote:I also guess that producers of "territoire" Bourgogne etc. will want to put "Pinot Noir" and "Chardonnay" on the label;
Jon Peterson wrote:Tim York wrote:I also guess that producers of "territoire" Bourgogne etc. will want to put "Pinot Noir" and "Chardonnay" on the label;
I can't help but be reminded of that line "You mean the French are making a Pinot Noir, too?"
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