CH’NG Poh Tiong
WELCOME TO EDITION 801 of GRAPEVINE
A new year is a good time to begin a fresh start.
Often, a new start means being reminded of old truths.
France makes the greatest sparkling wine, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Bordeaux blend, Syrah, Grenache, and rosé in the world.
France produces benchmarks which producers from other countries measure theirs against.
They all hope to triumph over France at blind tastings, whether the legendary 1976 Judgement of Paris, Berlin Tasting featuring the wines of Chile’s Vina Errazuriz against Bordeaux First Growths, or whatever other blind tastings organized by other would be “usurpers”.
Every wine wants to win against Champagne, Burgundy, Bordeaux, the Rhone Valley, and Provence.
Not the other way around.
When a wine beats a French classic, they climb to the top of the roof and shout the news for everyone to hear (and buy).
When you lose against French wine, it’s no embarrassment.
You can even boast you came in 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th.
A new year does not change everything.
It’s worth remembering what matters.
Wishing you A Very Good 2021!
