Tasting sized pours
Think pink: The NYT discusses trendy rosé and the $30 Domaines Ott. Lettie Teague is quoted saying, “‘An expensive rosé is oxymoronic,’ she said. ‘Domaines Ott is good but not so significantly better than wines that are $10 cheaper or half the price.’ She suggested that Domaines Ott is ‘a good wine for those psychologically unprepared to drink rosé, because it’s so beautifully packaged and expensive.’” [NYT] I agree. Sorry, “D.O.” my picks can save you over $20 a bottle. All together now: do not overpay for a dry rosé!
Randall Grahm cashes out: Big House Red and Cardinal Zin are jettisoned from the Bonny Doon portfolio and sold to The Wine Group. Perhaps Grahm can now focus more on his biodynamic vineyards? [WBM]
Bordeaux adds a vin de pays category called vin de pays de l’Atlantique. More varietal labeling to come. [Vitisphere]
Beer regains the lead: a Gallup poll this year showed beer to be the drink of choice by 41-33-23 breakdown over beer-wine-spirits. Last year wine edged out beer for the first time. [WBM]
Illinois beer distributors, who are against shipments directly from wineries to consumers, have made record contributions to state legislators. [StL Today]
Illinois also approved a “doggie bag” bill so that diners can take an unfinished bottle home with them–just don’t forget to put it in the trunk! [Sun-Times]
Evan Rail chugs 70 cent beers on a quest for the best brew in the Czech Republic. Is this a new wave in going to the winery brewery? [NYT]
Jeffrey Stambor, winemaker at Beaulieu Vineyard in Napa, tells the NYT about his favorite travel companion: wine, particularly the rare and valuable. [NYT]
Blogging is economically rational! The Economist says so! [Economist]
UPDATE: A comment from Pat expressed the opinion that because the fasionistas at the New York Times (hear my Stephen Colbert impression) liked Domaine Ott rosé, that means it’s out. A good point. Fashionistas may know their Dolce from their Gabbana but as we saw earlier this year, they also fell for the “Eccotini” brought to them by Gallo.
tags: wine | wine news | beer?!
One of the "seven best wine blogs." 
One of the three best wine blogs
On August 15th, 2006 at 10:35 pm ,Jack wrote:
I’m fond of the Domaines Ott rosé, but it’s been a couple of years since I’ve tasted it. Like Tempier’s, its price is not proportionally better than a bincuh of $12 ones.
And yeah, the cool bowling-pin bottle must have inspired Manfred at SQN!