Men, Bitch, Bordeaux, Bourgogne blanc – sipped and spit

SIPPED: tranche
The wine word of the moment is “tranche.” The final dash of pricing the Bordeaux 2009 futures has concluded with a clap of thunder: controversial Cos d’Estournel at $3,600 a case, ditto for Leoville Las Cases, La Mission Haut Brion at $10,000 a case, and Lafite at about $15,000–if you can find it. And that’s just it: the top producers release fractions of the total production for pre-sale so what demand there is, pays top dollar.

SPIT: wine’s a Bitch
Grateful Palate International and R Wines are in receivership, a court-administered bankruptcy reorganization according to these filings with the Australian Securities & Investments Commission. Wines in the company’s portfolio include “Bitch” and “Evil.” An email yesterday seeking comment from Grateful Palate, the importer in California, received no reply.

SIPPED and SPIT: Bourgogne blanc
Per a new arrangement, white wine from Beaujolais will not be able to be labeled “Bourgogne blanc,” or white Burgundy, ending a decades-long loophole/tradition (depending on your perspective). [vitisphere]

SPIT: men
The brewer SABMiller has quadrupled the number of women on their tasting panels over the past decade. Why? Women may be better tasters than men. Maybe the company will start orienting their advertising toward women? [WSJ]

5 Responses to “Men, Bitch, Bordeaux, Bourgogne blanc – sipped and spit”


  1. I liked the Vitisphere article. Good chance to practice my French.


  2. That’s dreadful about Grateful Palate and R wines! I hope that the flow of the “Evil” “Bitch” continues into the U.S. These wines are super fun to bring to parties, both because of the labels and because they’re easy drinking.


  3. One of my students wrote a paper about Bitch — read about it here
    http://wineeconomist.com/2010/01/10/what-wine-women-want/

    And here’s another wine use of the term Tranche — Tranche Cellars —
    http://www.tranchecellars.com/tranchecellars.com/
    where my former student Michael Corliss makes great wine.


  4. If The Grateful Palate Import Co. does fold it will be a sad moment for many terrific wine producers in Australia. I’ve met Dan Philips on several occasions. He’s a great man with great ideas. Those ideas, Probably too many, could have been what led to the Grateful Palate’s demise. It also appears that his Bacon Specialty company has closed as well. I’m sure he’ll resurface with a new undertaking. I just hope that producers like Loan and Kay Brothers can find a new importing home.


  5. I loved the taste of Bitch Wine and the label was so great to give to my friends. Please, please continue to make this available for purchase. My best friend lives in California and I am orginally from N. Carolina so I have enjoyed my share of good wines and will have this as my favorite for a long time. Thank you, D.R.


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