Vignerons Ardechois
1996

$6.00

Eric's Rating:
5.01 grapes.

Imported by Park Wine Company, Inc.
Menlo Park California

A "Produit de France" What's the point?

On the label:
"Vin de Pays des Coteaux de l' Ardeche"
"Mis en bouteille par les Vignerons Ardechois
Producteurs Reunis,Ruoms, Ardeche, France"

On the sign at the grocery:
"Big Bold flavors from granite cellered storing."

This is cheap French imported wine for Americans only. I doubt very much if they drink this stuff in France. Perhaps they serve it up in French prisons.

I am not keen on the idea of France. The French maintain a smug, superior air as they blow huge holes out of the ocean with nuclear weapons, refuse us air passage when we attempt to neutralize Libyan dictators, and generaly do everything and anything they can to piss us off - out of sheer orneriness. And that language!* (see note on France at bottom of page)

Why bring in bad French wine when you have plenty of good California wine?

This wine is pale red in appearance. It is dry with a gritty texture. Hard-edged and bitter (like the granite cellars it was stored in no doubt) but holds a modicum of earthy flavors. This is not a satisfying wine.