Netscape Forum Poll: Favorite country for wine

[Robin Garr]

This week's Netscape/CompuServe WineLovers Community poll asks a simple question that you don't have to be an expert to answer. We've set up a simple ballot with several key choices, but don't hesitate to use "Other" to tell us if we missed your favorite.
Click here to vote.

Italy for us. 65-70% of our wine purchases are Italian reds of one sort or another.

Richard

I almost pressed Germany, but decided for France in the end. Life would be rather dull without M-S-R Riesling. But I *think* life would be more dull without the diversity of France. I'm not sure about this, however, and I am very happy that I've never had to find out for sure.

[James Roscoe]

It all depends on what you mean. If you mean where the wine comes from, then France is the winner for me based on what I have sitting on my shelves in the basement. If you mean where do I have access to the greatest diversity of wines in the world, well that might be here in the U.S.A. It all depends on how you approach the question.

France. Sometimes the status quo is correct.

France. The diversity is wonderful. But the ROW is double France.

I honestly feel lucky to be interested in wine when there are so many wonderful wines available.

[James Roscoe]

France. The diversity is wonderful. But the ROW is double France.

I honestly feel lucky to be interested in wine when there are so many wonderful wines available.

Living in the U.S., we are probably exposed to a wider variety of wines than anywhere else in the world. That's why you could make a case that the U.S.A. should be your favorite country for wine.

I could say that about New York City, frankly -- even though only home wine makers work there.

I almost pressed Germany, but decided for France in the end. Life would be rather dull without M-S-R Riesling. But I *think* life would be more dull without the diversity of France. I'm not sure about this, however, and I am very happy that I've never had to find out for sure.

Agree Otto, another vote from me.

Interesting kind of general question. After initial votes are in the #1 France, #2 Itlay and #3 US is exactly how I would rank them and is almost the % of the distribution of wines in my cellar. 12% US is a little high but you have to be somewhat supportive of your country, besides I have to have something to drink with grilled meat and BBQ.

I wonder what it would look like if you asked what is your #2 country for wine. Bet our German contingent would show very well.

Walt

Italy for us. 65-70% of our wine purchases are Italian reds of one sort or another.

Richard

Richard,
I could drink at your house. I checked France because of diversity but sangiovese is our #1 food wine and hard to think about not having some Piedmont wines or whites from the NE. Just don't think I could give up my aged Bordeaux.
Walt

As the worlds greatest grape is Riesling, and Riesling is best from Germany, I could hardly vote for anything else. Second choice is a tough decision, but France would edge out Austria with the diversity card. The US, Australia and New Zealand wouldn't make my top 10.


Prost!
Bill

Well, it is not a country, but I've thoroughly enjoyed exploring Washington State wines over the last few years. (Perhaps I'm a bit biased since it is my home state).

I think of wine as a vicarious source of and complement to travel and we are set to explore New York next since we are living here, along with France (which I think will be a life long travel adventure) since we are making a few trips there this coming year.

There are just too many countries for me to list in any meaningful way, though I'll try to answer as best I can.

I'm a believer in supporting the home turf, and this puts Ontario in my #1 spot. And, I'm well known for voicing support for viticulture all across the North American heartland where grapes other than vinifera actually thrive best in the generally continental climate.

I've always love South African wines - especially Pinotage, but not just Pinotage - and this admiration continues to this day. Of course, I've had a good number of low-end duds from SA, though surprisingly the KWV wines, which have disappeared from the LCBO somewhat inexplicably, were never among the duds. It may have been a government cooperative, but KWV really made good inexpensive wines all across the board. I can't say the same for the many replacements that followed it.

France - I have come to love the French attitude towards food and wine, and the precision with which the French view the wine-terroir connection. I am slowly studying this great vinous nation's wines, but so far know that my favourites are Madiran followed by the Rhones. I still have Loire Sauvignon Blanc to study.

I tend to prefer northern Italian reds to those from the south of Italy, with the exception of the occasional Primitivo di Manduria.

Austria has long held a place in my vinous heart for its GV, Blaufränkisch and Zweigelt - fantastically food-friendly stuff.

And, of course, I hope for the day when Eastern Europe will start making serious reds from its many native vinifera varieties to counter the massive wave of international varieties and offer more diversity from a part of the world that has known wine for a very long time but is suffering from the effects of the post-Communist maelström.