Thursday Throwaway
I couldn’t believe the response readers gave my blog from yesterday, “The Appellation Myth.” Thirty-five so far (including a couple replies from me), which is a very high number for a wine blog. In fact, I think it’s the most I’ve had since last summer and the Rockaway incident, although this time around, there’s no animosity.
Surprisingly, many if not most of the commenters agreed with me that our AVA system is broken in some way. At least, nobody stood up and said it’s perfect, don’t change a thing. Just about everyone conceded that terroir is a very complicated thing, with even single vineyards varying widely in temperature, slope, dirt, etc. So, to the extent that an appellation is just a big collection of vineyards, how can it be said to have any uniformity? Anyway, I don’t want to repeat the arguments. You can read through the comments; they make fascinating food for thought.
The comments also taught me something: I’ve long wondered who reads my blog. Now, I have more insight. I believe they tend to be people connected with the wine industry — as opposed to ordinary consumers. They’re a smart, educated and opinionated (in the best sense) bunch, and they tend to be older, to judge by the knowledge and wisdom they display in understanding the issues confronting the wine industry.
What makes some issues more interesting to read about than others? I’m not sure, but almost anything on appellations, the 100-point system, wine critics, wine blogging and predicting the future usually results in lots of comments. In other words, these are pressing wine-related issues. It’s a good conversation to be having, and I’m glad that steveheimoff.com is one place it’s happening.
On a lighter note I loved Tom Wark’s blog this morning on a television channel devoted to wine. (Thanks, Tom, for letting Wine Enthusiast be on your channel.) It’s a great idea and could work. Since I’m already something of a TV star, I’d like to volunteer my talents. One thing I do well is converse with wine industry professionals (my last book was all about Conversations), and I’d like to host a segment similar to Charlie Rose’s interview show. Just straight-forward, honest, unrehearsed back-and-forth. Tom, when Comcast offers you the job of VP for programming at The Wine Channel, give me a call.
Sodden thought
With Valentine’s Day once again upon us, we’re obsessed with what wine to drink with chocolate, even as we plunge into Depression II. But what the heck — eat, drink and be merrie, for tomorrow we die.
Hey, Steve, not just smart, educated and opinionated guys read your blog. Morons like me read it too!
Thursday throwaway. Okay.
You may be right, your blog is now read by industry members, but so was the Wine Spectator years ago. Wine lovers seek out the best information about wine and they eventually will find what the pros are reading.
Steve, I hate to break this to you, but you don’t hold a candle to Leslie Sbrocco.
Speaking of wine on tv…Kristen McNamara, a product of the Napa Valley and the Howell Mountain sub-appellation, has made it through all the auditions to be selected a contestant on this year’s American Idol. Go Kristen!
I think AVAs, particularly sub-AVA’s are as perfect as they can practically be.
Morton once again you’re right: Leslie is far more beautiful and glamorous than I could ever hope to be.
Go buy a wig, Steve… I think you can hold a candle to Leslie. You’re both on track ;^)
And chocolate… everyone knows it’s great for depression… I have three letters for you – P. M. S.
Morton,
Regarding, “Wine lovers seek out the best information about wine and they eventually will find what the pros are reading.” Great observation and explanation.
Thanks for the advice, Jo. Always timely. Leslie is a superstar. I love Check, Please on PBS.
Regarding, “I love Check, Please on PBS.” — Me, too.