Random thoughts during a sleepless night

[madbaker]

The inflight movie was the same as it was two weeks ago. I didn't watch it this time, either.

This is the only hotel I've ever been in that actually has a 13th floor. (I'm on the 11th; pity.)

I gave the waiter a mildly hard time for offering a house "California Shiraz". I informed him, as a snooty Californian familiar with the wine country, that Shiraz comes from Australia and New Zealand. In the US, we call the same grape Petite Syrah. (He checked the label, and it was actually Aussie.)

Comments

[goldenstag.livejournal.com]

You wine snob, you!

[ptigris.livejournal.com]

I call your snobbishness and raise!

We actually call that grape "Syrah". Petit Syrah is an entirely different grape. ;)

-from a snooty Californian who actually lives in the Wine country. And grows the damn grape herself, too. (www.tinbarnvineyards.com)

*heehee*

[madbaker.livejournal.com]

*blinks*
Yeah, I knew that. I blame jet lag. That's the ticket.

[ptigris.livejournal.com]

Come by my table at 12th Night. I'm going to bring some of it to share and I'd love to pour you a glass. Just don't bring pewter or I'll refuse. *smirks*

NY Wine snobbery

[fionnbharro.livejournal.com]

While you're there, see if you can try some of the New York wines.

New York generally fares better in terms of quality in international wine competitions than California.... but the California behemoth that is the 'wine industry' overwhelms distribution and advertising channels.

Avoid 'Taylor' -- it's mass-produced crap (with the exception of some of the high-end stuff). Wines made from Niagara grapes taste like 'white grape juice' and you end up drinking *way* too much because it fools you into thinking it *is* white grape juice. Probably don't have to tell you (but I'll tell anyone else reading your blog) that Concord tastes like Jelly.

I'm partial to Chautauqua white (and Chautauqua Niagara, hee!). But that could be because they're the equivalent of 'comfort food' for me.

'Woodbury' isn't a bad label. Personal favorite is "Merritt Estate" label, probably because they're friends of the family, and I had a crush on the younger daughter in Jr. High.

[ptigris.livejournal.com]

May I respectfully add that he should also try some ice wines if he can get his hands on them. Vidal and Riesling are the two most used varietals. I'm not too familiar with all the wineries, but Inniskillin won the Bordeaux award some years back.

I was fortunate enough to have a friend from the area bring me back some. If you can't get any while you are over there, I am considering bringing them to 12th Night as well. Maybe.

It's liquid gold. *lipsmack*

[mad-duchess.livejournal.com]

Dude, your snobbiness is dated. They actually do make Shiraz in Napa now. One of the best I've had so far is from Darioush wineries
http://www.darioush.com/wines.html

The coolest part is that this winery comes by Shiraz directly rather than via Australia--the owner (Darioush) is Persian from the area of Shiraz. ;-)

Oh, and the winery itself is a freaking work of art--I recommend a trip there immediately upon your return. :-)

[mad-duchess.livejournal.com]

I should also note that this is not the only Shiraz I saw on my last trip through Napa (3 weeks ago). I think it because the Australians were doing so well with that grape that the wineries in Napa finally realized that they were missing out on a business opportunity.

[ptigris.livejournal.com]

Doh!

Doesn't count. Napa is only a four letter auto parts store.

*biased*

[wingedcorset.livejournal.com]

St. Regis downtown has a 13th floor. I'll take a look as I work in different hotels throughout the city.