Author: Terry Connor

  Continuing our discussion of Champagne, we want to find out what is out there to make us rush to...

The best phrase with which to start this article is: “The Alsace area is so UNIQUE.” First of all Alsace is small. How could such a small area produce such terrific wine in so great a quantity as to yield world-wide distribution? To add to this we find that the vines survive quite satisfactorily north of latitude 48 degrees. This equates to vines planted north of Lake Superior or Nova Scotia.

According to my traveling companion Franco, the Loire translates into beautiful castles on manicured grounds, romance, lots and lots of terrific wines, and some excellent wineries staffed by some very talented winemakers.

My assignment was to be in the Loire Valley in France this week. I changed my plan in order to bring to your attention a shortage in the wine market that will affect us all. It would appear that there is a shortage of grapes coming from California. Mike Esterl reports for the Wall Street Journal. In a recent issue he reported that, for a decade, grape prices in the nation’s dominant wine-producing state were in a decline due to pressure by big vineyard expansion during the 1990’s that flooded the market with grapes. In the face of price erosion, many farmers stopped planting new vines, and some switched to other products such as nuts, vegetables and other products that yielded a higher price.

  Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus… and also a pretty good RED from Germany. It is called Spatburgunder (The German translation of Pinot Noir) and I really would like to receive a bottle of it in my Christmas stocking. That will probably not happen in the immediate future because Spatburgunder is produced and consumed almost entirely in Germany.

Records of German wine pourings go back to the 1300’s. If I tried to tell the entire story of German wine, the Lowcountry Weekly would have to stay in business for the next 900 years. And so I yield to reality and will try to talk about just a few types of German wine that land in the Lowcountry. According to Franco I should start with Riesling, and with the summer months fast approaching; I agree.

  My first experience with Michigan was in the airport at Detroit. I thank Providence that my first impression was a fleeting one. My personal dislike for airports is a story for another day, and it does not belong in a wine column; especially the part with four-letter words. The airport was soon out of my system when I got into the countryside and Franco and I headed towards Traverse City.

Once again I find myself with the same old problem. Franco went and fell in love with another wine region; this time it’s the Finger Lakes. I have to bribe him to get going because we have another assignment and the only thing that will work is a picnic lunch consisting of McDonalds Burgers, French Fries and a bottle of Lakes Region Sparkling Rose. I like the combo, but it’s on my dime. I agreed and I sent the luncheon tab to Margaret Evans. I’ll take the heat, but at least it will get us to Long Island on time to get some work done.

There is a new store called “Wine and Cheese If You Please” opening soon on Hilton Head Island. The store will be completely stocked with wine, beer, cheese, soft drinks and really nice people. The address is 24G Palmetto Bay Road. (This is a “Rollers” owned store.) Store manager Camille Copeland and her knowledgeable staff have worked hard to make a unique presentation to the shopping public.

I’m as guilty as the next person. When I drink wine as an accompaniment to food, or to just have a glass with friends, I usually think of California, Italy, Spain, or whatever. Certainly not Maryland…Until now! Our number two daughter lives in Sykesville, Maryland.