Brandy

[elsa hoffmann]

interesting .... economic politics at work.
and there is definitely a difference in perception - between champagne and bubbly (sparkling wine)

[Akira]

Akira - hahaha I wonder myself...
I want to go do a Brandy tasting myself still. As a Guide I am not allowed to drink while working - and they are not allowed to give me alcohol either when I am working. Damn shame. But they will give me coffee or juice.
Drinking age in SA is 18.

Hope you are allowed to drink when you are not at work. 

[elsa hoffmann]

Hope you are allowed to drink when you are not at work. 

yes - because I am over 18

[Gary]

 Many wine makers in California designate their sparkling wines as Chanpagne.  Some type of grandfather clause allows them to do so.  I think there must be some lineage of the vines back to the Champagne region of France. The closest wine country to moi, is in Temecula. Typically, Mary Lou and I will start our day at Thornton with a late breakfast or lunch (their food is great!) and a flight of Champagne.

Most of the wineries out here make Port but I have yet to encounter brandy or cognac. (I do make my own homemade orange liqueir.)

[armando_m]

Nice images Elsa

I enjoy visiting distillery is always fun, when I have been to a Tequila onewe were warn not use flash , is that the case for this one ?

[armando_m]

Many wine makers in California designate their sparkling wines as Chanpagne.  Some type of grandfather clause allows them to do so.  I think there must be some lineage of the vines back to the Champagne region of France. The closest wine country to moi, is in Temecula. Typically, Mary Lou and I will start our day at Thornton with a late breakfast or lunch (their food is great!) and a flight of Champagne.

Most of the wineries out here make Port but I have yet to encounter brandy or cognac. (I do make my own homemade orange liqueir.)

Gosh Gary ! I'm hungry and you post that ... need to go get some food now

[afx]

Many wine makers in California designate their sparkling wines as Champagne.  Some type of grandfather clause allows them to do so.

Nope.
It is just that the US never signed the treaty that protects the regional names, so you can call any rubbish Champagne or Cognac in the US.
See the history of the Madrid system: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madrid_system

I would not touch anything called Champagne unless it is the real stuff, anyone needing to inflate their name is not to be trusted in my eyes.
There is plenty of excellent sparkling wines in the world, no need for fakes.

cheers
afx

[Gary]

Nope.
It is just that the US never signed the treaty that protects the regional names, so you can call any rubbish Champagne or Cognac in the US.
See the history of the Madrid system: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madrid_system

I would not touch anything called Champagne unless it is the real stuff, anyone needing to inflate their name is not to be trusted in my eyes.
There is plenty of excellent sparkling wines in the world, no need for fakes.

cheers
afx

You are right, USA never signed. Which is why in 2006, when the USA followed suit, those using the name of Champagne were allowed to continue but newer vintners of sparkling wines could not. I agree with you that 'true' Champagne is only from the region ... but I am not as resolute in drawing a line ... building a wall because of marketing. In the perfect world, taste rather than name should be the final and only judge of fine wines. As such, winemakers shouldn't have to worry about naming their wines something that they are not. Unfortunately, this is not a perfect world ... and when it comes to money all the imperfections rise to the top.