whats your tipple?

[Steve Crook]

But can you buy Italian or German wines in France?

Or in fact any wine produced in another country in any major wine producing country?



That's why there are more Masters of Wine in the UK than in any other country.

By not producing any (much) we can have the benefit of the best wines from around the world



Steve

[Chevyman]

name='Steve Crook']But can you buy Italian or German wines in France?

Or in fact any wine produced in another country in any major wine producing country?



That's why there are more Masters of Wine in the UK than in any other country.

By not producing any (much) we can have the benefit of the best wines from around the world

Steve

In the larger, French, supermarkets near the channel ports you will find quite a representation of German wine (aimed largely at the British buyer............you can probably guess the brands on offer?). Then there are the TESCO and Sainsburys stores which offer world wines at minimal savings.



In South eastern France you'll find plenty of Italian Wine.



Across the whole of France you'll find Corsican Wine and a North African brand called "Sidi Brahim"...........it's everywhere.



My favourite german wines come from Franken or Franconia. They're very difficult to find here as they tend to drink it before the shippers get hold of it



I very seldom buy Italian wine unless I'm in Italy where I head for the Piemonte for Barolo, Barbera, Barbaresco and Gattinara (Spanna). Blissful wines



I think the Institute Of Masters Of Wine being based in the UK has helped swell the ranks with UK-based members. Courses of study are only open to people working in the wine industry but their membership extends to 23 countries.



I quite like the system of having a sommelier in some of the better restaurants . They will be completely au fait with every wine on the list and they will have an extensive knowledge of the region and matching wines to food.



What a subject

[Chevyman]

Forgot to mention, I'm rather partial to an aperitif. Some favourites are Pineau de Charentes, Dubonnet, Noilly Prat and from Italy Punt e Mes and Campari

[bhowells]

I used to be fond of Captain Morgan rum with coke, havent had one for years. I like Port especially at Christmas.



When I was very young my my Mam and Dad let me have a glass of Harveys Bristol Creme at Christmas. My Dad would also give me a little drop of his Mackeson or Double Diamond.



When I was first courting my wife in 1983, she used to drink either Martini or Cinzano, awful drinks in my view. These days she prefers a whiskey.

[Steve Crook]

name='Chevyman']I quite like the system of having a sommelier in some of the better restaurants . They will be completely au fait with every wine on the list and they will have an extensive knowledge of the region and matching wines to food.

Not just in restaurants, the wine buyers and the heads of the wines department in supermarkets are very knowledgeable as well. Not just the spotty herbert who stacks the shelves but the head of the department. Find them (just ask for them) and you can get some good advice.



In a restaurant, be aware of their mark-up on a bottle and the percentage that the sommelier will get for selling a more expensive bottle. But if it's a restaurant (& sommelier) you can trust or as long as you make it clear that you won't be impressed by price alone, then the sommelier's advice can be very useful



Steve

[torinfan]

Cherry Italian soda with lemon juice

[Tony Pendrey]

I used to be a pub regular but I now prefer to stay in wiv me better half and drink wine.



My GP asked me how I could afford to. I explained to him that a decent bottle of South African red from Lidl is cheaper than a pint of lager in most pubs.



And they don't salute me at AA when I stand up to give my reason for getting blotto at home.