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Bordeaux bleg
Next week I am headed to Bordeaux for the inaugural meeting of the Society for Quantitative Gastronomy. How will they react to hearing I am not (yet?) much of a wine drinker? They will be talking of Michelin stars and the econometrics of wine prices; I will be harping on Texas barbecue, Sichuan peppercorns, and why Hyderabad has the best Biryani.
Your suggestions for Bordeaux, wine or otherwise, would be most welcome. I might have a free day or two for a side trip as well.
Posted by Tyler Cowen on May 17, 2006 at 03:29 AM in Food and Drink | Permalink
Comments
Herr Cowen,
Would you be kind enough to elaborate on “quantitative gastronomy?” (calorie counting?)
What will they think of a non-wine drinker – an ‘American’ (term used in the derogatory manner – only because they and most of the rest of the world are jealous/envious of the fantastic social experiment taking place here; unprecedented in its depth and breadth).
Château Margaux
Side trip: Moscow in May
Bon Voyage
Posted by: Chairman Mao at May 17, 2006 2:54:12 AM
If you really want to upset them, talk about chilian wines and say that you actually find them good... You will get answers like "Mais c'est du pipi de chat !" ("it tastes like cat's urine").
"New worlds" wine (ranging from Chile to Australia)is french viticulture's "usual suspect" to explain the vissicitudes in this sector... They will probably talk about "dumping", "low quality" and "wine patriotism".
PS: Try Château Montrose.
Posted by: Alex at May 17, 2006 4:05:32 AM
side trip: the chateaux of the Loire valley.
Posted by: dearieme at May 17, 2006 6:44:10 AM
French food and wine is not my preferred value in food, but the best French wine and the best French food really is exceptional. Have a great time.
Posted by: theCoach at May 17, 2006 9:22:06 AM
I lived in Bordeaux for 7 months, and would love to go back. Some things to do:
1) Rue St. Catherine. This is supposed to be one of the longest pietons in France. Since it is a pedestrian street, it is full of shops and cafes. It goes from le Grand Theatre (the expensive, chic side) to Place de la Victoire (the dirty, cheap side), and runs about 1 kilometer. Look out for other pietons that run into it and some old roman arches. I would suggest walking the whole distance and getting lost along the way on some side streets.
2) La ville d'Arcachon and la Dune du Pyla. Arcachon is a little town on the Atlantic coast, about 70 kilometers from Bordeaux (1 hours drive). It is a typical sleepy French town that hits you with its charm and that you don't want to leave. Just walk around and explore. Find a restaurant along the beach and enjoy the view. La dune du Pyla is the largest sand dune in Europe and is only 10 minutes from Arcachon. A great place to watch the sunset.
Since I don't drink wine either, I don't have any suggestions about that. Sorry. Enjoy the trip.
Posted by: Stoves at May 17, 2006 9:31:09 AM
Are you paying for this trip out of your research budget?
Posted by: m at May 17, 2006 10:55:05 AM
Since you're not much of a wine drinker, you might want to avoid the bigger more tannic wines of the left bank if you are interested in learning to appreciate wine. I am Merlot person myself, and believe it is a very approachable varietal, so almost anything from Pomerol. If you like deserts, there is nothing better to accompany it than a Sauternes.
It is a shame that you do not enjoy wine, as Virginia is quickly establishing a reputation for very good wines.
Posted by: Shaun M. at May 17, 2006 11:52:35 AM
Why does Hyderabad have the best Biryani?
Posted by: dhalsim at May 17, 2006 12:34:41 PM
Plan your next trip to Burgundy--the wine is more subtle and much more food-friendly, and the region is beautiful and fun. Stay away from Beaune and stick to small villages such as Mersault and Nolay.
As a dedicated chowhound, I think you are missing out by not being much of a wine drinker. I know a lot of spicy ethnic foods lend themselves to beer, but there are so many great wines out there that really enhance a meal of any sort.
Posted by: Linda McIntyre at May 17, 2006 2:56:02 PM
The most impressive thing I've seen recently is an Outback Steakhouse. In Sydney.
Lest you think I am kidding:
http://www.outback.com/ourlocations/int_australia.asp
Posted by: Mr. Econotarian at May 17, 2006 5:31:15 PM
Try the catacombs and underground church at St. Emilion.
Posted by: JS at May 17, 2006 10:34:45 PM
If you were going a few weeks later you could take in the Bordeaux wine festival http://www.bordeaux-fete-le-vin.com/uk/sejours/index.html
and hop across the border and run with the bulls in Pamplona.
I would second Arcachon as a nice sea location an hour by train from Bordeaux but if you have an option to go a little further, try San Sebastian in Spain. Incredible tapas, wonderful beach and a vibrant old town.
Posted by: Paul M at May 18, 2006 6:12:53 AM
1996 Château Corbin Michotte $17: A less prestigious wine from a good vintage is a great way to get an affordable taste of somewhat mature Bordeaux. This wine is 3rd from the top in the St. Emilion classification system. Open it; pour a glass and drink up. Then wait an hour and try again. The wine will develop over time. Chocolate, dark fruit and hints of earth and tobacco. Smooth, velvety, and dense.
2003 Chateau D’ Armailhac $38.00: The Wine Spectator: "This huge black/purple colored 2003 reveals tremendous opulence, low acidity, and loads of licorice-infused black fruit. A soft, dense, chewy wine, it offers tremendous fruit, power and intensity. It should be drinkable within 3-5 years of bottling and last for 15 plus years. (92-94)". Also, Robert Parker rates 89-91 points.
Also, consider the 2nd wines of big names such as the 2003 Château La Croix de Beaucaillou $30: Wine Spectator: 86 points: “A balanced wine with berry, tobacco and cherry aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, with soft tannins and a fresh finish.” Decanter says: three stars " Deep ruby, good smoky nose, smooth and elegant with lots of Cabernet structure and fruit, good length and lovely balance. Best 2007-2012”
Some widely available and reasonably priced Bordeaux wines include the 2000 Chateau Sainte Colombe $16, 2003 Chateau Mouton $19, 2000 Chateau Larose-Trintaudon $19, and 2002 Chateau Bel-Air-Ouy $24.
A nice budget white is 2004 Chateau Magneau Graves $11.00.
Of course, you could just go to a nice shop in the DC area and ask fo advice.. I moved away from a DC a few years ago, but I always really liked ACE Beverage on New Mexico Avenue. I’m afraid I’ve got nothing in Northern VA, but I’m sure there’s some decent shops out there.
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