Loire

Vacations are not only about R&R. They are also learning experiences. In my recent trip through  rivers of Southern Germany I came to know a wine region new to me. Franconia is an ancient land with its own culture and dialect still in existence, despite having been geographically blended  within Germany. It is mostly located within the state of Bavaria. Its largest cities are Nuremberg and Wurzberg. There, along the banks of the Main River, a tributary of the Rhine, lies a small wine appellation with the same name, that Germans refer to as Franken. In the small town of[...]

Last week I commented on the news that an appellation in Sonoma that makes no geographic sense is being targeted for revision, albeit with much resistance, for such designations, from the standpoint of wineries, amount to a revision of their trademark status. Some benefit from revisions, others don't. Hence the controversy. While wineries line up to arrange appellation borders to best suit their business needs, what are we, wine consumers are to make of the entire concept of appellations? Is there any use in this for us? How can we keep up with nearly 200 appellation designations in California alone,[...]