While I realize that many of you may not know about this movie, Bottle Shock, nor the true story behind it. I just finished watching it and now I would like to reflect a bit abouot that story and the current state of food and wine. Just a few thoughts really….
This movie is about the blind wine tasting in 1976 a Brit put together, in France with wines from Napa Valley and France. Chateau Montelena took first place for Chardonnay and Stags Leap took first for Cabernet Sauvignon, much to the dismay of the French, and the shock of many others. While I was only four years old at the time, now I truly appreciate what the Americans accomplished. Not only for wine, but for all things “gastronome” related.
Think about the major change in American dining habits and the way people are thinking about food. Think about Alice Waters and Chez Panisse. Think about Wolfgang Puck, Larry Forgione, Jeremiah Tower, Jean Louis Palladin and on and on and on… Now think about Thomas Keller and The French Laundry or Ferran Adria and El Bulli. Some say these may be the best restaurants in the world, AND NEITHER IS IN FRANCE !!!
Think about all the wonderful artisanal cheeses made here in the U.S. to go with the wonderful wines. We used to look to France for all these things. Now, they look to us. C’est la vie!
