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Do you have trouble selecting wines at your local wine shop? I’ll admit I do, even with a decades of wine experience under my belt it is a challenge.
A major part of the problem is the complex state to state liquor laws that control the flow of wines from winemaker to your table in restricted distribution channels. But we can beat that.
We’ve offered a lot of tips over the years, like make friends with your wine seller, know the importer, and many other tricks. One we have not mentioned is to know the brand. Brand is certainly something we often use in making purchasing decisions, but not so often when it comes to wine. But we should, so think about this...Pernod Ricard.
One brand we love is Pernod Ricard, a legendary French company whose roots go back to 1797 when a man named Henri-Louis Picard bottled his first absinthe liquor, Pernod, some years later another fellow, Paul Ricard, did the same, it was a pastis, called Ricard. A very interesting story came in the following years, but fast forward to today when Pernor Ricard lives as a international conglomerate with a dizzying portfolio of beverages, we especially love their wines.
You’ve read about them here, Jacob’s Creek the venerable Australian wine maker whose wines enjoy world popularity and in my house too.
“I have met many a winemaker in my travels and they all have an abundance of passion for what they do. They must, producing great wine is a considerable feat that only a few have the insight and perseverance to accomplish.”
Jacob’s Creek’s Moscato created an international category for younger drinkers.
Or Brancott Wines Stoneleigh Vineyards of New Zealand whose bracing Sauvignon Blancs and Pinot Grigios complete many a delicious meal.
“Does place matter when it comes to wine? I certainly think so. Place of origin, which in the wine world we call terroir, and place of enjoyment which might be your dining table, a wine bar, bistro or a place like this.
Last night we enjoyed a perfect convergence of place with three great wines from the storied Brancott Estate of Marlborough, New Zealand and the cool XVI Rooftop Lounge on a perfect New York summer night.”
What makes these vineyards great is the support and autonomy they receive from Pernod Ricard, the resources yet the independence to make fine wines, true to their region. Then the distribution power of Pernod makes them available to you.
The regions span the globe, including France, Argentina, Spain even California.
We love Campo Viejo Rioja which we shared in a story “Summer Dinner Party - Campo Viejo Rioja Great Wine with Great Friends”
“I've been waiting for months for a special occaision to open these three beautiful bottles of Rioja from one of Spain's most prestigious producers Campo Viejo. The day finally arrived with a beautiful dinner with four of our best food and wine friends. It was a great opportunity to learn about and enjoy these iconic wines. Let me tell you all about them.”
Of course perhaps the most famous Pernod Ricard bottles are GH Mumm® and Perrier-Jouët® Champagne that have complemented more New Year and memorable celebrations than we could ever enumerate.
So next time you are looking for a wine, think Pernod Ricard. The same applies to liquors, you do like Absolute, Jameson, Chivas…
Things to do, places to see, with food and booze
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