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Comments & Reviews

November 13, 2006 | Joe Birtchings

i agree with you to some degree, but you leave out the benefits of the AOC System and the limitations of not having something like that in California. Like consistency for one. And all of the sub par wine that is produced in california from areas that are not suited for those varietals. For example Cab production from monterey.

November 13, 2006 | Ben Bicais

joeb, you are certainly correct that the French AOC system leads to consistency of grape growing and winemaking practices, but quality is another matter. This is one of the major things that the AOC system continues to grapple with. Sub par wine is being produced in California with varietals that are not suited to the region, but I think that it is fair to say that France produces its fair share of poor quality wine even with its laws in place. So I don't agree that regimenting the system necessarily leads to better quality. A lot of Cab was planted in Monterey during the 1960s and 1970s that was not suited to this large region's generally cool climate. But this has been largely corrected, and I have tasted some excellent Cabs from warmer parts of Carmel Valley.

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