Frederick Posted April 30, 2009 Share Posted April 30, 2009 What is it about the French and wine that makes them turn their noses up at a good buy when its not French ? Just bought a case of 12 Sileni Estates Selection Semillon 13.5 % very acceptable from Hawkes Bay New Zealand .....Only 1 euro 30 a bottle when alongside cases of French wine I would say only fit to sprinkle on my chips or cooking moules they were buying at a far bigger price . Shipped half way round the world and even at a crazy low price few takers for this quality New Zealand wine on a French shelf ...Oh well their loss my gain ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mint Posted April 30, 2009 Share Posted April 30, 2009 Frederick, be a sport and tell us where you found this stuff?I promise I'm not proud and my wine doesn't need to be French. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clair Posted April 30, 2009 Share Posted April 30, 2009 In the same league as "Buy British", I suppose... [:)] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frederick Posted April 30, 2009 Author Share Posted April 30, 2009 Mille Stocks in Lucon .but they have other branches Sweet. ....may be one near you ... I cant pass the place without a search through their wines ....makes my day when I find a bargain .What they get in changes frequently so forces you through their door .....and as I never drink before 8pm before somebody suggests in...I am not an alcholic ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunday Driver Posted April 30, 2009 Share Posted April 30, 2009 I'm not surprised that a foreign wine that's probably fairly unknown in rural France and which is on sale at 1,30€ a bottle doesn't get many takers.Perhaps we prefer to support our local wine industry and its associated employment..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frederick Posted April 30, 2009 Author Share Posted April 30, 2009 Come on S D .. fair play ! There are thousands of bottles of French stuff on UK shelves and countries world wide ...Are you suggesting you only want a one way traffic here ? France will suffer under protectionism more than most if that is what you are really suggesting ....I just think they should try somebody elses food and drink for a change a little producer like New Zealand is hardly likely to hurt them much and I am sure they send plenty French wine and sprits out to them . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scooby Posted April 30, 2009 Share Posted April 30, 2009 We've found that the rural French are pretty stuck in their ways. I think it's because their life experiences are very limited compared to Brits. The oft cited '1950's England' analogy is appropriate for many aspects of rural French life - food, travel, cultural outlook, racial attitudes. It's like asking my 90 year old granny if she wants Thai food for tea. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frederick Posted April 30, 2009 Author Share Posted April 30, 2009 I know what you mean Scooby regarding rural France but this area of the Vendee is very tourist occupied and thousands of second home owners from Paris holiday and retire here Lots of people who are switched on and well travelled .. I was surprised to see a wine that is between £8 and £9 a botttle in the UK was still on offer and at such a low price . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mint Posted April 30, 2009 Share Posted April 30, 2009 Frederick, all the shops seem to be in the Deux Sevres, north Charente Maritime area. Nevermind, will bear it in mind when the weather gets a bit better and we can go for some day outings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
babcock Posted April 30, 2009 Share Posted April 30, 2009 I wouldn't mind if it was " I've tried it and French is better" But the the "I don't want it if it is not French" attitude is just stupid. So they will allow any old rubbish to be foisted on them as long as it is French? How can a French producer (of wine or anything else) be pursueded to improve a product given this attitude? It will serve the country right if the wine industry has to cut back. I believe (correct me if wrong) that the export market is very important to the French wine production market. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scooby Posted April 30, 2009 Share Posted April 30, 2009 The French have lost a substantial part of their export market for wine to new world producers - largely as a result of arrogance. Now that their overseas markets have experienced what other regions, outside France, have to offer (particularly with their more precise / controlled production methods) the French stand to lose even more of their market share. IMHO the French are too insular for their own good, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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