1966

Year that the first vineyard-designated wine in California was released. The wine—Heitz “Martha’s Vineyard” 1966 Cabernet Sauvignon–was from what would later become the Oakville AVA in the Napa Valley. When it was released, the 66 Heitz “Martha’s Vineyard” cost $7 a bottle—an astronomical price at the time, since Heitz’s regular cabernet sauvignon was then $1.63 a bottle.

Where does the name Champagne come from?

A. It was the name of the family who made the first sparkling wines in Champagne’s Marne Valley

B. It was the name used by the Romans, referring to the chalky and limestone soils of the region

C. The name is derived from Latin words for the countryside around the city of Reims

D. Champagne was an early name for the ancient observation that crushed grapes would produce a liquid that bubbles

The name Champagne was first used in the sixth century and is derived from campagnia remensis, a Latin term for the countryside around the city of Reims. There is only one appellation in Champagne—Champagne—but the region encompasses five main vineyard areas: Montagne de Reims, Côte des Blancs, Vallée de la Marne, Côte de Sézanne, and Côte des Bar (also known as Aube).

The Croissant

The New York Times reports that the iconic French breakfast item, the croissant, will henceforth be made in a straight, rather than curved, shape–at least in several important outlets in Britain. The Brits say it’s… Continue reading

1966

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