The Land of Yes

The Languedoc, a large wine region in southern France, is named after a group of languages and dialects spoken there during the Middle Ages. The languages are known collectively as the langue d’oc, or “language of oc.” Oc is the word for “yes” in the Occitan language of southern France. In the north of France, the word for “yes” was oïl, which later evolved to oui. The Languedoc is actually the largest wine-producing region in France. More wine is produced in this one area than in the entire United States. Oui, indeed.

In Australia, the “cigar” is a wine reference to what?

A. A shiraz made with stems, giving it a slightly bitter, smoky character

B. A clone of pinot noir with an earthy tobacco character that was imported to Victoria from France in the 18th century

C. A strip of limestone soil in South Australia on which cabernet is planted

D. Historically, the time after dinner when Australian men (minus any women) would retreat to another room to smoke and drink Australian “port”

The “cigar” refers to a famous nine-mile long strip of soil in Coonawarra (Aboriginal for “honeysuckle”) on the Limestone Coast of South Australia. The soil (called terra rossa) is a reddish colored mixture of porous clay soil and limestone. It is considered (along with Western Australia’s Margaret River) one of the best places in the country for cabernet sauvignon. These cabernets are often full of black currant and something green, like chaparral. Australian producer Yalumba makes a cabernet sauvignon called “The Cigar” as a tribute to the region.

“I’m playing the best basketball of my life, and I’m drinking some wine pretty much every day.”

–LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers, speaking to NBC Sports, California. On a recent trip to Napa Valley to taste wines, James practiced at the St. Helena High School gym.

The Land of Yes

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