A sad day in Dirtville (file under "ass" redux)

[quijote]

This thread is a classic, and was just screaming out to be revisited! (Or at least remembered....)

A lot of interesting debates going on here. I've often wondered what wine styles I am in the process of missing out on due to the "internationalization" of techniques and tastes.

For example, I was reading about Barolo in Oz Clarke's _Encyclopedia of Grapes_, and he seems to suggest that the "old style" Barolo is on its way out as more "accessible" (fruitier, softer, more drinkable at a young age) Barolo is made. (Clarke says that he prefers the newer style.)

Of course, I can't afford either kind of Barolo, so I guess it's a moot concern. But still, I wonder about the extent to which I have no access to perfectly good, but untrendy, styles of wine just because of the transitions taking place in the wine industry (and in demographics and consumer demand)....