Which Is The King Of White Grapes

[Thraz]

I have re-read this thread and I feel that Ray may have been catching more flak than his post deserved. The question of which country is the greatest wine producer may be innocent in Singapore, but it will inevitably inflame passions in a forum attended by people from a wine-producing country such as this. In the end one's opinion will be based on personal taste and availability. France definitely produces a lot of plonk, much of which will never see a glass container in its entire production-to-consumption cycle. Most of it is consumed locally though, and while the debate around "greatest producer" is futile, that of "most efficient exporter" may have a bit more basis. I have never been to Singapore, but if the shelves there look anything like they do in continental Europe, even outside France, you would never know that the US makes great wine (it's a bit better in Britain, but the US selection is still dwarfed by the French one). If you look hard, you might find a bottle of Glen Ellen, and as an average consumer you will think that is the best that the US wine industry can export. No Montelena in sight. Very unfortunate of course, but nonetheless a strong influence on people's perceptions.

So the point of all this: Ray, if you think France makes the best wine, carry on - and I hope we have made you curious enough to also try US and other wines. But most of all, I hope you continue posting, a non-US perspective would do us all a lot of good. How about wine producers in Asia?