Robert Parker makes the big time

[Thomas]

The latest issue of the Atlantic Monthly includes a feature on Robert Parker.

I have read only half of it so far, time being short these days. I admit that I set to read the article with the clear intent to fire off a letter to the magazine about a story I was sure would tout Parker's "great" wine achievements. Instead, the article is well balanced, at least it is for as far as I got.

Unfortunately, the writer obviously has no feel for wine--it shows in his writing. He got his history wrong; says England has been in Bordeaux since the 1700s, when the relationship was solidified in the 13th century, after Acquitaine joined the British crown. And he asked why someone would pursue a career in "something as superfluous as the taste of wine?" What can I say? The magazine never called me to do the piece!

Recommended reading to all us superfluous enophiles.

[Innkeeper]

For those wanting to peruse it online, go to: http://www.theatlantic.com/cgi-bin/o/issues/2000/12/langewiesche.htm . Warning, it is a looooooooooooong article.

[barnesy]

(gets out his soapbox) Well, here I go....

Something that has been bugging me, which I have seen on several wine sites, is a bit of misinterpretation of bordeaux history.

In 1066, William, Duke of Normandy, invaded England. He was crowned King of England while he was still Duke of Normandy, which still made him a vassal of the French King. His grandson, Henry II, married Eleanor or Aquitaine in 1152. At this point we get Bordeaux added to the Plantagenet realms. In reality, England is under the rule of the French. Henry is still duke of Normandy and Henry is still the Vassal of the French king. So Bordeaux wasn't really added to the realm of the English, but the Normans (French). At this time, the Normans ruled more of France than the French king, who only held a bit of land around Paris.

Just something that has been bugging me, and for those of us who make our living off of history, its something that I wished to say.

(gets off of his soapbox)

Barnesy

[Thomas]

Actually Barnsey, what I meant, but clearly did not say, is that the writer claimed that England entered the Bordeaux wine market in the 1700s. With the history between Eleanor and Henry, that you cite, the wine trade connection was clearly established in the thriteenth century (Henry had vineyards in France). The 100 Years Wars that came later saw Bordeaux wine interests shifting back and forth, based on who was on top at the moment, so the 1700s reference was not correct.

Sorry if I misled you to think I meant otherwise. Got that off my hairy chest--down CCK!!!

[chittychattykathy]

Ahh, you know of my weakness?!? (And to think that I am in the middle of reading your delicious book as well...)

[RAD]

Foodie, thanks for pointing out the article, and IK, thanks for posting the link. A well-written, interesting, and informative article.

RAD

[mrdutton]

And to whomever sent me a copy of the mag a BIG THANKS!

(IK was that you?)

[Drew]

Great article, and to think he lives 10 miles from me! Maybe he and I'll get together and throw down a couple of 90' Chateau Latour's or 95' Margaux's....ok maybe not.

Drew

[Innkeeper]

Wasn't me Mike, but something "oaky" is heading your way for winning the "guess who" contest.

[mrdutton]

An acorn, mayhaps?

ON the magazine: Or it could have been just a stroke of luck that I got that particular issue, maybe the company is trying to convince me to subscribe.