The Fastest Corkscrew in the West - Chapter II: For a Few Bottles More

The Fastest Corkscrew in the West - Chapter II: For a Few Bottles More

Frank saddled up Graach and pointed him eastwards, sipping from a bottle of Trittenheimer as they rode under a sprawling sky. They were still a good distance from the badlands when an infernal noise emanated from the wagon, sounding as if it came from the very bowels of Hell.

2021 German Riesling - The Drinkle Report

2021 German Riesling - The Drinkle Report

The best wines have such astounding, breathtaking clarity that one could take effortless inventory of these qualities in a relaxed and unhurried way, and the terroir-transparency of 2021 is often striking. In general, these are wines that encompass the beauty of early mornings.

A Shared Table

A Shared Table

After a tour of the vineyards, an exploration of the ancient cellar and a comprehensive tasting of both new bottlings and mature vintages, tantalizing aromas began to waft from the small kitchen of the winegrower's home. A large table was informally set in the courtyard, and abundant vessels of simple, tastefully-prepared food began to flow from the house.

Ah, the French

Ah, the French

The Champagne town of Épernay just reeks of money (not an exclusively French fragrance), with seemingly endless palatial buildings lining the Avenue de Champagne. Up front ; fabulously decorated and opulent reception rooms- very haute couture. In some cases (Moet et Chandon) Versailles-style gardens top off the outside opulence. But in most cases, there hides behind some of the facades winery facilities capable of handling millions of litres of juice that might be destined to fill sporting cups or as a shower for champion Formula One drivers. There are frequently “camions-citernes” (tanker trucks) posed like a supermodel in front of some of these elegant facades. Not when the millionaires are expected, I suppose.

White Out!

White Out!

For reasons I'll probably never understand, my paternal grandfather has harboured a lifelong abhorrence of white vehicles. I've heard that in decades past, white was the default paint colour of automotive manufacturers unless one paid extra, so perhaps he associates it with distasteful frugality. It could also just be a strongly held conviction without any sound justification—it’s occasionally been pointed out that us Drinkles can be particularly opinionated people.