I've always loved the phrase "Across the Pond". It makes the Atlantic seem like such a small body of water. Suggesting Europe is a short distance away. But, of course, as we all know, nothing could be further from the truth. I believe the same can be said about the wines - European wines are very different than most we enjoy produced in the western US.
Please note: I didn't say they are better or worse - just different. I belileve wine is much like art: beauty is truly in the eyes of the beholder. If the drinker loves his or her wine, then it's a great wine! But when wine experts refer to European wines as coming from "the Old World" and ours as "the New World," the separation is obvious.
My lovely wife, Patti, and I recently returned from an almost three week trip to central Europe. A new Mercedes was waiting for us in Stuttgart - via the "European Delivery" program offered by Mercedes. By the way, if you've never done "European Delivery" for a Mercedes or BMW, I strongly urge you to do so when the opportunity permits. Not only do you have your own, brand-new, beautiful car to drive through Germany (and wherever else you choose to go), but you are forced to travel across the pond and take a European vacation! Then you head home and a month or two later, your car shows up at your front door! Fun stuff!
OK...back to the wine - which was another reason for the trip. I wanted to try the various offerings from western Germany (and Alsace), Austria, and central Germany. And rest assured, we did! Leaving Stuttgart, we took the Autobahn west and south to the absolutely beautiful town of Baden-Baden.
In my next blog - and others that will follow - I will share our experiences as we meandered 1,382 miles from Stuttgart to Frankfurt. I hope you vicariously enjoy our travels as much as we did!
Terry Liebman
