You probably won’t be surprised to find out that this photo was not taken in Eastern Washington. Rather, it’s an image of Bandol, a storied wine region in Provence that’s very close to the sea. The most famous red wines from Bandol are made from the Mourvèdre; it’s said that the grape likes to “see the ocean”. In other words, Mourvèdre thrives when it can enjoy a seaside climate. (Just like many people.) The polar opposite of what you’ll find in Washington State’s wine country.
Recently I tasted a wine made from primary Mourvèdre (90%), the 2011 Gramercy Cellars L’Idiot du Village, that got me curious about its potential in Washington. And how it compares to Bandol. Gramercy Cellars Founder and Winemaker, Greg Harrington, was kind enough to address this question. And he also revealed how the name of the wine came from a time when he thought himself a bit of a village idiot. Read the whole story on Grape Collective:
Greg Harrington of Gramercy Cellars Talks Mourvèdre
Bandol photo via Sarahnaut.
How can you not like a wine called the village idiot! I didn’t know that saying about Mouvedre and the sea – interesting.
Sally,
Agreed. I think we are all happier, grapes and people, when we can view the ocean.
Best,
Jameson
I am curious as to why he chose to use the French “Idiot du Village”. Any insight there?
Jeff,
I make you click over to Grape Collective to find out. I’m a monster that way. But it’s worth a click.
Best,
Jameson
Oh, I read that part, I was wondering why French instead of the English “Village Idiot”?
Hmm. Maybe because it’s an homage to a CRDV? Or it softens the blow to refer to yourself as an idiot if you say it in French? Doesn’t everything, good or bad, sound better in French? Like saignee instead of bleeding?