I remember a single vineyard Mourvèdre from Australia made from the oldest Mourvèdre vines in the world- like 175 years. It was sublime. And incredible QPR. $20. Hewitson Old Garden I believe.
It’s a variety not a varietal. Varietal as an adjective!
Plus, it’s a Rhone variety, as in a variety commonly grown in the Rhone region. Not Rhone-style.
@klezman
Actually per Merriam-Webster it’s a noun when used in reference to grapes and wine. Now that it is off my chest, Big S, with small M and small G. One of the reasons I’ve enjoyed Casemates- so many compelling Rhone varietal offerings…
@johnnelson7333@ThomasF
I may know what is meant by the question, but I can still be irritated at the propagation of incorrect grammar. It’s not quite as bad as superfluous apostrophes when making the plural form of a noun (whose office has said “we’ll have pizza’s!”?), but it’s also not that far behind.
So basically it’s improper to say “varietal” without it being explicit about the noun it’s modifying.
Varietal wine -> yay!
Grape varietal -> boo!
Grape variety -> yay!
@johnnelson7333@klezman Ah, but what if it’s another step in the linguistic evolution of wine discourse, dropping the “wine” of “varietal wine” for something shorter and more efficient? Paring it down to “wine” would make it too broad, and the term “variety” already has its own connotation in wine circles. Varietal would be the next logical step for retaining the exact connotations of “varietal wine” within a colloquial context.
@klezman@ThomasF
Perhaps! Speaking of colloquial, I have noticed here in Texas that “cuz” is universally taking the place of “because”. It takes too long to say because?
@johnnelson7333@klezman I don’t know about “cuz,” but “cause” replacing “because” makes some sense, since it drops a syllable while maintaining the original connotation. The second clause “cause”-ed the first and such.
I can’t help but see “cuz” and think of people writing “wuz” instead of “was.”
Pulled a loose thread did we? I’m with you on the grammar - my father, mother, and wife are English Lit majors. We correct grammar almost non stop. She and I, her and I, and so on and so on.
@johnnelson7333 Kyle is a guy who frequented wine.woot. He decided to not come along to the new venture and so there you have it. I hope to keep seeing him at SoCal gatherings, however. I don’t think he’s given up on wine!
I may be a lowly engineer, but I was taught proper grammar both by my dad and in school. Some abuses of the language bother me more than others. Do you have any idea how many people (in professional settings) still don’t get the difference between “me” and “I”?
@klezman
That clears things up- I’m new to this venture so I’m still learning the history and nuances.
Yes- the “me” and “I” mistake is rampant. It’s everywhere- it’s on the news, it’s so prevalent, yet we must remain vigilant in our defense of the English language! I’ll be sure to avoid getting a “boo” when using varietal.
GSM, better together!
Grenache
GSM all the way. Or MGS. Or GSM. Or…
It’s all good!
I love all of them, but appreciate a good Mourvedre the most.
I remember a single vineyard Mourvèdre from Australia made from the oldest Mourvèdre vines in the world- like 175 years. It was sublime. And incredible QPR. $20. Hewitson Old Garden I believe.
It’s a variety not a varietal. Varietal as an adjective!
Plus, it’s a Rhone variety, as in a variety commonly grown in the Rhone region. Not Rhone-style.
Now that that’s off my head…Mourvedre.
@klezman
Actually per Merriam-Webster it’s a noun when used in reference to grapes and wine. Now that it is off my chest, Big S, with small M and small G. One of the reasons I’ve enjoyed Casemates- so many compelling Rhone varietal offerings…
@johnnelson7333 @klezman Correct, it is referring to varietals, as in grape/wine, produced in a Rhône style.
@johnnelson7333 @ThomasF
I may know what is meant by the question, but I can still be irritated at the propagation of incorrect grammar. It’s not quite as bad as superfluous apostrophes when making the plural form of a noun (whose office has said “we’ll have pizza’s!”?), but it’s also not that far behind.
First bunch of hits on the all-knowing google:
https://www.thekitchn.com/wine-words-variety-vs-varietal-172907
http://www.winespectator.com/drvinny/show/id/51666
http://grammarist.com/spelling/variety-vs-varietal/
http://antiwinesnob.com/wine-articles/whats-the-difference-between-varietal-and-variety/
So basically it’s improper to say “varietal” without it being explicit about the noun it’s modifying.
Varietal wine -> yay!
Grape varietal -> boo!
Grape variety -> yay!
Also, where’s Kyle when you need him??
@johnnelson7333 @klezman Ah, but what if it’s another step in the linguistic evolution of wine discourse, dropping the “wine” of “varietal wine” for something shorter and more efficient? Paring it down to “wine” would make it too broad, and the term “variety” already has its own connotation in wine circles. Varietal would be the next logical step for retaining the exact connotations of “varietal wine” within a colloquial context.
@klezman @ThomasF
Perhaps! Speaking of colloquial, I have noticed here in Texas that “cuz” is universally taking the place of “because”. It takes too long to say because?
@johnnelson7333 @klezman I don’t know about “cuz,” but “cause” replacing “because” makes some sense, since it drops a syllable while maintaining the original connotation. The second clause “cause”-ed the first and such.
I can’t help but see “cuz” and think of people writing “wuz” instead of “was.”
Pulled a loose thread did we?
I’m with you on the grammar - my father, mother, and wife are English Lit majors. We correct grammar almost non stop. She and I, her and I, and so on and so on.
So… What is your favorite Rhone varietal wine?
Keep up the vigilant defense! Also, who’s Kyle?
@johnnelson7333 Kyle is a guy who frequented wine.woot. He decided to not come along to the new venture and so there you have it. I hope to keep seeing him at SoCal gatherings, however. I don’t think he’s given up on wine!
I may be a lowly engineer, but I was taught proper grammar both by my dad and in school. Some abuses of the language bother me more than others. Do you have any idea how many people (in professional settings) still don’t get the difference between “me” and “I”?
@klezman
That clears things up- I’m new to this venture so I’m still learning the history and nuances.
Yes- the “me” and “I” mistake is rampant. It’s everywhere- it’s on the news, it’s so prevalent, yet we must remain vigilant in our defense of the English language! I’ll be sure to avoid getting a “boo” when using varietal.
@johnnelson7333 In regular conversation I would never mention it. But because somebody posted it as a poll question I felt compelled!