Now I know my Wine-Phabet: D is for Dosage
In this new series called “Now I know my Wine-phabet”, I will explore letter by letter wine and what I believe are some of the most important and/or influential aspects in the world of wine. Since I am only choosing one topic per letter, many will be missed. Hopefully these posts come across as being whimsical and informative. Have fun reading over the next 23 weeks!
Dosage is the adding of sugar to Champagne to increase sweetness levels.
Here is a closer look at Dosage, you need to sing it to the tune of Eric Claptons “Cocaine”.
If the bubbles are dry and you gotta ask why; Dosage.
They fermented away, how do we make it stay; Dosage.
It’s not dry, It’s not dry, It’s not dry…Dosage!
They used to use beet just to make it sweet; Dosage
At 32 its a Demi-sec, I’m talking ’bout sugar content; Dosage.
It’s not dry, It’s not dry, It’s not dry…Dosage!
At 10 grams its a brut, a little less its extra-brut; Dosage.
If Blanc de Blanc won’t do, try the sweeter, Doux; Dosage.
It’s not dry, It’s not dry, It’s not dry…Dosage!
How come it’s not dry, when its extra dry; Dosage.
So what do I think? Brut, you should drink; Dosage.
It’s not dry, It’s not dry, It’s not dry…Dosage!
12 Comments
Anthony
I love it!
Maurice
I wish everyone had our sense of humor. You’d be surprised how many people were offended. Looks like the wine business still lacks a sense of humor. Cheers!
Wayne
No shit, there continues to be this aura regarding wine and the fact it is liquid geography is all one really needs to know.
Maurice
Absolutely right!
Doug Jamieson
Hey Maurice,
Very clever! Reminds me of the Happy Days episode where Potsy had to ace an anatomy exam to save his year and could only pull it off by putting it to music!
When was the last time you were in Canada, specifically the Okanagan Valley? I am a sommelier and wine educator and would like to invite you to visit with me the next time you come to British Columbia. I would love to show you some of the best examples of vineyards and wines from the South Okanagan and hopefully influence you to include some of them on your wine lists in San Francisco.
Anyway, I have read through some of your posts and like how you approach wine education for those who consider themselves enthusiasts. I would enjoy chatting with you about this philosophy more in the future!!
Cheers,
Doug Jamieson
Maurice
Thanks Doug. I the last time I was in Canada was 2000. I spent the New Year in Vancouver and Whistler Mt. Loved it! Beautiful city, so clean and refreshing. I am not sure if Canada is on any short term plans, but I can see myself revisiting. I would love to take you up on your offer, the wines are incredible. Thank you for your kind comments and absolutely, lets chat it up! Cheers!
Doug Jamieson
Hey Maurice,
Wow, 2000…definitely time for a visit! The wine industry in BC has exploded over the last 10 years, even the last 5 have seen exponential growth! Of course growth does nothing to insure quality. However, as competition gets stiffer, wineries need to do their best to keep the cash flowing, so overall – everyone wins.
The jewel in the crown is definitely in the South Okanagan – the Black Sage Bench (between Oliver & Osoyoos)…definitely the most important sub-appellation in the Okanagan region. On the northern tip of the Sonora Desert, its plateau is sun drenched, hot and lacking any real soil (read sand and gravel). Phenomenal reds from the right side of the valley and whites that are full ripeness but retain minerality and acidity due to all the water flowing in the bottom of the valley.
When you have some time, let me know what you have tasted over the years and I will recommend some of the best currently available.
I look forward to hearing some of your favourites and continuing the convo!
Cheers,
Doug
Maurice
Sounds good! Cheers!
Cynthia
Very, very clever. Cannot believe people were bothered by this. Find a sense of humour!!!
Maurice
Thank you. it just seems that some of the purist had a hard time with champagne being mentioned with cocaine. Yeah, whatever! I spent the day at Disneyland today and I have the urge to write a “its a small world” song about wine. I can’t imagine that offending anybody. Cheers!
Luciana Braz
Good job!!
I like when the wine jargons are put aside to make one life easier. I’ll revisit your blog for sure 🙂
L.
Maurice
Wine can be taken way too seriously. Cheers!