originally posted by SFJoe:
originally posted by .sasha:
originally posted by SFJoe:
Was that the famous Honivogl Honifogl, so beloved of Austrian crossword puzzlers and trivia buffs?
Yes. And the worst part, I was too drunk to remember the explanation. There is a story there, isn't there, one worth telling?
Not to build it up too far.
I wasn't at the Vinea Wachau when they were making their decisions, but my understanding is that "Honifogl" was the precursor designation for a brief period (1986 vintage) for ripeness levels currently covered as "Smaragd," i.e., with potential alcohol greater than (12? 12.5%?). I had thought that "Honifogl" was a tip of the hat to the famous "Honivogl" vineyard, which is a warm site and consistently delivers GV of this ripeness.
So in 1986 there is one wine in Austria that is both "Honivogl" (vineyard), and "Honifogl" (ripeness level of the Vinea Wachau growers association). Hahahahaha, a macho pedant knee-slapper, no?
But it's a fine vintage and a delicious wine and a most amusing label.