I did this interview yesterday by telephone with Radio Canada in Montreal. I had just arrived in Mexico City, so it took me a while to find a landline for the short conversation! I thought it was interesting and you might enjoy listening to it. Some people in the province of Québec seem to want to make it an issue that I have been blind tasting wines from the Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ), the state-run wine and spirits distribution company. They say that it should be only people from their province who should be rating wines from the SAQ. But I say that the wine drinkers of Québec enjoy outstanding wines like the rest of us, so who cares who rates them? Besides, what’s wrong with the SAQ using my scores? It uses Robert Parker and The Wine Spectator as well. Moreover, I think that my palate is very close to the wine palate of the Quebecers. They have European palates and appreciate balanced, fresh and beautiful wines. It’s about drinking outstanding wines with wonderful food around the table with friends and family.
Here is the interview:
In reply to Ms. Rivest, if there is ever anybody that understands our palate as well or better than the Phaneufs or the Chartiers (or herself) of Quebec, I would put my money on James who is so in tune with with our european palate and in many people's opinion an expert when it comes to the wines of France and Italy... coincidentally what we Quebecers consume the most of ;-) pretty funny that I had just finished reading Jessica Harnois' post which actually points this out.
Don't get me wrong I truly respect our local wine talents (and we have many - IMO a good example is Aurelia who is killing it with http://busurleweb.com/) but if people want to be upset at anyone they should be upset at the "big names" who probably weren't as pragmatic as JS in striking a similar deal with the SAQ. When I read the on Mechant Raisin (http://mechantraisin.canoe.com/general/ma-rencontre-avec-james-suckling/) and the reference to Phaneuf, I got a bit of a feeling of snobbism and close mindedness... or maybe it's just because he wouldn't want to associate himself with this sort of a project without compensation.
Either way, I think that this project will not only appeal to a vast majority of SAQ customers including those who usually follow local critics, but could also appeal to a whole other population of wine drinkers in Quebec. The population that is well in tune with the international wine scene, serious wine collectors, followers of RP and WS, and young enthusiasts (like myself). I mean if you're a big time critic like James and you're truly embracing social media (as Gary Vee would say you're "crushing it") and doing cool new projects such as retail tastings and this association with the SAQ, you're a winner in my book!
And yeh, Kudos to the SAQ as well... for a long time they were criticized as being too "old school" and just frankly IMO not delivering on my tax dollars. Sure the site really needs a major revamp but they've turned things around: Cellier is really a great publication, the Services Signature is amazing, and in the past few years I've even noticed a change in the advisors' attitude and general level of interest.
I was actually at a small SAQ today browsing the specialty section and I was quite surprised to already see the JS rated shelf talkers. I must have picked out 5-6 of the wines and can't wait to try them!
Keep up the good work James,
Cheers!
Boy, has your visit created waves in this city - BRAVO !!
First the bashing of our city by one nut case (about our restaurants and the SAQ) and now criticism (actually seems a bit like ranting and raving by a narrow-minded local) of your effort in tasting wines available in Quebec which will no doubt help to promote some of the fantastic offerings at the SAQ. I don't think the local critic here really understands your dedication, professionalism and the impact you have single-handedly had in the wine world. Too bad, but we often see very "provincial" and "short-sighted" views offered up by Quebecois when visitors come into our town.
By the way, I'm part of a relatively informed wine group in this city, I don't know anyone who knows Rivet or has ever read anything she has written...
I also hope you come back soon, and often!
I will say that some regard Mr. Phaneuf as the single most important wine critic and local hero here. Though his guide is extremely well designed and is fun to read, I find him extermely predictable. It should be noted that Mr. Phaneuf himself (who does not taste blind and who's ratings are often off the mark) says that Decanter is the the best wine magazine out there. Funny that a local "expert" reads a British wine magazine and sometimes even references it.
Imaging if all around the world people only referrenced local wine critics reviews and not the recognised world experts. That would be a shame and very limiting.
Rock on James!
Chief
Although I was born and raised in British Columbia, I am a dual citizen of both Canada and the United States. As a Canadian, I find Ms. Rivest’s comments embarrassing. As an American, I find her generalizing attitude toward the U.S. palate insulting.
Appreciating good wine has nothing to do with nationality or residency. It is all about appreciation and taste.
As a wine consumer that gravitates toward subtly complex earth-driven wines, I find myself rarely altering your reviews and scores to match my taste. I cannot say that about any other wine critic. Keep up the great work James.
Todd
And, yes, Cellier is probably the only Quebec publication whose English version does *not* strike you as a translated version of the original. And the quality of the SAQ retail outlets these days is hard to describe - check out the recently-renovated and relocated Westmount outlet - they really make you feel welcome!