Oz and James's Big Wine Adventure

Oz and James’s Big Wine Adventure »

Andrew Barrow

24 Nov

Well it mad me laugh, even if others are not quite as enraptured. Oz Clarke author (author and wine expert) tramps around France with James May, of Top Gear in the BBC TV series Big Wine Adventure. Oz attempts to enlighten the blokie May in the ‘mysteries’ of wine. May’s asides and eye rolling provided the humour against Clarke’s eruditely offered wine knowledge.

May isn’t quite as uncultured as he initially made out – poetry, proficient with some musical instrument or other if a little anal with cleaning his Jaguar; the vehicle in which the pair are travelling around the French winelands. The contrast between the rarefied atmosphere of Pichon Comtesse de Lalande with some back-shed made glugging wine was great; I just wish Clarke would actually answer May’s questions. I guess they have to drag it out for the full six episodes. May’s whistle is a great touch, (guarenteed to annoy Clarke after awhile, one hopes) an attempt to keep the conversation grounded to the ‘common’ man. I could have done without seeing their arses mind.

For a jaded palate the landscapes and Clarke’s enthusiasm should re-inflame the passion. Worth watching the second episode I think.

7 Comments »

Bonnie says:

24/11/2006 at 10:10 am

I’m sorry I missed the first half of the episode but did catch James’ attempts at making wine, which I thought was really funny.
Not bad for a bit of light entertainment with some education thrown in on an otherwise boring Wednesday evening.

Reply
Paul says:

01/09/2007 at 9:29 pm

Help,
What was the name of the Grande Cruz Champagne which they found for £8 a bottle, and what was the name of the producer?
Thanks

Reply
Andrew says:

04/09/2007 at 10:03 am

For the life of me I can’t remember…

Reply
Peter says:

07/09/2007 at 6:51 pm

Bonnie,
Did you find the name of the £8 champagne tasted by James and Oz?
Let me know if you have.
Regards
Peter

Reply
Anna says:

29/08/2008 at 5:32 pm

I know this is ages after your posting, but the Champagne House is:
Pierre Boever
10 rue Michel le Tellier
51150 Louvois
Hope this may be helpful.

Reply
Marcus says:

01/01/2009 at 10:28 pm

Anyone know the song on the advert? Sounds very Stereophonics but i cant find it…

Reply
Vicky says:

10/01/2009 at 10:32 pm

The song on the ‘Drink to Britain’ ad is ‘A Heady Tale’ by The Fratellis. It was driving me mad so I Googled some of the lyrics and found it!
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=oojlvGjGbdk

Reply

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