So apparently France is having this huge surplus-of-wine problem this season.

Think millions of gallons of mourvedre. No kidding.

The exports just ain't happening and wine consumption in France is way down. WAY down, as in from 130 bottles per person per year to 75 bottles per person per year (that's the way NPR quotes it).

So what's a nation to do with all of that extra booze?

Sell it off cheap? (please oh please oh please)

Ok, that would never happen. It just doesn't make economic sense. If you paid $5.00 for a bottle of French bordeaux one year.. and then the next the same bottle of French bordeaux from the same label was selling it for $15.00, would you buy it? (I mean, $15.00 isn't bad, but just for argument's sake).

I guess the French see it that way too, so they're taking lots of measures to boost sales, and turning most of that surplus into industrial grade alcohol for industrial use, like converting it into fuel. (whatever industrial grade alcohol is used for) (and no, Bacardi 151 isn't industrial grade. although it sure tastes like it should be).

The sad part of it all is that many of the small vintners will most likely be out of business at the end of all this. not to mention all those gallons of wine.

And most sad of all.... no Two-Buck Jacques for us.