Hugh Johnson on Wine: Good Bits from 55 Years of Scribbling

by Hugh Johnson

WINE CHARACTERS DOCTOR CABERNET Authoritative, senior, unmistakable; a strong personality but a good mixer too. Thick-skinned and adaptable enough to make himself at home anywhere. Confident and wealthy but tending to the austere, even astringent, in taste. MONSIEUR P NONOIR A fragrant personage inclining a little to the well furnished. Sometimes lively and invigorating, even sparkling, but unmistakably a voluptuary by nature and exceptionally fussy about his surroundings. C RAH A person of substance with misty oriental origins. Of dark complexion, spicy in his taste, at times peppery in his humour; at his best, capable of using his wealth to spectacular effect. MERLE O A dark-eyed, long-lashed temptress. At her best buxom, generous, open-hearted, cheerful; the natural partner for Dr Cabernet. Can be a little spineless without his support. THE GAMAY KID Slickest act in town, but a shallow character deep down. Can be captivating with his wide smile and breezy freshness. Easy to have fun with, but further acquaintance often palls. MADAME CHARDONNAY An aristocrat, of perfect deportment, with the ability to shine in all climes and all companies. She can sparkle with the best, or develop wonderfully in tranquility. Rather reserved in youth, when she sometimes camouflages her personality with barrels of perfume. But her substance is never in doubt, her salons always crowded, her maturity the epitome of good breeding. SAUVIGNON BLONDE A slinky dasher with a whiplash tongue. Quite...