Muscadet Crus Communaux
The Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine appellation experienced little short of a seismic shift in July with the approval of three Muscadet crus communaux, or communal crus, by INAO. It’s Muscadet, Jim, but not as we know it.
The other Bordeaux
Without the luxury brand power that goes with top classed growth and astronomic A-list status, other Bordeaux producers must put in the hard graft to get their wines noticed.
Bordeaux 2010 snapshot
While everyone’s been busy with the en primeurs in Bordeaux, here’s a snapshot from three producers who came to London in March 2010 with a sneak preview of their wines. What these three said is being repeated by the specialist Bordeaux writers after their week of tasting and interviewing – 2010 is looking classically classy.
Guigal and Château d'Ampuis
The Guigal family comes full circle at the Château d’Ampuis, which also houses the company’s cooperage, started in 2003.
Domaine Clape – putting the cor back into Cornas
Domaine Clape is Cornas’ pioneer and flag bearer. Third generation Olivier explained the tradition and precision.
Vin de France – the new kid on the block?
There’s excitement in France at the new Vin de France category, in effect from the 2009 vintage, which means wines started coming on the market about six months ago.
Guide to winetasting – part 8
Part eight of an eight part guide to wine tasting, written for France magazine. This month is dessert wines.
Sommeliers in the South of France
A recent visit by a group of UK sommeliers to some of the top appellations of the Languedoc turned up some interesting finds, as well as ideas for putting the region’s wines on the map and on the list.
Serious stuff from the south of France
A high-profile panel of trade buyers and writers recently whittled down, by blind-tasting/judging, a selection of so-called icon wines from sunny Languedoc and Roussillon. Of those selected, here are my favourites.
Guide to winetasting – part 7
Part seven of an eight part guide to wine tasting, written for France magazine. This month is light-bodied reds.
