Category Archives: France

Viognier, Maison Denuzière, Aphrodite, Condrieu AC, France, 2014, 13% abv, US$50

Posted on January 17, 2018 by

There are just 500 acres of vines in the French appellation of Condrieu – it’s very petite – and the only grape allowed to grow there is a specific clone of Viognier. A different Viognier clone is used throughout the … Continue reading →

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Champagne, Brut, Nicolas Maillart, Premier Cru, Millésime, Champagne AC, France, 2007, 12.5% abv.

Posted on November 28, 2017 by

Coco Chanel probably said it best when she remarked, “I only drink champagne on two occasions.  When I am in love and when I am not.” Champagne just makes everything better.  Always.  Some people have said to me that they … Continue reading →

Posted in Champagne, Chardonnay, France, Pinot Noir, RED, WHITE | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Le Soula, VdP des Côtes Catalanes, France, 2009, 14% abv, C$45+

Posted on June 26, 2017 by

Every now and then, I’m reminded how small producer, attention-to-detail, hands-on and earth-friendly farming and wine-making practices all conspire to produce some of the seriously fabulous wines of the world. From the minute this was opened, I wondered where it … Continue reading →

Posted in Chardonnay, France, Grenache blanc, Grenache Gris, Macabeu, Marsanne, OTHER, Rousanne, Sauvignon Blanc, WHITE, White Grenache / Garnacha / Garnaxa | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

La Grande Cuvée Rose, Domaine Lafage, Côtes du Roussillon AOP, France, 13% abv, C$35++

Posted on June 7, 2017 by

Made from 70% Grenache Gris, Grenache and 30% Mourvèdre grapes harvested by hand from 65 and 80 year old vines, this is a visual beauty of the palest salmon.  Jean-Marc Lafage makes this at his estate near Perpignan, France.   … Continue reading →

Posted in France, Grenache / Garnacha, Grenache Gris, Mouvedre, Monastrell, ROSE | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Cabernet Franc, Les Muriers, Anjou Villages AC, Loïc Mahé, Loire Valley, France, 12.5% abv. 2013, US$20

Posted on May 15, 2017 by

These are a few of my favourite things.  From a site located in the western part of Savennières and north of the Loire River, Brittany native Loïc Mahé grows bio/organic grapes on shale soils and makes unfiltered wines fermented with natural … Continue reading →

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Tire Bouchon, D’Ourea, Adrien Roustan, Vacqueyras, IGP, France, 2014, 13% abv.

Posted on May 11, 2017 by

Quick, I’m going to test your memory of high school French.  What does tire bouchon mean?  Corkscrew! And you will want your corkscrew for this – so you can drink it all by yourself. Certified organic and located in Vacqueyras, … Continue reading →

Posted in Aramon Noir, France, Grenache / Garnacha, Oeillade Noire, OTHER, RED, Shiraz / Syrah | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Marsanne, Nobles Rives, Cave de Tain, Collines Rhodaniennes IGP, France, 12.5% abv, US$12

Posted on April 25, 2017 by

Marsanne, a grape from the northern Rhône, is usually blended with Roussanne and/or Viognier.  Marsanne brings deep colour, nuts and spice, Roussanne offers floral tones, body and richness and Viognier, fruit. This wine is 100% Marsanne though and is from … Continue reading →

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