Category Archives: France

Loïc Mahé, Gourmandise du Gue d’Orger, Savennières, Loire Valley AoC, France, 12.5% abv, 2015, US$20

Straight from Savennières in the Loire Valley comes this precise, biodynamic red wine made of Cabernet Franc by Loïc Mahé. On the eyes, it’s translucent ruby with a nose of light raspberry and strawberry, with green leaf, schist and earth. … Continue reading

Posted in Cabernet Franc, France, Loire, OTHER, RED | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Rosé, Whispering Angel, Caves D’Esclans, Domaines Sacha Lichine, Côtes-de-Provence, France, 2017, US$21

I drank it all.  Every drop.  By myself.  And I was so distracted, I even forgot to take a picture of the bottle before I drained it. But I think this is what happens with the easily quaffable Whispering Angel. … Continue reading

Posted in Cinsault, France, Grenache / Garnacha, OTHER, Rolle, ROSE, Shiraz / Syrah, Vermentino | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Rosé, Domaine Houchart, Côtes de Provence AC, France, 13% abv, 2016, C$20++

It’s so warm these days, I can’t bring myself to drink anything other than gin and tonic … or perhaps a bottle of Rosé. This Rosé, made of typical Provençal grapes – Cinsault, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah – is bottled at … Continue reading

Posted in Cinsault, France, Grenache / Garnacha, Mouvedre, Monastrell, OTHER, RED, ROSE, Shiraz / Syrah | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Rosé, Bastide Blanche, Château de Castillon, Bandol AC, France, 2015, 13.5% abv. US$20

Rosé and summer go swell together.  Consider adding this one to your long weekend activities. Rosé is the best known style of wine from Bandol – a tiny wine region on the French shores of the Mediterranean.  Bandol is part … Continue reading

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

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

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.

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+

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++

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

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.

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