Category Archives: France
Génération Dix-Neuf, Sauvignon Blanc, Alphonse Mellot, Sancerre AC, Loire Valley, France, 2012, 13% abv.
We visited this tasting room in the heart of Sancerre in June, 2014. Although I’d booked a personal appointment well in advance, no tour was offered and we simply did the regular tasting with their store employee – who was … Continue reading
Notre Histoire, Bourgueil AC, Domaine de L’Oubliée, Loire, France, 13% abv, 2011
This is a wine made by Xavier Courrant who used to work in Paris as a wine retailer. In 2009 he purchased 6 ha of vines (five Cabernet Franc and one Chenin Blanc) in Bourgueil near Saint-Patrice and went to … Continue reading
Domaine Jules Desjourneys, Moulin-à-Vent, Cru Beaujolais, France, 2009, 13.5% abv.
Moulin-à-Vent is one of the most special of the Beaujolais crus and the wine can most closely resemble fine Burgundy when aged. In fact, this bottle doesn’t even mention Beaujolais on the label but instead, refers to red ‘Burgundy’. Make … Continue reading
Gaston Chiquet, Tradition Brut, Premier Cru, Dizy, Champagne, France, RM, 12.5% abv, NV (Magnum) @ Marquis Wine Cellars
A grower-producer from the cool named, Dizy located just north of Épernay, the Chiquet family has been growing vines and making Champagne for generations. The current crop of Chiquets include brothers Antoine and Nicolas with Antoine’s daughter Marion. Their 23 ha … Continue reading
Guiborat Fils, Blanc de Blancs, Extra Brut, Grand Cru, Cramant AC, Champagne, France, 2005, 12% abv.
Owned by Richard and Karine Fouquet, this Guiborat Fils Grand Cru vintage champagne is produced from Chardonnay grapes in the quaint French village of Cramant. Richard is the 5th generation of his family to be making champagne and he farms 8 ha … Continue reading
Jacquesson, Cuvée No. 736, Extra Brut, Champagne, France, 12% abv, C$75 @ Marquis
A celebrated Champagne house in operation since 1798, Jacquesson has been owned since 1974 by the Chiquet family and is located in Dizy, just north of Epernay. The family owns 31 ha of vineyards throughout Aÿ, Avize and Oiry, all Grand Crus, … Continue reading
Champagne Marie Courtin, Résonance, Extra Brut, Pinot Noir, Polisot, Aube, France, 12% abv, disgorged May 2013, C$90
Champagne – bubbles, blended parcels of wines, large famous luxury brand companies. Right? Well, it has been that way for a long time for the internationally marketed mega brands. There has, however, been a resurgence in the grower Champagne market that has come … Continue reading
Domaine Huet, Le Mont, Sec, Vouvray AC, Loire, France, 2010, 13.5% abv.
I just can’t get enough. Chenin Blanc wines rank up there amongst my favourites; they’re so versatile. All styles are possible – from sweet, botrytis affected dessert wines to slightly off dry versions, to dry, linear, deeply mineral bottles and … Continue reading
Viognier, Paul Mas, Pays D’Oc, IGP, Languedoc, France, 2013, 13.5% abv, C$14
Looking for a wine that is easy to find, not terribly pricey, tasty and isn’t Sauvignon Blanc? I thought so. This Viognier could be the one. It has a clear, medium lemon colour with light legs and aromas of minerals, apricots … Continue reading
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