Category Archives: France
Carpe Diem, Melon de Bourgogne, Domaine de l’Ecu, Nantais, Loire, Vin de France, 12% abv, 2012
I visited Domaine de l’Ecu in June 2014 about a week after writing the final Diploma exam. I was still recovering from WSET trauma – but eager to meet renowned winemakers Guy Bossard and Fred Niger van Herck at this … Continue reading
Andre et Mireille Tissot, Brut, Cremant de Jura AC, Montigny-les-Arsures, Jura, France, 12.5% abv, C$35
Jura is one of France’s smallest and most unusual wine regions. Located east of Burgundy and the Cote d’Or, it lies in the foothills of the Jura mountains on the eastern border with Switzerland. The wines of Jura are unique as … Continue reading
Champagne Geoffroy, Volupte, Brut, Premier Cru, Ay, France, 12.5% abv
We enjoyed an informative and gracious visit to Champagne Geoffroy in June 2014 and while there purchased this bottle to use in a toast to honour of my parents’ 50th wedding anniversary in August. Many of grower-producer Jean-Baptiste Geoffroy’s champagnes … Continue reading
Chateau de Fesles, Bonnezeaux AC, Loire, France, 1999, 13% abv, Edition Limitee, bottle #00235
Château de Fesles is located in the Loire Valley’s Thouarcé district in the Anjou region, very close to the tiny village of Bonnezeaux and in between the Layon (which lies 1.5km to the south) and Loire (18 km to the north) Rivers. The … Continue reading
Vouette et Sorbée, Cuvée Fidèle, Extra Brut, Champagne, France, NV, C$90.00
I have slaved, seriously slaved for several years. So, after finding out I passed my final set of WSET Diploma exams, I wanted something worthy for the celebration. Into the fridge popped this bottle. Named after two vineyards, the Fidèle, Extra … Continue reading
Domaine Huet, Le Haut Lieu, Molleux, Vouvray AC, Loire, France, 2008, 12.5% abv
During our June 2012 visit to France, we visited Domaine Huet and enjoyed a tasting and tour with Johan. Before leaving for a scrumptious lunch of local Loire specialities engineered by Chef Christophe and his wife Natalie at a nearby … Continue reading
Chateau Pradeaux, Bandol AOP, Provence, France 2007, 14.5% abv, US$45.95
Mention Provence and most people conjure up images of the sparkling azure waters of the Mediterranean, olive trees and pink wines. In this case, the pictures are accurate – except for the wine. This nectar is the famous red Provencal wine from the … Continue reading
Chateau de Tracy, Pouilly-Fumé AOP, Loire, France, 2011, 13% abv, C$51
Pouilly-Fumé AOP is in the eastern Loire Valley, just across the Loire River and to the east of Sancerre. This region is known now for its white Sauvignon Blanc wines that have characteristically pungent aromas and flavours of gooseberry and flint, but … Continue reading
Les Solitaires, Chateau la Begude, Gigondas AC, Gabriel Meffre Negociant-Eleveur, France, 2010, 14.5% abv
Gigondas is well-known as the little sibling to Chateauneuf-de-Pape and hails from France’s Southern Rhone Valley. An Appellation Controlee since 1971, most wines made here are red and may be no more than 80% Grenache. Some roses are made, but no … Continue reading
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