Tag Archives: france

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

Sauvignon Blanc, Fumées Blanches, Francois Lurton, Vin de France, France, 2016, 11.5% abv, C$14

Who’s looking for a crisp white wine to enjoy on the back porch as winter turns into spring? That’s what I thought… Here’s one that’s available in North American and European stores at prices ranging from a low of C$12.95 … Continue reading

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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

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

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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Chardonnay, Pur Prisme, Guiborat Fils, Grand Cru, RM, Cramant, Champagne AC, France, 12.5% abv. US$45

This Champagne was created by Richard Fouquet, a 5th generation vigneron and récoltant manipulant (someone who grows his own grapes, makes his own wine and markets them under his own name) in Cramant. We visited Richard and his wife Karine … Continue reading

Posted in Champagne, Chardonnay, France, OTHER, WHITE | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments