French Wines

In The Glass: Famille Perrin Gigondas La Gille 2016

by  |  06-05-2021

The name, “Perrin” might not immediately bring up any wine associations to many people. I would like to remind you of those days back when we could fly freely and plentifully. There on many of... more »

A Southern European selection of François Lurton

by  |  03-05-2021

François Lurton is but one member of the vast Lurton family, long-established in Bordeaux. If you’d like to read up on their history, I’d recommend having a look at this article as I would but... more »

1999 Vintage in Priorat vs. Châteauneuf-du-Pape

by  |  15-02-2021

While my memory is less amazing with each birthday, I can tell you exactly where I was at the beginning of 1999. Two friends came down from my hometown on December 31st, 1998 so that... more »

In The Glass: André Clouet Brut Millésimé 2008

by  |  27-01-2021

And now for something different as I don’t really drink much Champagne. I know, I know, it’s horridly sacrilegious as I’ve been told repeatedly by many a colleague in the UK wine trade. But, being... more »

In The Glass: Clau de Nell – Grolleau 2011

by  |  21-10-2020

I adore grape variety summaries such as these: “Widely planted though little recognized”. Where some may see that as meaning a variety exists in a sea of bland obscurity, I see it as a challenge.... more »

Searching for Cinsault… in France

by  |  26-08-2020

Trying to grasp the world of wine is all about drawing parallels which is why I contend that the Southern French grape, Cinsault is the up-and-coming Malbec for a new age of wine drinking. What... more »

In The Glass: Domaine Cauhapé – La Canopée 2017

by  |  17-07-2020

The region of Jurançon in Southwest France has a white heart. With the principle grapes of Petit Manseng and Gros Manseng as well as smaller amounts of Lauzet, Courbu, Petit Courbu, and Camaralet de Lasseube... more »

Going virtually to Burgundy via their new maps

by  |  22-06-2020

In regards to the issues surrounding wine events during this pandemic, a mighty fat bummer was the cancellation of Grands Jours du Bourgogne, a week-long event that takes places over the various subregions of Burgundy,... more »

2020, the gift that keeps on giving

by  |  11-06-2020

Starting in March it became readily apparent that 2020 was going to be a real slog for wine. When restaurants, bars, and hotels are closed due to a global pandemic, wine doesn’t sell which is... more »

Understanding the Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2010-2017 vintages via Domaine la Barroche

by  |  09-06-2020

I seem to have a knack in catching Julien Barrot of Domaine la Barroche at awkward moments whenever I’m in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. When I first profiled their cellar, I stopped by while the whole family was... more »