Catalan Wines

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 »
Photo by Coulée de Serrant

Mister Joly & Me

by  |  18-05-2020

Nicolas Joly gains admiration and/or scorn from vast and disparate sources. Since at least the 7th edition (and probably previous to that) in the hefty reference tome, the “World Atlas of Wine”, the “cru” vineyards... more »

Celebrating Sauvignon Blanc in the Loire

by  |  28-04-2020

Blois-Chambord. For anyone who had a very cool, worldly aunt growing up, this sounds like the name of a cheese she would bring back from France and eat paired with a wine that would sound... more »