I spent today in the Languedoc, doing some work. The work was actually quite enjoyable: I was tasting a selection of 90 of the estate wines from Les Grands Chais…
A brilliant Fronton for under a tenner
I just love this wine. It’s a red from near Toulouse, and specifically the region of Fronton, where the Negrette grape is king. There’s just so much to love about…
A brilliant white Beaujolais
Beaujolais is becoming a very interesting wine region. Most of it is red, of course, but here’s a great white example that offers amazing value for money. Jean-Paul Brun Chardonnay…
A tasty Malbec from the Loire
I was interested by this wine. Really modern packaging, and use of the variety name Malbec rather than the normal Touraine name for this grape, Cot. It’s riper than the…
Julien Sunier Fleurie 2010, a delicious, serious Beaujolais
This is a really good example of how Beaujolais is becoming SERIOUS. It’s naturally made, from organically (in conversion) farmed vineyards. It is from vineyards at almost 500 m in…
Bordeaux 2010, expert opinion from first tasting of bottled wines
Along with a good portion of the wine trade, today I attended the Union des Grands Crus 2010 tasting at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. This is a very…
Dinner at Bistrot Le Cuisinier, Blois (Loire)
I’m currently in the Loire for a quick visit to give a talk about the science of Sauvignon, with my buddy Sam Harrop who for the last few years has…
A brilliant, affordable Languedoc Syrah
Love this wine. Affordable but with some complexity. Fun yet a bit serious. Chunky but not inelegant. Ripe yet savoury. A perfect house red for autumn/winter. Domaine Coudoulet Syrah 2011…
A great day of rugby and Rhone wines
Continuing a rather sporty weekend, on Saturday I was a guest of InterRhone at the Twickenham double header. Two games of premiership rugby and a feed, with good company and…