Had a brilliant dinner at Brat last night. It was my first time, and it was one of the meals of the year. Our theme was Loire, and we brought…
Sauvignon Blanc: comparing good examples from the Loire and New Zealand
Awareness days. There are just so many of them. Sauvignon Blanc Day is 3rd of May. Whatever you think about these awareness days for grape varieties, this was an…
Latest releases from Centre Loire star Pascal Jolivet: Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé
Domaine Pascal Jolivet is one of the most significant producers in the centre Loire, making some impressive wines from the Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé appellations. As a family, the Jolivets entered…
Some nice high-end rosés
Had these nice high-end rosés yesterday afternoon, with friends. Triennes Rosé 2017 Provence, France Pure delicate and aromatic – very bright with tangerine and lemon and red currant. So fresh….
At the Fish Shop, Dublin, with Tondonia Rosé, Dagueneau and UBE
It was the second stop in the Ireland Beaujolais tour. After a very successful seminar, we headed over to the Fish Shop, Benburb Street, for a remarkable meal including some…
Sebastien Brunet Les Pentes de la Folie Vouvray
Another find at Scotch wine bar in Blenheim. So much Vouvray is disappointing, but this domaine, which Sébastien took over from his father in 2006, is making the most of…
Loire adventure: Nicolas and Virginie Joly, Coulée de Serrant, Savennières
La Coulée de Serrant (Chateau de la Roche aux Moines) is a domaine with a narrow focus. It’s just whites. Just Chenin Blanc. Just dry wines. But it is this…
Three Muscadets, and how I am beginning to love Melon
Isn’t Melon an interesting grape variety? I’ve had good examples from Canada (Niagara) and Oregon of late. I’m glad people are working with a variety like this, which traditionally hasn’t…
Loire adventure: visiting the remarkable François Saint-Lô
The rain was easing as we arrived for an appointment with François Saint-Lô, but it was still a cold, damp day. Not ideal for tasting wine. There’s nothing fancy about…