After having spent a few days in Provence, I’m beginning to think that there are some important parallels between Provence and Champagne. Let me try to explain. First, both are…
Champagne Janisson & Fils Grand Cru NV
Based in Verzenay, Champagne Janisson made the transition from grower to Champagne house in 2014, when they also built their futuristic new winery. This NV Grand Cru really impresses: Jansson’s…
Making Provence rosé
Rosé is a technical wine. This past few days I’ve been quizzing winemakers on just how they go about making it. Here’s a short introduction to making rosé wines, and…
O Gaveto, Porto, a brilliant seafood restaurant
I had one of my meals of the year at O Gaveto in Porto, a couple of weeks ago. It’s a traditional Portuguese seafood restaurant in Matosinhos, the port area…
In Elgin: Corder Wines
I met Ian Corder (above) at Almenkerk, where his wines are made. [As an aside, he kindly offered to take me up in his autogyro to see the Elgin Valley…
In Provence, getting to grips with rosé
A quick post from the road. For the last few days I have been in Provence, trying to understand more about rosé. The popular conception about rosé is that it’s…
Jean-Paul Brun Beaujolais Blanc Vinification Bourguignonne Chardonnay 2014
This is a special cuvée from the hero of the limestone-based soils of the southern Beaujolais, Jean-Paul Brun. His wines are excellent, and also very fairly priced (this was retail…
In Paris, in the rain
Spent a day in Paris on the way to Provence. Drank some wine, ate oysters, and generally walked around. Paris is unique. One of my favourite films is Midnight in…
An excellent older Alsace Riesling
This is a lovely wine: a 21 year old Alsace Riesling that’s in a perfect place right now. It’s all about the terroir, and this wine transmits place beautifully. Note:…