Country and regional articles; thematic stuff, such as ‘cool climate’ (another pet topic of mine).
Outsiders view of the Languedoc
The Mediterranean south is France’s biggest vineyard area, and one of the country’s most exciting wine-producing regions. So much so that over the past couple of decades folk from all over the world have been relocating to the south and following their vinous dreams.
Austro-Hungarian tasting in London
In October 2010, the Institute of Masters of Wine hosted a tasting of wines from contiguous nations Austria and Hungary, which, both being niche producers (their combined production is about 1/8th that of France), decided to collaboratively present their wines.
Guide to winetasting – part 8
Part eight of an eight part guide to wine tasting, written for France magazine. This month is dessert wines.
Sommeliers in the South of France
A recent visit by a group of UK sommeliers to some of the top appellations of the Languedoc turned up some interesting finds, as well as ideas for putting the region’s wines on the map and on the list.
Shifting the shores of Champagne
Studies and appeals into the expansion of the Champagne appellation area are ongoing. Here is the background and status quo of the situation.
Piedmont under the spotlight
A tasting seminar of Piedmont wines, presented by respected author Stephen Brook, was hosted in London. The main focus of attention was the weighted trio of barbera, dolcetto and nebbiolo.
Serious stuff from the south of France
A high-profile panel of trade buyers and writers recently whittled down, by blind-tasting/judging, a selection of so-called icon wines from sunny Languedoc and Roussillon. Of those selected, here are my favourites.
Guide to winetasting – part 7
Part seven of an eight part guide to wine tasting, written for France magazine. This month is light-bodied reds.
Crus Bourgeois 2008 list announced
The list of 243 cru bourgeois wines for the 2008 vintage has been announced. After the debacle of the 2003 classification, crus bourgeois is now an annual award of vintage quality based on a blind tasting in the months before bottling. The 2008 vintage is the first to be announced, under this new system.
A tasting of Tuscan reds
A tasting of Tuscan reds for a regular but infrequent group.
