Latest update : 13 March 2020.
Only few wine regions illustrate the art of blending as well as the southern Rhône Valley. Particularly rich in grape varieties (the Côtes du Rhône appellation allows the cultivation of not less than 21 red and white grape varieties), the region is also characterized by a complex geology and a varieting topography, especially on the eastern edge of the valley. It is in this area, in the vicinity of Rasteau, Roaix, Vacqueyras and Séguret, that the vineyards of Yves and Benjamin Gras build the (...)
continueThis sulphur-free, natural wine celebrates its third birthday with the 2016 vintage and shows quite a character for its young years. Fresh berries like raspberries, strawberries and blackcurrants prevail in the nose, while a hint of lemon peel and black pepper give heaps of energy to the bouquet. It furthermore expresses the entire exuberance that characterizes the 2016 vintage in Cahors and elsewhere in France through its juicy taste and crisp tannins. Some spices and dried fruit complete (...)
continueSpirits fascinate me. They present the quintessence of fruit and fermentation and act as a true enhancer of terrois and the “savoir faire”. Abominable “fire water”, when prepared without care, the best among them equal the greatest wines of this world with ease.
Recently, I paid a visit to the brothers Verhaeghe in Cahors and came to enjoy their “Eau de Vie de Marc de GC”. A name that requires some explanation. GC is the name of the top wine of the estate. Made exclusively from Malbec, it’s both (...)
100% Chardonnay, 100% chalky Grand Cru soil, 100% vintage 2008, 100% oak barrel. This nine-year-old champagne belongs to the QVFMR range of Champagne J.Vignier, the “Cuvée Éphémère range”, which was produced only once in a small edition. The unusual size of 375 ml is an idea from Nathalie Vignier, vigneron in Cramant. She wanted an extraordinary wine in small format, “which fits well into the handbag and is excellently suited for an evening in the hotel room when you are on the road.”
The long (...)
The area of Rasteau produces some of the most impressive Grenache wines of the Rhône Valley. This cuvée from Santa Duc from the excellent vintage 2010 is an excellent example. Six years of bottle ripening have not affected its strength and intensity. On the contrary, his bouquet seems to have gained even more expression and complexity, while the palate is seduced by soft tannins.
Plums and other dry fruits, honey cake and tobacco, hazelnuts, black pepper and exotic spices in the finish. The (...)
A nice red wine in the glass, which illuminates the table, a succulent pork roast with fried potatoes and green beans, some pleasant guests ... It is Sunday 12:30, please have a seat! A wonderfull tradition for which even time seems to stop for a few hours to sit down with us at the table.
The Cuvée of Pierre Cros, simply called “tradition”, is a perfect match for these moments. Made mainly from Carignan and Grenache grapes, as the tradition in the Minervois just pretends, as well as a little (...)
Champagne J.Vignier Grand Cru “Ora Alba”
Light golden colour with a green hue and mild mousseux. Open nose, some evolution and complexity, fresh butter, roasted nuts, yellow stone fruit and ripe citrus. Good bite and grip on the palate, bone dry with good balance, fresh and integrated acidity with a mild creaminess and a long lingering finish.
Champagne J.Vignier “Silexus Sézannensis”
Bright light golden colour with a lively mousseux. Generous nose, displaying tropical fruit like mango, peach, (...)
Sugar is currently not really fashion. Nevertheless, or for that very reason, I have great respect for the choice of Nathalie and Jean Vignier to preserve this traditional wine style created by their parents and grandparents. A relic of the past century, a memory of the 1960s Champagne style, or a well-guarded secret in the form of a succulent champagne bonbon?
Made of grapes from the family vineyards in Barbonne-Fayel and Saudoy (Coteaux du Sézannais), a base wine from 2012 and a reserve (...)
Although the terroir has found a way in the Cuvee Le Cèdre to express itself with elegance and finesse for many years, the wine seems to discover unprecedented liberties applying sulfur-free vinification and maturation. A proud and clear bouquet, with a fruit as fresh as if it had just been harvested. You’ll also find some floral fragrances and delicate spices, the latter coming from long ageing in large wooden tanks. Crisp freshness and a quasi-crystalline acidity, along with silky tannins (...)
continueThis champagne Blanc de blancs with low dosage (4g / L), shows very fine bubbles rising quickly in the glass. It shows a clear and fresh bouquet of lemons, limes and a hint of cumquat, joined by white peaches after a few minutes in the glass. Clear acidity on the palate, with tingling, well-integrated bubbles and surprising aromas of spices and dried flowers and a long, mineral, slightly salty finish. A champagne with a lot of crunchiness that leaves a pleasant, juicy aftertaste.
FOOD (...)