Chapelle Lenclos Madiran 2001

Another Madiran from the Wine Society tonight. An interesting tidbit about the owner of this property - Patrick DuCournau was responsible for developing the technique of microoxygenation, where tiny bubbles of oxygen are introduced into wine in an e (read full article)

Commented on “Telegraph”

Interesting choices by those interviewed. I applaud those who choose France, as it is my chosen location. I have lived in South West France for six years and strongly recommend it as a relocation destination. Originally posted as a comment by haddoc (read full article)

Domaine Pichard Madiran 2004

I bought this several weeks ago, and when we went to drink it on the weekend, we found it was horribly corked. Luckily I had a second bottle, and that one was thankfully OK.I wasn't sure of the returns/refund policy of the Wine Society. They are lo (read full article)

Grandissime 'Grande Reserve' Bergerac Rouge 2009

This is a Bordeaux blend, red version of this.This wine had some character but wasn't really my cup of tea. Red wines this young always smell young - and to me it's a cheap smell. I recently learned this particular aroma is not just partial to chea (read full article)

Grandissime 'Grande Reserve' Bergerac Blanc 2009

Bergerac is a French wine region not too far from Bordeaux, and it produces wines from the same grape varieties. I'm not too experienced with it, but I suspect it may be a source of good-value wines that may have similar characteristics to the wines (read full article)

I am afraid coming back home with a few more pounds will not be too difficult ! It is almost a rite of passage when traveling to France. But I feel every ounces are worth every bites ! I hit two restaurants this week-end, where I was able to sample s (read full article)

Dorothy Gayle Was Right.

I’m sure that like me, most people have seen the iconic film, “The Wizard Of Oz” It has been an enduring favourite of mine since I saw it as a young child. I have a DVD copy and watch it, especially with the family when one of us i (read full article)

A Trip To Northern Spain.

1. Home To Andorra La Vella. Sometimes writing is for other people and other times it’s just for ourselves. This piece is for me as a family keepsake, but please share in it if you want to. We are nearing the end of a weeks holiday just a f (read full article)

Steamed Mussels Provencal

Mussels are truly one of my favorite things to eat. They are nostalgic of course, conjuring up memories of those impossibly perfect moules frites down the cost in the south of France. They are perfect for a light spring dinner and we are so lucky to (read full article)

Chateau de la Selve Palissaire 2005

This is a blend of 55% Merlot, 20% Grenache, 15% Cinsault and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon from Ardeche in south-central France - Couteaux de l'Ardeche to be exact.I don't think I've ever had a wine from this region before - it's directly north-west of the (read full article)

MATT'S WINE NOT! DOMAINE BERTHOUMIEU HAUTE TRADITION MADIRAN 2005 FRENCH RED WINE

I will definitely give French wine this much: no matter the quality, no matter the price, they can stylize and make their wines seem exquisitely noble, even on their corks!Yes, I know I've opined on this topic before, i.e. French wines and snooty app (read full article)

Chateau d'Aydie Madiran 2006

This Decanter trophy-winning red comes from the southwest of France and is made from the Tannat grape.I've been drinking a lot of new world reds recently, so this is a bit of a departure. It's well put together and nicely structured. Neat and tidy. (read full article)

Sonoma County

Sonoma County reminds me of France. I mean look at the above picture of Dry Creek Valley. It could easily have been taken in the south of France. The Languedoc maybe. Or Burgundy to the west... (read full article)

Media Round Up - Saturday 18th July 2009

Irish Times - John Wilson Oughterard gem  In times like this, it is heartening to see that there is still room for the slightly maverick enterprises that buck the trend towards corporate blandness, and succeed with a different style of wine shop. Pa (read full article)

Picpoul de Pinet 2007

Just before a long weekend in Paris, Kelly and I thought that we should immerse ourselves in a little French culture and try the Picpoul-de-pinet 2007, our first review of a wine from Direct Wine Shipments. The Picpoul-de-pinet 2007 is a lively young (read full article)