French Wines

The real Isabel Ferrando

by  |  26-05-2026

There exist several wine brands which have taken on the names of historic women and in the process, grown to rather mythic status with time. Perhaps the most famous is Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin aka Veuve Clicquot.... more »

The last freakin’ article on the Judgment of Paris (again)

by  |  24-05-2026 ~ 2 Comments

So, it's the 50th anniversary of the Judgment of Paris today. For those who don't know of it, but still drink wine, this probably means that you're a GenXer or younger as even the oldest... more »

Cave des Vins de Sancerre – Les Chaillots 2024

by  |  21-05-2026

I’m firmly of the opinion there are more Mormon Missionaries who have seen the inside of a stripclub than I have. I say that as in my three decades of strip club entrance ‘opportunity’, I’ve... more »

The wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape & Gigondas 2026

by  |  14-05-2026

In the middle of April, I made my way up to the Southern Rhône for the annual reports of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas; two of the leading regions overall for this very beautiful portion of France.... more »

Domaine de Beaurenard – Tradition Rouge 2021

by  |  27-04-2026

The Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Blood, Sugar, Sex, Magik came out it the later part of 1991 when I was just barely a teenager. I listened to it endlessly, the reason being that it was... more »

A review of “Drops of God” Season 2

by  |  24-04-2026

The series “Drops of God” is back for another installment, this time with what feels like even higher production value and most importantly, correct wine information overall. Season 1 focused on the blind tasting competition... more »

It’s the price, stupid

by  |  20-04-2026

The week in Provence had begun shakily. Pounding rain and fierce Mistral on the drive up had lent a dreary start. But, it was a surprise hit of fierce allergies mixed with a very unfortunate... more »

Looking to Aligoté

by  |  11-03-2026

Given that this year’s edition of the “Grands Jours de Bourgogne” est arrivé, it only seemed fitting to have a look at one of the key items from the last time I was there which... more »

Domaine du Grapillon d’Or – Merlot – Caladoc 2023

by  |  27-11-2025

This week has seen me visit Naples for the first time. To be honest, it was one city in Italy that was never high on my list given how much negative press has been pouring... more »

Why Collioure-Banyuls left the Roussillon CIVR

by  |  10-06-2025

The Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins du Roussillon (CIVR) is the body charged with the overall regulation and promotion of the wines from Roussillon in Southern France; a region of 19,000ha of vineyards and over 400... more »