Tag: French Winophiles
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Invitation to Join French #Winophiles Exploration of Rasteau
Long known for its Vin Doux Naturel wines in red and white, Rasteau, in southern Rhône Valley, was awarded Cru status for its dry red wines in 2010. The diverse soil gives the wines complexity and elegance. Lying within the Mistral corridor, Laurent Robert of Domaine Combre Juliere, describes the wines as “skeletons of the…
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Celebrating Biodynamic Viticulture And The Beauty Of The Languedoc With Gérard Bertrand #Winophiles
As concern grows globally about impacts of climate change, viticultural practices take center stage in many wine focused conversations. Pros and cons of sustainability, organic, and biodynamic farming are weighed heavily throughout the wine community in whispers and roars. For winemaker, Gérard Bertrand, who has been farming biodynamically for 16 years in France’s Languedoc region,…
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A French-Inspired Holiday Alsatian Style #Winophiles
A land forgotten by time, Alsace enchants of fairy tales and days gone by. My June visit exposed me to quaint villages filled with houses lined with window boxes and storks nesting atop buildings. A colorful blend of German and French culture, Alsace delights all who visit. Imagine how this magical place awakens at Christmas.
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Lirac AOC Produces Your New Favorite Wines
Is it possible to be a wine producing region for over two-thousand years and yet remain largely unknown? Seemingly unlikely, yet the Lirac AOC in southern Rhône remains a best kept secret. Please allow myself and the French Winophiles to introduce you to your new favorite wine region – Lirac.
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Celebrating the Provençal Lifestyle with Three Rosés
Provence is one of the few places I have visited that is exactly as I envisioned it to be. It has an ease about it – whimsical, but not flippant. The air is filled with faint notes of sea salt and lavender. The meals, manger à l’extérieur, linger under large chestnut trees. The wines embody…
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Getting Dirty with Alsace Riesling
Visitng Alsace has been on my bucket list for years. I have researched and written many articles on the region and the wines. From a book perspective I know Alsace. However, I have never been to Alsace – until now. I returned last night from a wonderful week in Alsace.
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Drinking Bordeaux in Blue Jeans
I love Bordeaux. I have many bottles in my cellar and more on the way. Big, opulent, tannic wines. These wines need time – a lot of time – in bottle to integrate in such a way the tannins become smooth and the tertiary notes take center stage. This is the way I like Bordeaux.…
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#Winophiles Explore Côtes de Bordeaux in May
Each month a group of French wine lovers, known as #Winophiles, gather to explore a French wine region through its wine, food, and culture. In May the Winophiles are highlighting Côtes de Bordeaux. This is a brief preview of the region and how to join in the fun.
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Picpoul… Take Me Away!
The warm weather of spring begins to usher in thoughts of summer vacation. It is nice to escape from the daily hustle and bustle to a relaxed beach getaway. But alas, it is only April and dreams of sun and fun must wait a few more months. One of the many aspects I love about…
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Maison M. Chapoutier: Expressing Terroir Through Biodynamics
“Anyone who creates wines must be generous and festive. Without such qualities the creative act is doomed, sterile and vain.” Michel Chapoutier I just returned from a remarkable week in Chile. The focus of the week was terroir: climate, weather, soil. In the Rhone Valley Michel Chapoutier is the benchmark for terroir driven wines. Embracing…
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