Sevens are notoriously unlucky here in Bordeaux. There has been one outstanding vintage ending in a seven but that was back in 1947. Everyone has heard of the catastrophic very late frosts that hit at the end of April last year when vegetation was well developed (2 weeks in advance than normal). But what is … Continue reading
Bordeaux is bursting with restaurants but you must book in advance to get into the popular ones. The scene is changing as Bordeaux is being infused with Parisians (only 2 hours from paris on the TGV train). Here are a mix of some of the traditional and newer ones from a local. Fine Cuisine Miles … Continue reading
Thanks to a client Mark Mitchell from Burbank, California who recently spent a few days in Bordeaux to visit its vineyards and dine in its vegetarian and vegetarian-friendly restaurants! French for Vegetarian: végétarien French for Vegan: végétalien It wasn’t long ago that it was only a juicy ‘entrecôte’ steak or ‘magret de canard’ that were … Continue reading
It is not unusual for the team at Château Figeac, Premier Grand Cru Classé Saint Emilion to go through the different plots of vineyards on their 40 hectare estate (one of the largest in St Emilion) several times in order to prepare them (this may include detailed deleafing or green harvest) to the best possible … Continue reading
It has been 20 years this year since my family chose Piemonte as the base of our secondary family home. This little corner of Italy is a veritable food and wine paradise in the foothills of the Italian Alps with its vine covered hills, medieval hilltop villages and spectacular views. It is not surprising that … Continue reading
It is 28th September and usually the harvest would be just about to start in Bordeaux. This year most producers have their grapes already in the vats transforming and gurgling away and producing wonderful raspberry aromas that fill the region’s wineries. The sun is still shining despite wettish periods in September. We could not say … Continue reading
It was the Saint de Glace a week or so ago. It marks the moment when all fruit growers can heave a sigh of relief – the risk of frost has passed. Too late this year! There were no sighs of relief as the damage had already been done. Winter returned to parts of Bordeaux. … Continue reading
“as it is” – ‘sans poudre aux yeux’ From the village of Saint-Emilion, head towards Pomerol, pass Cheval Blanc and turn right.” Easy to drive past, a small sign in front of a wooded driveway tells us we have safely arrived at the home of Jean-Noël Boidron, Château Corbin Michotte, Grand Cru Saint-Emilion. It is … Continue reading
It has been the 2016 future’s week here in Bordeaux. The 2016 vintage is a great one. Overall the wines have body, rich ripe fruit, structure and freshness. There is some heterogenity depending on terroir’s ability to cope with the dry conditions. The best are already integrated, balanced with ripe fruit and freshness and elegant with … Continue reading
With the boom in wine tourism in Bordeaux, a number of famous working wine châteaux have opened their rooms to guests. Here is your chance to experience the French Art of Living, the life of a châtelaine; luxurious but authentic a real taste of the Bourgeois Bordeaux life. LEFT BANK Haut Médoc: Château du … Continue reading
