The Lucky Grapes of 2021 Bordeaux Harvest

Wine producers are at least happy to have some grapes (the small quantity they had) in the vats after a disappointing harvest. The strong jammy aromas of blackcurrant and cherry waft around the wineries and we could almost be convinced it is a normal time of year. The crimson colour is being extracted from the …

Bordeaux Book Sip by Sip by Nicolle Croft

a personal story over 30 years, wine guide to visiting what is important in the region and finding good value in this exceptional wine terroir. Gail Barnett Copyright Its been 30 years since I arrived on the quayside in Bordeaux city, weary from my travels in this funny tin can of a car (a 2CV) …

History and Science at Château Grand Corbin Despagne

Historically it was the robust oxen that  worked the dense blue clay soils in the vineyards here in the north western corner of St Emilion and over the border into Pomerol. Horses were too fragile for the job, explained François Despagne, who has run the family estate of Château Grand Corbin Despagne, St Emilion Grand …

If I could choose anywhere I could make wine….

"From generation to generation for over 200 years, in what is the very centre of St Emilion, my family has cultivated these soils and tended our vines. Today it is my turn and I try to make a wine that comes from my heart. Having now my own young son, who represents the 10th generation, …

Châteaux in Bordeaux open their doors again for visits

Bordeaux, the wine capital of the world, is open again for visitors after two months of shutdown. It is possible again to visit some of the most famous and smaller châteaux in the Bordeaux wine region on the Right and Left bank - in private tours (even some at the weekends). The first to communicate …

Bordeaux Book Sip by Sip by Nicolle Croft

a personal story over 30 years, wine guide to visiting what is important in the region and finding good value in this exceptional wine terroir. Gail Barnett Copyright Its been 30 years since I arrived on the quayside in Bordeaux city, weary from my travels in this funny tin can of a car (a 2CV) …

Finding St Emilion’s Hidden treasures (even without a Name)

Not far from St Emilion, one of the France's most well-known wine villages, lies a simple family winery that has withstood the test of time. Leaving the village and passing infront of the prestigious classified Château Pavie, then Larcis Ducass and Bellefont Belcier, take the next on the right at the crossroads - its the …

New Varieties to be added to the Bordeaux Melting Pot to combat global warming

IN an attempt to combat the rising heat due to global warming; new varieties approved were approved recently at the syndicate’s annual general meeting Bordeaux and Bordeaux Superior were four reds, Arinarnoa, Touriga Nacional (portuguese), Marselan and Castets, and three whites, Alvarinho (found in Spain and Portugal), Petit Manseng (Jurancon) and Liliorila. The vines were …

Brebis and Bordeaux – the traditional pairing

What's the connection you may ask between the ewe's milk cheese made in the Pyrenees mountains and Bordeaux? (and it goes without saying of course the sweet milk fed lamb speciality of the Medoc region around Pauillac marry superbly with the fruity red rich wines of Bordeaux) Traditionally in the winter when grass is covered …

Down to Earth at Troplong Mondot

 – tailor-made visits that focus on the vineyards Don’t worry when you visit premier grand cru classé Troplong Mondot, they provide you with all you need even rubber boots so you can get to the grass roots of wine production. Photo Yves Samuel Just as well as the vines are the subject here and a …