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) … Continue reading Bordeaux Book Sip by Sip by Nicolle Croft

Wine Tour with Kids…Wine not?

As a parent to a three year old, wine is an important part of my daily survival kit. I cannot say I always savour every nuance of taste (as a professional winetaster I do know the difference) but it is an important milestone to celebrate at the end of another frenetic day and serves as … Continue reading Wine Tour with Kids…Wine not?

Whats new in Bordeaux – look to the dynamic Small Châteaux

Despite its crusty past image, Bordeaux today is full of fresh ideas as a younger generation are holding the reins and directing the wines made in Bordeaux in a different direction. It is the small independent producers (who I call the SIPs - see my book Bordeaux Sip by Sip Editions Sud Ouest) who are … Continue reading Whats new in Bordeaux – look to the dynamic Small Châteaux

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 … Continue reading History and Science at Château Grand Corbin Despagne

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, … Continue reading If I could choose anywhere I could make wine….

Relax after a hard day’s wine touring

Set in the rolling vineyards around St Emilion, Château Latour Segur is an historical château and boutique hotel with its own professional intimate spa. Wine touring can be tiring so it is wonderful at the end of the day to be able to unwind in a spa built into the very limestone that the area … Continue reading Relax after a hard day’s wine touring

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 … Continue reading Châteaux in Bordeaux open their doors again for visits

My Favorite Places when Wine Touring in Bordeaux

Wine Tours with Nicolle Croft, Bordeaux Food & Wine Guide http://www.wineguidebordeaux.com Thirty years touring this wine region has given me lots of warm memories of people and places. Here are a few of my favorite wine people and some alternative things to do and places to go which will hopefully give you an idea of … Continue reading My Favorite Places when Wine Touring in Bordeaux

Bordeaux Book Sip by Sip by Nicolle Croft

Do we need new grape varieties in Bordeaux?

To cope with global warming (yes it is having an impact already here in Bordeaux) hotter climate foreign varieties are to be given the green card - (see article on this blog) and new hybrid grape varieties are being created. Yet recently with the advance in DNA analysis, a dozen or so ancient varieties native … Continue reading Do we need new grape varieties in Bordeaux?