Influential Burgundy figure Albert Bichot passes away
The key player Albert Bichot from the famous Beaune negociant company has died at the age of 87. We reflect on his great achievements in the world of wine.
Domaine Etienne Sauzet, the splendour of the Puligny-Montrachet terroir
A reference of Puligny-Montrachet, Domaine Etienne Sauzet produces refined and elegant wines that are world renowned. Learn more about our new partner domain.
Domaine de la Romanée-Conti will produce Corton-Charlemagne
Hot news from the vineyard. The famous Domaine de la Romanée-Conti leases a parcel of Corton-Charlemagne, adding another grand cru to its impressive portfolio.
The Devillards (Chamirey, Perdrix) set up shop in the Jura
As the Devillard family secure a deal to buy Domaine Rolet, we consider why this key player in Burgundy wishes to get a foot in the door in the Jura.
Domaine La Bouïssière: Wines with altitude
Nestled in the heart of the Dentelles de Montmirail lies Domaine la Bouïssière, a jewel in the crown of Gigondas. We learn more about this family domain.
The principle grape varieties of France | Part 3: The South West
Next stop: South West France. From the peaks of the Pyrénées to the fringes of Bordeaux, we look at the weird and wonderful varieties of this great region.
Clos de la Coulée de Serrant: “a fine terroir needs no artifice”
Our new Wine of the Week takes you to the iconic La Coulée de Serrant in the Loire. We spoke to biodynamic authority Nicolas Joly about what makes his wines tick.
Jean-Marie Guffens-Heynen, master of the Mâconnais
Jean-Marie Guffens-Heynen’s reputation precedes him. Hailed as a master of Chardonnay, Jean-Marie has been influential in elevating the reputation of Mâconnais wines. The success story of his small Vergisson domain has put this little slice of Burgundy on the map. We were fortunate enough to talk to Jean-Marie and learn more about this iconic domain. It was in the 1970s that Maine and Jean-Marie Guffens-Heynen made the decision to pack up and leave their native Flanders. They headed to Burgundy in the pursuit of learning French and becoming winemakers. After a pleasant sabbatical…
The principle grape varieties of France | Part 2: Alsace
This week in our tour of the grape varieties of France we head to Alsace. Its perilous location on the German border has given this region a unique viticultural heritage and influences from both countries permeate the wines produced here today. It runs 100km in length from North to South but spans only 2 to 15km in width. With the Vosges Mountains to the West and the Black Forest to the East, this narrow and picturesque slice of France is a series of rolling hills and valleys carpeted in vines and interspersed with…
Champagne exports in 2017: a record year
The Comité Champagne (Comité interprofessionnel du vin de Champagne) has announced that Champagne has set a new record for turnover in 2017, with sales reaching €4.9 billion. This strong progression has been fuelled by a growing international market and a subsequent increase in exports. Last week the trade association Comité Champagne revealed the impressive Champagne sales figures for 2017. At €4.9 billion, 2017 has been a hugely successful year for Champagne producers. This is thanks mainly to an increase in exports which registered a 6.6% rise compared to 2016. The Comité Champagne also…