Should you decant your wine?
To decant or not to decant – that is the often controversial question. What is the best way to prepare your wine before serving?
Michel Chapoutier: the “inventor of soils”
Maison Chapoutier has become a landmark estate in the Rhône Valley, and for good reason...
The history of grape varieties – Episode 4: Northern Rhône
This week we focus on the genealogy and history of the grape varieties of the Northern Rhône. Syrah, Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier are the only four grape varieties allowed from Tain l’Hermitage to the North end of the Valley: Côte Rôtie, Château Grillet, Condrieu, Saint-Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage, Hermitage, Cornas and Saint-Péray (from North to South). The family of Serine The four varieties named above are all part of the same family called Serine. In addition to Syrah, Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier, this family also includes Brun Argenté, Chatus, Chichaud, Douche Noire, Etraire de l’Aduï,…
Trade and press gather at the Sud de France tasting in London.
Exploring the South
The South of France, and particularly Languedoc-Roussillon, is known for its mild, Mediterranean climate, modern production techniques and good value for money wines. A recent showcase by Sud de France in London highlighted this region’s diverse offering, from easy-drinking and fruit-forward sippers to the more serious and individual wines. Languedoc-Roussillon is the world’s largest vineyard and in 2013, more than 453 million bottles were exported. Germany remains its most important market, while sales in the US have doubled over the last five years. Of the 20,000 growers in the area, around 1,000 have…