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JC is back in France! Day 15 & 16
Prior to heading towards the Armagnac region, we had a meeting in one of the prettiest properties in the Graves (Bordeaux) region – Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte. As Di has never been here before, we had the full visit before the tasting with Yann ... Read More... -
JC is back in France! Day 13 & 14
We were up bright and early Saturday as we had a very long drive in front of us from Ampuis, through St Etienne, my home town (sadly we didn’t have the time to stop and give my two sisters a’ bise‘), over the Massif Central to Bordeaux. What a magnificent drive on a nearly deserted motorway. Read More... -
JC is back in France! Day 12
We started the day heading north up the Rhône Valley towards Ampuis (the home of Cote-Rôtie) to visit the family run Domaine Gerin. Read More... -
JC is back in France! Day 11
Not sure how - but we have 6 tastings today! Read More... -
JC is back in France! Day 10
As the rain steadily worsened we met with the entire family at Domaine Chantemerle - we are lucky to have secured good volumes of both the 2020 and 2021 vintages which is very welcome news! The wines classic Chablis. Read More... -
JC is back in France! Day 9
Five tastings today! - Joblot (Givry) - Jacqueson (Rully) - Ponsot (Rully) - Raveneau (Chablis) - Malandes (Chablis) Read More... -
JC is back in France! Day 8
As in New Zealand, today (Monday) is a public holiday meaning that we had a quieter day, but we still managed to track down a couple of producers happy to meet with us. Read More... -
JC is back in France! Day 6 & 7
Saturday AM we’re off with our friends to visit at Domaine Rolet. Cedric Ducote, in charge of this historical domaine, gave us first a tour of their 14th century cellar located under the town of Arbois – A magical place where barrels and barrels of Vin Jaune are ageing for no less than six years. Read More... -
JC is back in France! Day 5
A very early start – packing up and driving to the Cote de Nuits for an 8.30am meeting in Morey St Denis before heading for the Jura. Sebastien at Odoul-Coquard met us and took us down to yet another largely empty cellar to taste his 2021 wines. Read More... -
JC is back in France! Day 4
Finally the forecasted rain has arrived – it’s still quite warm here so we’re also getting thunder and plenty of lightening. Read More... -
JC is back in France! Day 3
Cool overcast morning today, the meteo is forecasting rain which the vignerons are all saying the vines need - it’s unusually dry here for this time of year. Read More... -
JC is back in France! Day 2
Day two took us to the northern most Appellation in Burgundy of Marsannay... Read More... -
JC is back in France! Beaune - Burgundy
After a 2 and a half year hiatus I have now been able to return to France. I am lucky that Di is joining me for the next 4 weeks. We are starting in an area very close to my heart - Burgundy! Read More... -
What is En Primeur?
En Primeur is a foreign term to some, but it essentially means ‘wine futures’. This is a practice which is most common in Bordeaux, where where wine is bought while it’s still in the barrel and shipped to its destination when bottled 2-3 years later. Read More... -
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Boizel Vintage Report
The vintage in Champagne has just finished and we’ve received a comprehensive vintage report from our friends at Boizel. Read More... -
Demystifying Cognac and Armagnac
Discover the difference between Cognac and Armagnac, France’s most famous spirits! Read More... -
A revival: Madiran, the land of Tannat
A hidden corner in France's Southwest, Madiran is home to the Tannat grape and rich, powerful wines Read More... -
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Le Tour de France 2021
Tour de France 2021 is here! Check out who's in the lead now! Read More... -
En Primeur, c'est quoi?
En Primeur is a foreign term to some, but it essentially means ‘wine futures’. It’s an arrangement where wine is bought while it’s still in the barrel and shipped to its destination when bottled 2-3 years later. Read More... -
Motorally Aotearoa 2021
JC is putting his grunty Ducati aside for a Vespa to tour through New Zealand to support and raise funds for the Mental Health Association of NZ. Read More... -
Red Burgundy 2018 Indent
Our Red Burgundy 2018 Indent Newsletter is releasing on the 1st of March! Read More... -
Paris Visual Gallery
Take a look at these breathtaking photos of France as the Tour de France passes through! Read More... -
Level up your recipe with some Camembert & Bayonne Ham!
An easy, comfort take on a family favourite! Read More...
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