France

Really enjoyed these two Mas Lavail Terre d’Ardoise Carignan Blanc Vieilles Vignes Côtes Catalanes* 2014, Languedoc, France (£11.99 Majestic) Yes, White Carignan. Gentle, relaxed style, with lightly floral, herby overtones to the pear and quince flavours and a sappy salty bite on the finish, like Sauvignon without the shriek. S- […]

A couple of delicious whites from southern France

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Three different vintages, but all do a good advert for Beaujolais Louis Jadot Beaujolais Villages Combe aux Jacques 2014, Burgundy, France (£11.00 Waitrose, Tesco, Budgens, NISA, Booths, Whole Foods Market Camden, Ellies Cellar, Vintage Wines Ltd, Hoults Wine Merchants, Islington Wine, Bin 21 , Nailsworth Wine & Spirits, Village Wines […]

Three Beaujolais Reds

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A friend who used to work for a well-known UK High Street chain said that before its wine buyers were able to put a name to brettanomyces, they used to say to potential suppliers that they weren’t interested in reds with ‘that Rhône character.’ Both of these could do with […]

Two southern Rhône reds

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Famille Bougrier Sancerre 2013, Loire, France (£13.50 Oddbins) There’s an almost Chablis-like chalky/flinty edge to the citrus-tinged melon flavours, plus a touch of nettles, but while it’s decent enough, it tails off on the finish. B- Domaine Seguin Pouilly-Fumé 2014, Loire, France (£14.95 Lea & Sandeman) Bright, sappy style, with […]

Loire Sauvignon Blanc: Sancerre & Pouilly Fumé

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Really like both of these, although they’re quite different – go for the first if you want fruit impact, the second if you prefer more minerally aspects Emile Balland ‘Les Beaux Jours’ Coteaux du Giennois 2014, Loire, France (£12.99 Oxford Wine Company) Lots of flavour here, with gooseberries & blackcurrant […]

Two Sauvignons from lesser-known parts of the Loire

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