France



When I first tasted these wines early in December 2010 the day before disappearing to Australia for a fortnight, I thought they were excellent. But what made them all the more remarkable was that I retasted them when I returned, and they were still delicious, even the Sauvignon. No fancy […]

Muscadet – it’s time to take a fresh look


Tenutae Lageder Beta Delta Chardonnay/Pinot Grigio 2008, IGT Vigneti delle Dolomiti, Italy (£14.50 Bibendum) Clean, clear and fresh, one of those wines that is as much about texture as flavour. So the pithy citrus, guava and underripe mango flavours are underpinned by a pleasing creamy nuttiness. Not showy but very […]

Chardonnays from Italy, France, Australia & South Africa




Hugel Muscat Tradition 2008, Alsace, France (£10.95 The Wine Society) Lovely crisp, grapey style, delicate yet full in flavour, fresh and forward with notes more on the floral than the spicy side, wonderfully moreish with a musky finish. S- Gladstone Pinot Gris 2008, Wairarapa, New Zealand (£13.95 Great Western Wine) […]

Spicy whites from Alsace, Argentina and New Zealand


A quick look at some wines from two of the most famous Champagne houses (click the PJ links by all means, but the site’s full of tedious Flash graphics…) Champagne Mumm Brut Rosé NV (~£38 widely available) Interesting blend with showing both fresh red berry fruit with some toasty maturity, […]

Champagnes from Mumm and Perrier-Jouet