Chenin Blanc

Grand Mayne Côtes de Duras Moelleux 2012, South West France

October 16, 2017 by Simon

Bit of a bargain this one, lovely by itself, but would be great with fruit puddings and blue cheeses too Domaine des Forges Coteaux du Layon Premier Cru Chaume 2011, Loire, France (£8.99 per half Waitrose) Unctuous but fresh style, like liquid tarte tatin, with hints of lemon curd and stewed […]

Domaine des Forges Coteaux du Layon Premier Cru Chaume 2011, ...

January 9, 2017 by Simon

Craft 3 Chenin Blanc 2016, Helderberg, Stellenbosch, South Africa (£10 Marks & Spencer) Takes a while to open up but the wait is worth it. There’s a slightly smoky note from oak, a floral freshness with headier, musky honeysuckle and honey notes, and a core of ripe apple and pear, […]

Craft 3 Chenin Blanc 2016, Helderberg, Stellenbosch, South Africa

January 4, 2017 by Simon

The Society’s Exhibition Sancerre 2015 (Serge Laloue), Loire, France (£12.50 The Wine Society) Succulent Sancerre, showing some of the flesh of a warm vintage but still with flinty citrus tension and a light floral touch too. S- Domaine Gadais La Grande Réserve du Moulin Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie […]

Three Loire Whites (and all from different grapes)

December 12, 2016 by Simon

Sauvion Crémant de Loire NV, France (£13.99 Oxford Wine Company, Flagship Wines) Balances a bracing green apple tang against honeyed richness to good effect, crisp zesty finish. B(+) Terroir La Baume Saint Paul Crémant de Limoux Brut* NV, Languedoc, France (N/A in the UK) Quite a plush, rich style, with […]

Four sparkling French wines – but no Champagne…

November 9, 2016 by Simon

Calmel & Joseph Crémant de Limoux NV, Languedoc, France (£11.95-£16.95 Viader Wines, Raffles Wines, Haslemere Cellar, South Down Cellars, Richard Granger Wines) Young, fresh style, green apples – fresh and baked – to the fore, with hints of nuts and citrus fruit behind, and a light saline/mineral edge to add further […]

Calmel & Joseph Crémant de Limoux NV, Languedoc, France

October 14, 2016 by Simon

Simon Woods

Drinking Outside The Box