France

  • Co-op Irresistible Provence Rosé

    Co-op Irresistible Provence Rosé

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    Simon Judge

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    Produced by Les Maîtres Vignerons de Vidauban wine cooperative in the Côtes de Provence, this winery has been crafting wines for over a century. The 2022 vintage has 13% alcohol by volume and is vegan-friendly. This wine is distinguished by its delicate pale pink colour. The aroma is of small red fruits complemented by subtle…

  • Roche Lacour Crémant de Limoux

    Roche Lacour Crémant de Limoux

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    Simon Judge

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    This sparkling wine captures the essence of the South of France, specifically from beneath the hills of Limoux. It is made from a blend of 60% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Noir and 20% Chenin Blanc and is 12.5% ABV. This 2020 vintage heralds the return of Laurent Mingaud, its original winemaker, who brings his expertise back…

  • Red Bordeaux Wine From Supermarkets Under £20

    Red Bordeaux Wine From Supermarkets Under £20

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    Simon Judge

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    The Scotsman has an article on Best red Bordeaux wine from supermarkets for under £20. The article discusses the author’s evolving appreciation for wine, particularly Bordeaux wines. Initially viewing Bordeaux as exclusive and expensive, the author, Rosalind Erskine, has discovered affordable and quality options available in supermarkets. The journey has highlighted both the traditional appeal…

  • Champagne Industry 2023 Retrospective

    Champagne Industry 2023 Retrospective

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    Simon Judge

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    Recent data has highlighted a notable shift in the Champagne market for the year 2023. Following three years of exceptional performance, Champagne shipments have reverted to pre-pandemic levels, with a total of 299 million bottles shipped, marking an 8.2% decrease from the previous year. The industry witnessed a significant slump in 2020 with an 18%…

  • Le Zeitgeist Trident

    Le Zeitgeist Trident

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    Simon Judge

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    Le Zeitgeist Trident 2022, created by winemaker Eric Lanxade, is a representation of the terroir found in the French Pyrenees. Rated 3.7 on Vivino, this wine benefits from the alluvial river plains that contribute to its minerally rich soils. These conditions, coupled with the cooling influence of the Pyrenees, create an ideal environment for the…

  • Sparkling Wines From Three Continents

    Sparkling Wines From Three Continents

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    Simon Judge

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    The 2023 holiday season gave me the opportunity to try a few affordable Champagne and sparkling wines from three different continents: Les Pionniers Non Vintage Champagne Les Pionniers Non Vintage Champagne is a great example of how quality and affordability can come together. Despite the Co-op’s discretion about its origins, it’s an open secret that…

  • French Winemakers Destroy Spanish Wine

    French Winemakers Destroy Spanish Wine

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    Simon Judge

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    The Telegraph newspaper has reported that, in a striking move against what they see as unfair competition, around 500 French wine makers from Narbonne and Perpignan stopped lorries importing Spanish wines at the border town of Boulou. They emptied thousands of gallons of rosé and smashed 10,000 bottles of Spanish sparkling wine on the roads….

  • French Wine Gold Medal Insights

    French Wine Gold Medal Insights

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    Simon Judge

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    The French online magazine TheLocal has an enlightening article (you can only view once before goes to paywall) on French wine gold medals that you might have seen on French wine bottles. In 2022, over 24,000 medals were awarded, originating from various wine competitions (les concours) held throughout France. These competitions require a fee for…

  • The French Wine Industry’s Battle Against Climate Change

    The French Wine Industry’s Battle Against Climate Change

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    Simon Judge

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    According to an article in Nature, the French wine industry, a major part of French culture and economy, is grappling with the challenges posed by climate change. With its strict appellation d’origine contrôlée (AOC) system, which sets rigid rules about geography, grape varieties, and production techniques, the industry faces unique challenges. However, French wine-growers are…

  • The Decline of Bordeaux Wine

    The Decline of Bordeaux Wine

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    Simon Judge

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    The Bordeaux wine region of France is currently facing a myriad of challenges that threaten its position in the global wine market. Red wine consumption in France has seen a significant decline in recent decades. Many French consumers are now opting for alternative beverages like beer. While premium Bordeaux wines continue to find buyers, the…

  • Montagne Saint Emilion

    Montagne Saint Emilion

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    Simon Judge

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    Montagne Saint Emilion, produced by Armand Chaperon, has garnered attention with its impressive awards, including the IWSC Bronze Medal, IWC Bronze Medal and Decanter World Wine Awards Bronze in 2023. With such high expectations, it’s easy to see why I was keen to give it a try. The wine was even compared to the much-admired…

  • Morandé ‘One to One’ Gewürztraminer

    Morandé ‘One to One’ Gewürztraminer

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    Simon Judge

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    Morandé was the first winery in the Chile Casablanca Valley and were the first to receive sustainable certification in Chile. Their One to One Gewürztraminer is different in that each bottle originates from a single vine, thus explaining the product’s name. The word ‘Gewürz’ means ‘spice’ in German, reflecting the wine’s unique flavour profile, which…

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