France and the Wines of Bordeaux
France and the Wines of Bordeaux Winemakers around the globe look to France as the benchmark; Burgundy for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the Rhone Valley for Syrah, Bordeaux for Cabernet Sauvigno...
Why Sommeliers Love Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a favorite of sommeliers and winemakers alike. This noble red variety from France's Burgundy region makes an intensely flavored, complex, high acid wine with incredible longevity, but...
I can hear a soulful Edith Piaf lamenting, “Mon Dieu”. With the French Paradox we learned that drinking wine in moderation, with even a rich meal, may be beneficial to our health and lower chances ...
Learning that the French Alpine Skiing team had their final training for the Sochi Olympics in Monts Jura (Lélex-Crozet), it seemed like a great time to provide an update on the Jura wine region. F...
Since 2008, Alsace Rieslings have been obliged to be less than 9 g/l residual sugar, marking the interests of those who have long touted a preference for drier Rieslings. Vendanges Tardives (VT) an...
Burgundy Storm Report – Gambal on Damage
The French government’s provisional damage estimate is between 1,700 and 2,000 hectares were affected, 35-40% percent of the Côte de Beaune’s vineyards in its recent storms. In an email note I rece...
Grape Variety Profile – Sauvignon Blanc
Grape Variety Profile – Sauvignon BlancAlong with Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc is a member of the Bordeaux blanc family. They complement each other when blended together, but also make great wines on ...
A Year in BurgundyIn the past few years there have been many wine movies out there that have missed the mark, but every now and then one “wows” me. I think that wine being such a detailed and seem...
Hoping for Heat After Cold, Wet Start to 2012 in the Loire Valley
Hoping for Heat After Cold, Wet Start to 2012 in the Loire Valley Residing in France for the past four months has been an amazing, enlightening experience. Plenty of traveling, both in and out of ...
Grape Variety Profile: Malbec This is the third in a series of varietal profiles by Master Sommelier Catherine Fallis, presented to aid students in preparing for blind tasting exams and gainin...