Category: Travel
BELGIUM, SOON TO BE THE LAND OF “CLEAN” VINEYARDS
Sometimes referred to as hybrids, interspecific grape varieties are emerging in Belgium as the royal way to an eco-responsible vineyard that produces singular wines representative of a unique terroir. The owner of Château de Bioul, in Wallonia, has taken on this bold mission. By Frédéric Arnould, DIP WSET Everyone knows Merlot, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir. But what about Solaris, Cabernet Cortis and Johanniter? These grape varieties are the result of natural cross-fertilization. We’re not talking GMOs here, but crosses between European, American and even Asian varieties to produce these so-called interspecific grape varieties. One of the great...
Read More
Swiss wine, anyone ?
With 15,000 hectares of vineyards, Switzerland weighs less than 2% of the French vineyard: a postage stamp stuck on the wine world map… It produces, on average, 100 million liters of indigenous wines and exports only 1%. Because the national market “sponges up” the local production.
Read More
For the love of Chenin
I have often said that one of my favorite grape varieties is chenin. My trip to Montlouis-sur-Loire only confirmed my love for wines made from this grape variety. I admire its versatility (it can be produced in dry, semi-dry, sweet or sparkling wines) and its adaptability to different terroirs. By Marie-Hélène Boisvert If there is one thing I learned from my participation in the Montlouis on the rock event, it is that Chenin blanc has an energy of its own. The various tastings and conferences of winemakers also allowed me to grasp a little better what this grape variety...
Read More
Spicewood Vineyards : Texas Wines with a Spanish Touch
With a vineyard covering no less than 32 acres, Spicewood is now considered as one of the largest vineyards in the Texan Hill Country. With Ron Yates at the helm since 2007, this estate has chosen the well-known Spanish varieties like Tempranillo, Graciano and Carignan as a way to differentiate themselves from others properties.
Read More
Reddy Vineyards : When Texas Wine Shines in Altitude
When we think about Texas, wine is probably not the first thing that comes to our mind. If they would grow grapes under the Lone Star legendary heat, that would probably transform into freshlessness wines. That way of thinking would be limitative and quite frankly misleading. Case in point : Reddy Vineyards.
Read More
Vinho Verde, anyone ?
First of all, vinho verde (pronounced Vigno verday) means green wine in Portuguese. But, do not expect to see a green apple color or in any way fluorescent like kryptonite that even Superman could not refuse. But I digress … In fact, in this case we do not speak of « green wine » but rather of « young wine ». And young, vinho verde is, since it is usually bottled from three to six months after the harvest. The vines grown to compose this one of a kind wine are located in the northwest of Portugal, in a region rather lush, thanks...
Read More
The best summer-ready red wine : Frappato
Have you ever heard of the Sicilian grape Frappato? It is not always obvious to find some in wine stores because of its scarcity. However, it makes fruit forward wines with a high level of drinkability especially for the summer.
Read More
Looking for the best Prosecco
If you are looking for the crème de la crème among the ocean of Prosecco found on our market, be aware that you need to look for the prestigious denomination of controlled origin and guaranteed (DOCG) Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Conegliano.
Read More
English