Life is too short to drink bad wine

Chablis wines are dry white wines which are characterized by  their purity, crispness, sophistication and minerality . The Chardonnay varietal gives results in Chablis unlike anywhere else. It draws its personality and character from a  subsoil that is 150 million years old , and ripens in ideal conditions, in a semi-continental climate, which allow it to attain a good balance between sugar levels and acidity.Today, the area planted in Chablis is just over 5,400ha. In 1955, after  the phylloxera crisis  in the 19th century which ravaged France's vineyards, then two world wars, Chablis covered no more than 550ha of vine. Nonetheless, not all the appellation's territory is planted as yet: the delimited zone comprises 6,800ha spreading along the valley of the Serein, the river which runs through the wine region from south to north before flowing into the Yonne.These are identified by precisely delimited production zones, and are subject to strict production regul...

Frappato This is another black grape that grows predominantly in Sicily. Apparently it is related to Sangiovese (Tuscany).  It is either used on it's own or together with Nero d'Avola, like in the only DOCG in Sicily, Cerasuolo di Vittoria. What to expect from the colour Normally pale to medium red colour when on it's own, somewhat darker red when mixed with Nero d'Avola.  A bit like a Burgundy in colour. What to expect from the smell Combined with Nero d'Avola expect delicious red fruit like redcurrant, raspberries, red cherries and some spices and plum. On it's own the smell is more dominated by dried fruit and plums in addition to the red fruit. What to expect from the taste These wines, on it's own or combined, are enormously refreshing and juicy. The tannins are soft and the wines have a really nice attractive acidity and a lovely balance. Some of them also have a kind of mineral aftertaste. Could easily be mistaken for a Burgundy in a blin...

Riesling This is a widely grown grape which is used to produce dry white, semi dry or sweet white wines. The best dry whites come from Alsace in France and different areas in Germany like Nahe, Rheingau, Pfalz and Mosel. Wachau in Austria also produce some excellent Riesling. In addition one can find good Riesling from South Africa, California and Australia (Clare and Eden Valley). Riesling is normally unoaked. What to expect from the colour Normally a pale lemon green colour for young dry whites (as they are unoaked) which develops more towards yellow and even orange with age. What to expect from the smell Riesling is an aromatic grape which develops a smell of petroleum with age. When younger and from cool climates the bouquet is dominated by fresh grape and apples. From warmer climates and with increasing sugar, the wines could develop aromas towards lime and peach fruit. What to expect from the taste Dry riesling is a fruity wine with medium plus to high acidity (de...

Nero d'Avola Nero d'Avola is an Italian black grape that grows predominately in Sicily and is perhaps the most important grape there. It is sometimes combined with another Italian grape called Frappato, but it gives a delightful wine when on it's own. It is named after the town Avola south on Sicily and on it's own I believe it is close to a "heavy" Pinot Noir in style. What to expect from the colour The colour is medium to deep dark purple or red. What to expect from the Smell The smell is often somewhat mixed with a ripe fresh redcurrant as one of the items and dark plums as the other. Often very fresh and attractive.  What to expect from the Taste The style of the grape is often a refreshing one with a high acidity. This is a light bodied wine with a lovely fruity taste like home made redcurrant juice. Delightful and fresh. Best regions for …. The best Nero d'Avola is likely to come from Sicily, although there are some gr...

Sauvignon Blanc is a green grape which is widely grown. It is used alone in bone dry whites in Sancerre, Pouilly-Fume,  New Zealand, Chile and South Africa. It is blended in Bordeaux where it is made into a sweet or dry white wines. What to expect from the Colour Pale lemon green colour What to expect from the Smell Herbaceous aromas like grass and blackcurrant leaves. Gooseberries. Warmer climate wines tend to have more passion fruit and grapefruit. What to expect from the Taste Sancerre and pure Sauvignon Blanc wines are bone dry white wines. Very zingy and zesty flavors with  crispy fruity taste. Fruity and high acidity. Best Regions for Sauvignon Blanc There are really good Sauvignon Blanc from many parts of the world. In France the two best regions are Poilly-Fume and Sancerre in Loire. In New Zealand,  Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough is legendary, while coastal regions in Chile and South Africa also produce excellent Sauv...

Characteristics This is a thin skinned black grape which is difficult to grow. It thrives in cool climates, but is prone to diseases due to the thin skin and the tightly bunched together grapes. It spuds and ripens early and give low yields. Most of the time it is bottled as 100% Pinot Noir but may occur as a blend like in Champagne. What to expect from the Colour  Pale to medium red and purple colour. What to expect from the  Smell The aromas are often towards red fruit like cherries, strawberries, raspberries, redcurrant and vanilla due to the oak. Sometimes flowers and spicy as well. Older vintages can give What to expect from the Taste The Pinot Noir wines are light, feminine, seductive and elegant red wines. PN wines are not very tannic, but often have a medium to high acidity. This depends on the style of the producer. Best Regions for Pinot Noir The best wines come from Burgundy, France but also cool climate areas in California (Son...