Category Archives: Uncategorized

My Fair Muscadet: Plain Grape Turned Into Audrey Hepburn

Posted on December 30, 2013 by waywardwine

Before New Year’s Eve kicks in, this Monday’s EU Austerity Drinking Tour post revisits a candy shop on France’s Atlantic Coast.

We zig zag through Nantes’ medieval streets.

The rain and gray sky drives us in and out of glittering shops. But not far from city center glows Gorges Gautier: chocolatier:

“Chocolate? But this an EU Austerity Drinking Tour travel post”, you wonder. Fret not. Past the window’s marzipan mountains and licorice forests, which look like a Francophilic Candyland, we spot Muscadet:

Inside, surrounded by a sea of gilding and ornate wood paneling, we go to the bar. A magic mound of green foil promises chocolates with Nantes’ famed grape Muscadet and its spirit hide inside. Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Chocolate, Chocolatier, Confectionery, European Union, Food, France, Gorges Gautier, Muscadet, Nantes | Leave a comment

Counting Down: How to Crack Champagne for New Year’s Eve

Posted on December 26, 2013 by waywardwine

The countdown begins. Eyes watch the ball drop. 3. 2. 1.

Corks crack open, impale an uncle, and flutes fill with Champagne. It disappears just as quickly. But between the hugs, huzzahs, resolutions, and regrets, you wonder: was that $40 plus bottle of Frenchness worth it?

It tasted fine. Maybe a bit tart, or a bit fruity, or a bit toasty. But memorable? Maybe it was too cold. Maybe the excitement distracted you. But we here at Wayward Wine blame New Year’s Eve. Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged 2014, Blue Top, Bordeaux, Brut, Champagne, France, Heidsieck & Co Monopole, New year, Non Vintage, Paris, Prosecco, Sparkling wine | 4 Comments

Clisson: Wine Village with an Italy Fixation: EU Austerity Drinking Tour #52

Posted on December 9, 2013 by waywardwine

Last Monday’s EU AUSTERITY DRINKING TOUR took us to the vines of Vertou in the heart of Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine (see post: here).

Today we travel further up the Sèvre River to the Southeast edge of wine making in Muscadet: Clisson.

We leave futurist Nantes late. Our hangovers slow us down. So we buy new floss, deodorant, toothpaste, and toothbrushes. No greater joy exists for the traveler than fresh toiletries.

Our train stretches through 30 minutes of vineyards and villages. The river basin turns into hills. And we arrive at Clisson. Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Brittany, Clisson, European Union, France, italy, Muscadet, Muscadet: Clisson, Nantes, Vertou, wine tasting | 2 Comments

FALL FEASTS WITH JULIENAS: THANKSGIVING’S OTHER BEAUJOLAIS

Posted on October 31, 2013 by waywardwine

Tonight is Halloween. But it already ended weeks ago. The legions of Martha Stewart, Food Network, Saveur, and more, have infiltrated our pintrest/facebook/twitter feeds, e-mail, and real mailboxes:

Clearly, while handing out candy to Trick or Treaters, we must give thanks and plot our Turkey Time Tables,

In the spirit of conformity, let Wayward Wine turn to that standard November red: Beaujolais Nouveau. Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Beaujolais, Beaujolais Nouveau, Duboeuf, Food Network, Gamay, George DuBoeuf, Georges DuBoeuf, Halloween, Jane Austen, Juliénas, Julius Caesar, Martha Stewart, Mr Darcy, Netherfield Ball, Parmesan, Pride and Prejudice, Pumpkin Ravioli, Rachel Ray, Saveur, Trader Joe's, Turkey Time Tables | 8 Comments

VELO VOUVRAY: CYCLING THE LOIRE VALLEY TO MARC BREDIF WINERY: EU Austerity Drinking Tour #46

Posted on October 28, 2013 by waywardwine

We rent bikes in Tours and head up the Loire River, thirsty for wine.

The Loire river runs like a wrinkly tie below Paris to the Atlantic. The Vouvray AOC is a mere, million case pin-prick of 5,000 vinous acres. It sits next door to Tours.

The chenin blanc grape covers nearly all of Vouvray. But before trying wine, we head to the source: Continue reading →