Tag Archives: France

Wine Review: E Carrel Brut Sparkling Wine from Savoie France

Posted on April 10, 2017 by waywardwine

Just before you get to Swiss and Italian Alps. Just before you bathe yourself in fondue. Make a wine stop in France’s Savoie:

Savoie is a collection of seven gerrymandered valleys just warm enough to ripen grapes. Romans called it Sapaudia or Sabaudia: land covered in fir trees. Clearly, they had little confidence in its wine potential. But the French needed somewhere to ski. So they annexed Savoie in 1860. Continue reading →

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Singing Syrah: Jaboulet Crozes-Hermitage and Cornas

Posted on March 27, 2017 by waywardwine

If you venture to the French aisle of any wine store you will likely see a wine by Paul Jaboulet. Their entry level rouge, Parallèl 45, is nearly ubiquitous. And a nice little Côtes du Rhône it was. I say “was”, … Continue reading →

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My Love/Hate Relationship With Grower Champagne: Marc Hebrart 1er Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut NV

Posted on January 16, 2017 by waywardwine

Grower Champagne has creeped into popularity for at least a decade. That little RM (récoltant manipulant) on the label provided wine geeks another means to stand out from the seething masses. It allowed shops and restaurants to charge more to customers unfamiliar with it. We have all seen and bought the likes of Mumm, Veuve, Moët, Nicolas Feuillatte, et cetera, and know when we are getting hosed. But today’s grower, Marc Hebrart, probably is not on your grocery store shelf. Continue reading →

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New Year’s Eve 2017 Laurent-Perrier Champagne Profile

Posted on December 30, 2016 by waywardwine

Confused by the Champagne shelf? Me too. Prestigious-sounding names blur together. Navigating the cursive fonts, French, shiny labels, crests, colors, and high prices might send you to Prosecco. Continue reading →

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Make Christmas Easy: Dresden Stollen and Cremant de Limoux Gerard Bertrand 2013

Posted on December 24, 2016 by waywardwine

So, this is Christmas. While I rampantly wrap last minute gifts, I need something to drink before I hate this holiday. It need not be great. I just want something quality that I will not overwhelm my attention. There are sharp scissors and paper cuts involved here people.

Enter sparkling wine.

I would feel guilty guzzling Champagne, so I crack open a favorite Crémant de Limoux from négociant Gérard Bertrand: Continue reading →

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