Is Crab and Fennel Risotto the perfect pink wine pairing? Are you one of those people who says, “I don’t like rosé”? Maybe an early experience with a sweet Portuguese rose or even the awful White Zin has stopped you venturing into this increasingly popular wine type. Did you know that in Greek and Roman […]
A Love Story, Asparagus and Grenache Gris
Asparagus, Pancetta and Quail Eggs paired with Grenache Gris. Who doesn’t love a bit of romance? The story of Domaine Jones, of an English woman who went out to work in the South of France in the 1990s and, after running the local wine co-operative in Mont Tauch went on not only to buy a […]
Thai Fish Curry – Dourthe sets the bar high in Bordeaux.
Dourthe Wines from Bordeaux and a Thai Red Fish Curry: It’s always fun to try new wines and play with food pairings. So I was thrilled to be sent a selection of Dourthe wines from Bordeaux to do just that. I’m particularly pleased with my pairing of a white Bordeaux with a Thai Red Fish […]
Wines from Berry Bros. & Rudd to try this Christmas
Wines Pairings for Christmas from Berry Bros. & Rudd: What do you do when you are working out what wines to buy for Christmas? It’s a time of year when you really want something a little bit special – and yet, there is such a range of food to think about, it can be hard […]
The Balcon at Sofitel London St James – Wine Days
Celebrating the Wine Harvest in France at the Balcon: There are ideas which just seem so intuitively good as to be unquestionable. In my humble opinion, a menu to celebrate the wine harvest at the Balcon at Sofitel London St James is a great example. Without lapsing into ‘traditional French Brasserie’ territory, the Balcon always seems […]
Champagne Revisited – an Introduction to the Champagne Region in France
Exploring the Vineyards and Wineries of Champagne – Wine Tourism in France: Remember gentlemen, it’s not just France we are fighting for, it’s Champagne! Winston Churchill Introduction to Champagne and the Champagne Region The British love for all things bubbly is undisputed. We are still the largest export market for Champagne by volume (although we are […]
Barge Holiday and River Cruise – Burgundy, France with Great Rail Journeys
Diary of a French Barge Holiday: Looking for a relaxing way to explore the waterways of France? A barge holiday is the perfect slow-travel solution. Unlike larger river cruises, a typical Great Rail Journeys barge cruise will have no more than 20 passengers, offering you an intimate and personal experience at a comfortable pace. Join me […]
Finest French Fizz – Crémant de Loire
Crémant de Loire – Créme de la Créme of Fizz: I’m a big fan of Crémant de Loire. Love at first sip, it was the first sparkling wine I ever tasted, on a camping holiday in the Loire Valley when I was about ten. I’ve always found that a good Crémant has plenty of benefits, not only […]
The Loire Valley comes to the heart of London
Loire Valley Rosé Wine Barbecue Pairings: This summer has been unbelievably wonderfully warm, and London has been revelling in the heat with everyone trying to find places to eat and drink outside. We were able to combine these pleasures at a rosé wine barbecue dinner at Jimmy’s BBQ Club on the Southbank hosted by Loire Valley wines. […]
Burgundy Masterclass at the Wine and Spirit Education Trust
Wine Classes at WSET – the Expert’s Choice I’ve always been slightly in awe of the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET global). It’s the largest global provider of wine and spirits qualifications offering beginner to expert courses in wine, spirits and sake through Approved Programme Providers across the world for enthusiasts and professionals. All […]