So, you like Chateauneuf du Pape? GSM (Grenache-Syrah-Mourvedre) wines? Then you got to know about Gigondas. Gigondas is a beautiful village north east of Chateauneuf. Sheltered by the jagged Dentelles de Montmirail, this is one of the treasured spots for Grenache.  Gigondas derives its name from Jocundas which is Latin for  Joy! I am using [...]

We could spend a whole year just talking about Spanish wines! There are so many diverse regions, several indigenous grapes,  grapes  that change their names depending on the region and not to mention varied styles of making wines. Today, I am keeping things simple and just talking about one area – Priorat. Quality designations in [...]

When you arrive at home of Lilian and Sandrine, the odds are good you will be greeted by Fig. Fig is a yellow lab and he is still a puppy. For a puppy, he does a lot around the place. On our first visit, he kept our children occupied with his boundless energy and his constant [...]

All Beaujolais are not the same. There are different tiers of quality of Beaujolais including Nouveau, Villages and Cru. Starting with: Beaujolais Nouveau: Harvested in September, released in November, this is juice that is barely fermented. Purple in color as young wines tend to be, this is as simple as it gets. What started as [...]

I have a mission. Few weeks ago, I was told by a friend, “I don’t get Beaujolais” My mission therefore is to demystify Beaujolais. It is an easy mission actually, and we will also talk about Beaujolais Cru. Lets start by going to Paris. Take any bistro in Paris (or Lyon). If you ask for [...]

That afternoon we got together for lunch at César and José-Luis’s man cave not too far from the winery of Pagos de Matanegra itself. It was snowing intermittently outside and we were also paid a visit by the resident feline! Our hosts were very not only gracious but also excellent cooks it turns out. We […]