Learn to Read Labels. France.

The benefits of knowing how to read wine labels and understanding of wine law common for EU are discussed in the article “Learn to Read Labels. Europe.” Here, I will be talking about things that are specific to France. I will not be returning to the basics, so I highly recommended reading the article about Europe first, as it is quite important for understanding this one.

Continue reading Learn to Read Labels. France.

  ,  

Burgundy. Introduction

Burgundy has often been named the stomach of France (as Paris is the head, and Champagne is the soul), but I don’t think that such a comparison is correct. If you associate France with the body, then Burgundy is its tongue with all its taste buds. Because Burgundy is not about gluttony, it is about enjoyment. Enjoyment of meal, enjoyment of wine. For this Burgundy has everything. As Burgundians say – it is an Epicurean place. Burgundian wines are famous around the world.

Continue reading Burgundy. Introduction

  , , , , , , , , , , , ,  

Wines of North Burgundy

About Burgundy in general I am talking here, so let’s talk about North Burgundy in particular. In our wine case, we are talking about the Yonna region. The most well-known part of Yonna is Chablis. Famous, worldwide known wine. One of the most often illegitimate used names. Absolutely unique Chardonnay. Many simplified wine maps show this part of France just like Chablis, not caring about anything else. However, not only Chablis exists on the wine hills of the region. So, Yonna.

Continue reading Wines of North Burgundy

  , , , , , , , , , ,  

Ratafia de Bourgogne

Not only wine filled the alcohol world of Burgundy. If you ask locals what to try specifically Burgundian, they tell you about Ratafia. In the world, the word Ratafia is used for two different things. Actually, for three, but the third one is biscuit and is not related to the subject of this topic.

Continue reading Ratafia de Bourgogne

  , ,  

North Burgundy. Coteaux de Tannay and Melon de Bourgogne

Coteaux de Tannay was the last place on our Wine and Waters journey for the bike and wine visit. Administratively it is located in Burgundy, and the climate and soil are also typical for Burgundy. However, accolading wine territorial classification, it belongs to Loire Valley. Tannay’s winemakers make wine in the Burgundy tradition (that is logical), but it cannot be named Burgundy (because belongs to the Loire formally), so it got the IGP title. The main varieties are Chardonnay and Pinot noir, as everywhere in Burgundy, and also Melon de Bourgogne.

Continue reading North Burgundy. Coteaux de Tannay and Melon de Bourgogne

  , , , , , ,  

North Burgundy. Vezelay

Vezelay – it’s about history, architecture, religion, and wine.

Continue reading North Burgundy. Vezelay

  , , , , , ,  

North Burgundy. Irancy

Irancy is a small, nice town, that is located on the right bank of Yonna, about four kilometres from the river. It was founded in 900 AD when Abbot Richard, Duke of Burgundy expanded his abbey. Also, it is one of the most northern French AOCs for red wines. Its specialization is Pinot noir. And it is also the ideal place to understand the idea of terroir.

Continue reading North Burgundy. Irancy

  , , , ,  

Wines of France. Buzet AOC

Let’s talk about the small wine region Buzet, which I searched out travelling on the barge and tasting local wines; about a trickery of Bordeaux wine negotiants; and about winemaking co-ops.

Continue reading Wines of France. Buzet AOC

  , , , , , ,  

Beaujolais Nouveau. The First Wine of the Harvest.

On the third Thursday of November, Beaujolais Nouveau of currant year’s harvest appears on the market. This is the first wine of this harvest; all others still need a lot of time until they are ready for consumption. In France, England, Japan and many other countries this is the feast day (and not just a single day), the celebration day of a young wine.

Continue reading Beaujolais Nouveau. The First Wine of the Harvest.

  , ,