Cabernet Franc is the predominant red grape of the mid Loire valley around Saumur, the medieval town with a fine chateau shown above. Saumur is a bustling town that just oozes “all things wine”, brasseries, wine merchants, vignerons, vineyards…… as… Read More ›
I wonder if anyone knows what is the wine that is actually named “the wine with a musk-like taste”? It’s French, and unusually, in fact uniquely, the wine is not named after the grape as in Alsace, or as per… Read More ›
Chinon in the Val de Loire, France is the place we came closest to buying a house in France three years ago. Burgundy may be our favourite wine region, mostly being based on our love of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay… Read More ›
The French wine appellation of Saumur-Champigny has been missing off my radar for at least 30 years, and I know this because it was 1987 when my last wine log record shows I drank a bottle! At that time I… Read More ›
Menetou-Salon Located directly southwest of Sancerre, this relatively small appellation produces a brilliant range of high-quality white, red and rosé wines that offer excellent value. Sauvignon Blanc is the predominant grape here with some Pinot Noir now being cultivated too.The… Read More ›
We drove through the beautiful village of Breze quite early as it was only 5 miles away from our hotel in Fontevraud and would be a good start to the day before visiting Saumur for lunch later. Parking alongside the… Read More ›
French Chateau, love ‘em on the outside, hate ‘em on the inside! Soulless, bereft of character, mostly empty or with a few artefacts as an afterthought! Here’s a simple comparison before I move on, Dover Castle, Kent, England. No words… Read More ›
