Champagne region - Reims, Epernay and Bar-sur-Aube
see map (more…)

John & Carolyn Scallon offer comfortable Bed & Breakfast (Chambre d’Hote) accommodation in Burgundy either for stop-overs en route south or for short or longer stays. At Sens-sur-Seille (71 Saone-et-Loire, Bourgogne).
This would be an opportunity to explore some of the lesser known parts of Burgundy with the additional bonus of experienced advice from your English hosts who can help you plan your itinerary to get the best from your day - and recommend vineyards and restaurants.

Just 90 minutes from Geneva or Lyon airports this area abounds with small villages, individual cuisine and lots and lots of really fine wines.

“We’re biased. We live in a small village in the extreme east of Burgundy, right on the border with the Jura Department and we love it here” say John & Carolyn Scallon at www.bandb-burgundy.com who offer excellent accommodation (4 individually decorated bedrooms with en-suite facilities) in the heart of south Burgundy at Sens-sur-Seille (71 Saone-et-Loire, Burgundy) east of Chalon-sur-Saone (see map)
For more info and for suggestions on visiting the vineyards of Burgundy see www.frenchduck.co.uk

Chateau d’Aydie and the Laplace family are widely regarded as one of the foremost quality producers of Madiran. Frédéric Laplace was recognised as one of the pioneer winemakers - first to bottle Madiran wines and to sell them under his own name when the appellation was created in 1948 - when there was just 50 hectares of vineyard under production, compared to the 1650 hectares which now produce Madiran wines.

The whole venture is very much a family affair - the three grandsons and granddaughter of Frédéric run the estate between them - Francois in charge of the business side; Jean-Luc is in charge of wine-making; Bernard manages the vines; and Marie presides over the office, whilst their father Pierre is in semi-retirement but still very much involved.

In his new book “The New France: A Complete Guide to Contemporary French Wine (Mitchell Beazley Wine Guides)” Andrew Jefford says of Chateau d’Aydie “Everything is impeccably clean, minutely organised, deeply considered, exhaustively refined…. a range of model Madirans”

It is always a sure sign of excellent wines when the top restaurants in the region include them on the wine list.
Madiran has been in the headlines recently due to a new book by Richard Corder “The Wine Diet“, which extolls the health-giving benefits of the Madiran wines from South West France.

We imported 2 superb Madirans from Chateau d’Aydie and a couple of excellent Vins de Pays. The key difference between the Madirans is the percentage of the Tannat grape used.
The top cuvée is the Chateau d’Aydie - made from 100% Tannat grapes - a “grand vin” - greater power and energy with considerable fruit character (blackberries and blackcurrants), with hints of mushroom and tobacco. Aged in new oak for 12 months. (The 2001 vintage was recommended in the Guide Hachette des Vins 2003. “..intense and complex nose…fruit, menthol and woodsmoke..well balanced flavours mingled with vanilla and toast.“)
The next cuvée is Madiran AC Odé d’Aydie where the proportion of the Tannat grape is 80%. The Odé d’Aydie is made from top quality vines and aged partly in new oak barrels and partly in large oak vats. This produces a “sweeter” and richer wine than more basic Madirans, with suggestions of plums and tobacco. (Recommended in the Guide Hachette des Vins 2002. “”elegant in its deep, bright blackness, the Odé d’Aydie leaves in its trail intensely smoky aromas, fragrances of vanilla and menthol, notes of balsam…full-bodied, velvety and structured.”)
The Vins de Pays des Côtes de Gascogne carry the label “Aramis” indicative of their origin in 3 Musketeers country, and are excellent quality easy-drinking wines.
See map

Cotes du Marmandais, 47 Lot-et-Garonne, Aquitaine (see map)
The Cotes du Marmandais is one of a number of small appellations south of Bergerac and east of Bordeaux, which major on the Bordeaux grape varieties, and which tend to be dominated by large co-operatives.
Whilst historically co-operatives have not always produced the best of wines, the situation is a little different where the co-op is the dominant producer, as here in Marmande. As such the co-op becomes the guardian of the appellation’s reputation and has a vested interest in producing good signature wines as well as bulk plonk. The Caves du Marmandais at Cocumont is one such example.
The appellation is based around the town of Marmande between Agen and Bordeaux on the Garonne (and A62 autoroute). Marmande is probably better known for its large “beef” tomatoes, but it does also produce some very decent wines, albeit not particularly distinctive.
Originally there were 2 co-ops, Cocumont and Beaupuy, one based on the south (or left) bank of the Garonne, the other on the north (right) bank. These merged a few years ago in the Cave du Marmandais.
The red and rose wines are based on Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot to a maximum of 75% of the blend. The balance must be made up with the local variety of Abouriou or Fer, or alternatively Gamay or Syrah. For white wines: Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle, Ugni Blanc.
From the Co-op there is a wide range of good value wines - the best in our opinion being the Tap de Perbos - an oak-aged red with real finesse and power. Rick Stein in Rick Stein’s French Odyssey stocked up on wines from this co-op.

There are some independent producers who are gaining a decent reputation - e.g. Chateau de Beaulieu at Saint-Sauveur de Meilhan - see www.chateaudebeaulieu.net - available from www.southdownscellars.co.uk

A name gaining a great reputation and reviews from Jancis Robinson and others is Elian da Ros/Clos Baquey at Cocumont - stocked by Adnams (always a good indicator).

For more info on the Cave du Marmandais see www.origine-marmandais.fr

The Corbières region is remembered for the Crusades against the Cathar heretics. The ruins of castles which rose to dizzying heights can still be seen on the crests of this mountainous region - Aguilar, Queribus, Peyrepertuse etc. Lagrasse and Fontfroide abbeys attest to the period when the monks first cleared the land to plant vines.
Corbières wines have traditionally been very “rustic”, but in recent years the wines from the defined “Terroirs”, such as the Montagne d’Alaric and Durban are elegant and smooth, retaining good spicy fruit from the Syrah and Grenache. Corbières lies to the south of the Minervois and the Toulouse to Narbonne autoroute.

Castelmaure is a very small, and quite isolated village high in the Corbiéres hills close to the border with Roussillon and Fitou. It is not easy to find - several kilometres up a winding side road, which must be a challenge for the lorry drivers. The village (Embres et Castelmaure) is small and feels a little as though it is in a time warp - but carefully maintained and friendly.

The landscape is rugged and dramatic, with few other crops able to survive on the rocky terrain. But this ruggedness produces wines of great concentration, full of mineral extracts, but it demands great skill to produce wines which balance the sheer power of the grape with roundness and finesse. In general terms we avoid co-operatives, but this “cave” has developed and maintains a reputation for quality and distinctiveness which few individual growers can aspire to. This is achieved by having a good winemaker, who insists on the highest quality of grapes. and strict quality control in the wine cellar - despite its age!

Le Corbières AC, Cave de Castelmaure - Elegant, spicy, full-bodied and smooth southern red - a very successful blend of rustic strength and real finesse - made from Carignan (50%), Grenache (30%), Syrah(15%), Cinsault(5%)
Corbières AC Grande Cuvée SCV Castelmaure- Wonderfully rich, oak-aged red with huge fruit and great complexity - really big in the mouth with smooth tannins, ripe fruits, toasty and spicy - needs rich food such as Cassoulet - Grenache(45%), Syrah(45%), Carignan(10%)
Corbières AC Le Blanc - SCV Castelmaure- Remarkably fresh dry white with lots of crisp apple and citrus fruit - Grenache Blanc(90%), Maccabeu(10%)

Address: Castelmaure CSV, Embres et Castelmaure, 11000 (Aude) - see map

UPDATE - Oddbins now stocks a cuvée La Chapelle, Corbières AC from Castelmaure:-
“Corbières accounts for a large portion of the western Languedoc, and with its chaotic mountainous terrain, produces some very good value wines that seem to ooze fruit and spice. This bottle from the quality co-op based in the village of Embres-et-Castelmaure, is Carignan-dominated and ready to drink now.

Tasting Notes : A dark and fruity nose of blackcurrant precedes a palate of spicy bramble, plum and cassis flavours, all wrapped up in a soft, silky mouth feel.
Producer : Cave de Embres-et-Castelmaure
Method of Production : The grapes were sourced from 30 to 60 year old vines, with each of the varieties vinified separately. The Syrah was destemmed, crushed and fermented, whilst the rest was kept as whole berries and carbonically macerated. Fermentation occurred in concrete vats for around five days (at up to 30°C), after which the wines were pressed from the skins, blended together and returned to vats to marry and mature for six months. The wine was fined with egg white, filtered then bottled.”
£5.99 or £4.79 if you buy 6 or more (product code: 69596)

Region: Rhône Valley
Appellation: Gigondas AC
Producer: Domaine la Fourmone
Grapes: Grenache

2 principal cuvées produced - Cuvée Traditionelle and the Cuvée Cigaloun both very rich and high in alcohol. Wonderfully spicy overtones, with the Cigaloun balancing the spice with really good fruit.

From selected plots, velvet colour, spicy nose,grilled aromas, palate delight.

… When it nears the lavender she stops singing.
“Canto ! Canto ! Cigaloun !” says the poet quietly at it becomes his friend…

As ALLEZ VINS! UK French wine merchants we imported the wines of Domaine la Fourmone and l’Oustau Fauquet for many years,
Madame Combe produces high quality intense wines using traditional techniques from the domaine nestling under the Dentelles mountains.Significantly the wines are not filtered, which enables them to retain all the structure and body of these concentrated, powerful and charming wines. Roger Combe, the patriarch of the domaine, is a real Provencal and a renowned poet in the region. You will find Provencal phrases on the labels. The name “Fourmone” is believed to come from the Latin “Fromentum” (wheat), widely grown in the wide expanses of the Rhône valley.
The domaine is situated just north of the village of Vacqueyras, north of Carpentras in the southern Rhône Valley , and in the lee of the Dentelles de Montmirail - a series of jagged edged hills - see map
You can be assured of a warm welcome to the winery (except in February when they are usually closed).

The southern Rhône is dominated by a wide flat valley floor, which is intensively planted with vines. However, the better wines come from the slopes and hills on the valley sides, where the soils, drainage and aspect produce wines with more character and maturity.

Gigondas (under the label “l’Oustau Fauquet” is a seriously rich heavy wine - “drink with spoon” being one of my tasting notes for a particularly extraordinary vintage. It is in many respects similar to the nearby Chateauneuf-du-Pape AC wines - more info

Vaqueyras is a tad lighter, and is best known for its velvety smoothness overlying a spicy character. ” - more detailed info

Region: Rhône Valley
Appellation: Vacqeyras AC
Producer: Domaine la Fourmone
Grapes: Grenache, Syrah
Several cuvées are produced - Tresor du Poete, Sélection Maître de Chais and Cuvée des Ceps d’or. There is also a White Vacqueyras - Cuvée Fleurantine!
Big powerful and velvety smooth spicy Rhône red - excellent (S.Rhône) Made from Grenache and Syrah grapes, manually picked. It is the smoothness of Vacqueyras which is its keynote - which derives from the Syrah grape. Vacqueyras was the second of the Côtes du Rhône villages to be upgraded to full appellation status (after Gigondas) - recognised for its big powerful character.

Guide Hachette des Vins de France 2002:
“Recommended 2** (remarkable wine) in the Guide Hachette des Vins 2002. “This is a very complete and fairly complex wine like most produced on this estate. Subtle hints of nuts, spices and garrigue (moorland) wild herbs, plus a tiny touch of mint, give an attractively original taste.The volme and strength of this wine are impressive. Full and rich this poetical treasure inspires lyrics and will be remembered. Delightfully refreshing, it should be sampled right now!!”

Website: http://www.domaine-la-fourmone.com

Vins de Pays Charentais, mainly white wines from grapes that also serve as the basis for Cognac. Ugni Blanc and Columbard are the traditional varieties but more Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc are evident, which add body and richness to what otherwise can be rather thin acidic wines (ideal for Cognac!).
The Vin de Pays Charentais accounts for 40% of the Vins de Pays wine production in the Charentes/Aquitaine area. Produced in the departments of Charente and Charente-Maritime, these wines contribute toward a diversification of use for the vineyards of the Cognac region. White wines are produced mainly from Ugni-Blanc which gives them acidity and freshness, and the Ugni-Blanc is blended with aromatic grape varieties such as Colombard, Sauvignon and Chardonnay.
For the reds and rosés Cabernet-Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Tannat (Cot or Auxerrois) are the principal grapes, which have the potential to produce rich, full-bodied wines, especially in good summers.

I have tasted some very good light, fresh whites from the region. I cannot say the same for the reds which I’ve always found a little disappointing. However if you want to try some of the best wines from the area, Swallow Fine Wines in Salisbury and online are offering a mixed case of wines from Domaine Gardrat.

See map of Pamproux where there is an annual musical grape harvest festival)

For more info on Vins de Pays Charentais see www.swfrance.com/vdpc/

The epic story of the Côtes de Saint-Mont vineyards began in the fourth century BC, when the first plants were imported by the Greeks. It is thus one of the oldest vineyards in France. Then one witnessed an important development from 1050 with the founding of the Saint-Mont Abbey by Benedictine monks. The monks were particularly interested by an area already colonised by the vine. The ‘crus’ developed and these ‘fine wines from Gascony’ were exported to the United Kingdom as early as the 14th century. Today the appellation Côtes de Saint-Mont stretches over 49 villages in the Gers. Wines are considered as ‘discovery wines’ or ‘terroir wines’ and are experiencing a promising revival. As far back as the 11th Century the arrival of Benedictine monks (from the Abbey de Marcillac in Burgundy) helped to improve the wines of the area, and being on one of the roads to Santiago de Compostella they quickly acquired a reputation
In the heart of Gascony (Gascogne) the landscape is of gently rolling hills with good soil and exposure to the sun. The climate is gentle and ideal for maturing grapes in late season.
VDQS is the abbreviation for VIN DÉLIMITÉ DE QUALITÉ SUPERIEURE - a classification which is slightly more generous than full Appellation Controllée (AC) status. As such it is a guarantee that the wines come from a small specific geographical area, and must contain certain minimum percentages of specified grape varieties (usually traditional to the area), and hence conform broadly to a particular style, However, there is more flexibility for the winemaker in yields and the addition of other grape varieties in the blend. We like to think of them mainly as Very Delicious Quaffing Selections, but are also capable of producing some really fine and serious wines. This is another example of the French classification system becoming less relevant, as all three wines which we stock from the Côtes de St Mont are much better than many other wines we have tasted which are classified as “Appellation Controllée!

PRODUCTEURS PLAIMONT. We generally prefer to work with smaller individual domaines, but the Plaimont co-operative is streets ahead of other co-ops - producing excellent and distinctive wines of consistent quality at keen prices. It has had the benefit of good management and leadership, which has ensured that, unlike many co-operatives, it does not work at the comfort level of the weakest members. Instead it has been visionary and innovative, and most importantly places the highest emphasis on wine quality.

Gascony map

The epic story of the Côtes de Saint-Mont vineyards began in the fourth century BC, when the first plants were imported by the Greeks. It is thus one of the oldest vineyards in France. Then one witnessed an important development from 1050 with the founding of the Saint-Mont Abbey by Benedictine monks. The monks were particularly interested by an area already colonised by the vine. The ‘crus’ developed and these ‘fine wines from Gascony’ were exported to the United Kingdom as early as the 14th century. Today the appellation Côtes de Saint-Mont stretches over 49 villages in the Gers. Wines are considered as ‘discovery wines’ or ‘terroir wines’ and are experiencing a promising revival. As far back as the 11th Century the arrival of Benedictine monks (from the Abbey de Marcillac in Burgundy) helped to improve the wines of the area, and being on one of the roads to Santiago de Compostella they quickly acquired a reputation

In the heart of Gascony (Gascogne) the landscape is of gently rolling hills with good soil and exposure to the sun. The climate is gentle and ideal for maturing grapes in late season. VDQS is the abbreviation for VIN DÉLIMITÉ DE QUALITÉ SUPERIEURE - a classification which is slightly more generous than full Appellation Controllée (AC) status. As such it is a guarantee that the wines come from a small specific geographical area, and must contain certain minimum percentages of specified grape varieties (usually traditional to the area), and hence conform broadly to a particular style, However, there is more flexibility for the winemaker in yields and the addition of other grape varieties in the blend. We like to think of them mainly as Very Delicious Quaffing Selections, but are also capable of producing some really fine and serious wines. This is another example of the French classification system becoming less relevant, as all three wines which we stock from the Côtes de St Mont are much better than many other wines we have tasted which are classified as “Appellation Controllée! PRODUCTEURS PLAIMONT. We generally prefer to work with smaller individual domaines, but the Plaimont co-operative is streets ahead of other co-ops - producing excellent and distinctive wines of consistent quality at keen prices. It has had the benefit of good management and leadership, which has ensured that, unlike many co-operatives, it does not work at the comfort level of the weakest members. Instead it has been visionary and innovative, and most importantly places the highest emphasis on wine quality. At the moment this is the only co-operative with which we work. PLAIMONT is a concocted word made from the towns of Plaisance, Aignan, and St Mont, the 3 caves (cellars) of the co-operative. Floc de Gascogne are all produced in this region   Côtes de St Mont, Les Vignes Rétrouvées (dry white)   Côtes de St Mont VDQS, Les Vignes Retrouvees (red)   Côtes de St Mont VDQS,Chateau de Sabazan 1998 (red)   Côtes de Gascogne (Vins de Pays) wines also come from this area   See our new selection of duck and goose products from the South West - foie gras, confits, cassoulet   Hachette Vacances: South West France and the Dordogne Hachette Vacances: South West France and the Dordogne - save 20% on this book CLICK HERE

The New France by Andrew Jefford Save 20%. Andrew Jefford has travelled extensively in each of France’s 14 wine regions to investigate the personalities and producers who have masterminded the resurgence of the French wine industry. His views support our own assertion that France is producing some classy wines, often from beyond the traditionally high profile and expensive “fine” wine regions.CLICK HERE

Our selected books on France, French wine, French food and maps & guides  

PEYLOUBERE - ACCOMODATION - SW FRANCE PEYLOUBERE - Gers, South West France Self-Catering Cottages and Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in a listed 17th Century domaine in Gascony - 35 acres, lakes, pool and Spa Ideal location for visiting Madiran, Jurancon, Côtes de St Mont, Côtes de Gascogne, Armagnac, Floc de Gascogne vineyards

France Vacation Rentals Near Bordeaux’s Famous Vineyards (Ezine Ready)

Author: Andrew Heaps

Bordeaux, the largest city in south west France, is the wine region of
the Aquitaine area. Bordeaux wine is readily exported to countries
throughout the world and there are many vineyards that help make this
exportation financially rewarding for the region by producing popular
tasty wines to suit all tastes.

Vineyards in Bordeaux cover hundreds of thousands of acres of
land. Large quantities of wine producers in this area are
independent wineries. Chateau Beychevelle is a Bordeaux winery that
welcomes wine tasters from all over the world to sample its home grown
produce. Visitors come and go daily, tasting and purchasing the
fine product of the hard working vineyard’s laborers.

Another area in Bordeaux that wine enthusiasts should visit is the
Saint-Emilion village. In Saint-Emilion village one will find a
number of friendly vineyard owners who are always happy to show off
their wines. The difficulty many say is choosing the vineyards to
visit. With so much choice you may need several days to get a
full taste of the area.

A popular way to cover many vineyards in this region is by going on a
wine tasting tour. There are usually many tours being offered and
they are individually unique in their own right. Some tours will
be by bus or bike via an independent tour agency and others will be
provided by a specific Châteaux. In order to consider all the
available options, your concierge or local tourist information office
is a good starting point to making an informed decision.

When looking to visit the Bordeaux vineyards, one should consider
booking a France vacation rental for a week or two in order to have
enough time to leisurely visit the many wineries in the area.
France vacation rentals can be easily booked through your travel agent
or by using the internet to find vacation packages that cater to France
vacation rentals. Whatever vineyard an individual chooses to tour
or France vacation rental one chooses to book, that person is sure to
be happy with his/her final decision regarding this wonderful touring
opportunity.

Source: Submit Articles at ArticlesBase.com

About the Author:
TipTopVillas offers France
vacation rentals - outstanding France
villa rentals available by owner. Browse all vacation rentals by owner
at TipTopVillas.

The wines of Cahors (Lot Valley, South West France)
CAHORS has been a favourite of ours since the beginning of our interest in wine. The Lot, south of the more crowded Dordogne, is both dramatic and scenic - and the vineyards are very evident - along the valley west of the attractive town of Cahors and on the hillsides (causses) north and south of the river.
Its wines are very distinctive - quite different from Bordeaux or the Languedoc. Only red wine, it is traditionally tannic and plummy - probably better with food than by itself. However, recent vintages are succeeding in retaining depth of flavour with some wonderfully smooth attractive tannins. resulting in a wonderfully smooth big mouthful of wine, drinkable young but with good ageing potential.

A little history….The wine of Cahors is justly proud of its ancient lineage and renown. It was already spoken of during the reign of the Roman emperor Domitian in the year 96AD.
The local poet Clement Marot often celebrated its qualities and the Bishop of Verdun, Saint Paul, wrote to Saint Didier, Bishop of Cahors (639-662), to thank him for the wine sent to him. Francis I graced his table with Cahors wine, and even planted a Cahors vine in the grounds of his chateau of Fontainebleau. It is only a few years ago that the last vine was pulled out of what was once known as the “King’s Vines”.
The Russian Orthodox church adopted it as its Communion Wine and the Tsar Peter the Great used to treat his very delicate stomach with Cahors wine. Indeed, if you visit Chateau Eugenie at Albas, you will see some old bottles on display with the name CAHORS in the Russian script.

2007 is going to be a great year for Cahors, as it sees the 700th Anniversary of the medieval fortified bridge (Pont Valentré) whichis one of its main attractions.
On a more mundane, but practical note, there is a new free Park-and-Ride service (Navette) from the south side of the river (Chartreux) to the town centre, which should ease some of the parking difficulties in the town.
And Cahors is now recognised as “une Ville d’Art et d’Historie” by the French Government, one of 130 sites across France recognised for the importance and quality of their heritage. The town is also active in protecting and restoring much of this heritage, by restricting traffic and encouraging restoration without turning the place into a theme park. As with so many towns like this, although the obvious attractions of the main boulevard, market, Catherdral and the river
are delightful, a bit of exploration on foot will yield some of the more interesting gems and snickleways in the heart of the medieval town.
(more…)