Category: france

Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages AOC label

Demystifying French Wine Labels

 mywinepal  December 8, 2023

Embarking on a journey through the world of French wine is a delightful experience, but deciphering the terms on a wine label can be a daunting task. French wines are not only celebrated for their exquisite flavours but also for the intricate classification systems that define their origin and quality. Let me unravel the mystique behind some key terms found…

A French wine label

Do You Understand French Wine Labels? Take the Quiz.

 mywinepal  December 2, 2023

French wine labels may be a mystery to many non-European wine lovers.  The labels follow strict regulations under French law.  Some of the problems may also be the terms on the label written in French.  It does not have to be intimidating.  Once you learn the basics of French wine labels, you will be able to better select the wine…

Rhone Valley Vineyards' winemaker tour seminar

A Visit from Rhone Valley Vineyards Wine Makers to Vancouver

 mywinepal  November 29, 2023

Did you know that ten bottles of Rhone Valley wines are consumed every second?  Recently, Rhone Valley Vineyards‘ winemakers visited Vancouver to remind us that they are more than just Syrah and GSM blends.  They also produce white wines, rose wines, and sparkling wines.  I attended a lively presentation from five Rhone winemakers to cover their wines plus remind us…

Montes Purple Angel 2012

In Celebration of Carmenere Day on November 24

 mywinepal  November 24, 2023

The history of the Carmenère grape is a tale of rediscovery and revitalization, with its roots deeply intertwined with the viticultural landscapes of both France and Chile.  Carmenère faced near-extinction in France due to the phylloxera epidemic in the 19th century. Unbeknownst to many, some vines were transported to Chile before the devastation, where they thrived in the climate and…

Gérard Bertrand Côte des Roses Grenache-Vermentino-Viognier 2020 and Grenache-Syrah-Cinsault 2021 Rosé 2021

Enjoy Gerard Bertrand Cote des Roses White and Red Blend WinesPR SAMPLE 

 mywinepal  November 13, 2023

Here are two Gérard Bertrand Côte des Roses wines for you to try. The Grenache-Vermentino-Viognier 2020 and the Grenache-Syrah-Cinsault 2021 Rosé. The Rosé has been around for a while and has been a favourite of many people.  Both wines come in a very distinctive and beautiful bottle with a rose petal-shaped base.  Instead of cork, Gérard Bertrand is using a glass stopper to…

Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape 2010

What do You Know About Châteauneuf-du-Pape Wines? Take the Quiz.

 mywinepal  November 4, 2023

Châteauneuf-du-Pape, situated in the southern Rhône Valley of France, is a renowned wine region celebrated for its exceptional wine production. This historic appellation is located in the department of Vaucluse, where the terroir is characterized by its distinctive rocky soils and a Mediterranean climate that basks in the warm, sun-drenched days. Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines are highly esteemed and have gained worldwide…

Cult Wine Canada wine tasting

Tasting European Wine with Cult Wine Canada

 mywinepal  July 27, 2023

East meets west at Cult Wine Canada in Vancouver. I attended a small portfolio tasting of Chinese distilled spirits and European wines distributed by Cult Wine Canada.  In this article, I will cover their European wines and in my follow-on article, I will cover the distilled spirit called baijiu.   If you have not heard of Cult Wine Canada, they describe…

Tastin' France booklet with wineries listed

Tastin’ France Comes to Vancouver – My Selections

 mywinepal  July 19, 2023

This past week Business France, the national agency to develop the French economy through export growth, brought in several French wineries to Vancouver.  These wineries do not yet have representation in British Columbia.  You currently cannot purchase these wines.  This article is meant for wine agents in BC that are interested in adding more French wines to their portfolio.  Below…

stellar jay sparkling rose

Cheers to Rosé Wines and National Rosé Day

 mywinepal  May 25, 2023

June 10 is National Rosé Day, but what do you know about Rosé wines?  Here’s some background so you can further appreciate these wines and toast a glass or two on June 10. What are Rosé Wines? Rosé wines, often referred to as rosé, are a category of wines that bridge the gap between red and white wines. They are…