Category: Grenache

I recently decided to review two French red wines that are blends.  Blends have the benefit that two or more grape varieties together fill in the weakness of the other grape.  For example, one grape may be fruity but lack tannins, while another grape has plenty of tannins but lacks much fruit character.  Putting the two grape varieties together makes…

Many people have taken an ocean cruise travelling up to Alaska or around the Caribbean, or maybe the Mediterranean Sea, but fewer people have taken a river cruise, as far as I know.  I decided to go on a Rhine River cruise hosted by Avalon Waterways, travelling from Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland.  It was an eight day trip and included…

French wines from the Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages AOCs are here to show a new generation of drinkers just how delicious and versatile these appellations can be. I have a rosé and 2 red wines from these AOCs to review: Louis Bernard, Cotes du Rhone, Rosé, 2024 Mas de Sainte Croix Tendresse d’un Climat, Cotes du…

I attended one dinner during the Vancouver International Wine Festival this year, courtesy of the Festival.  It was with Maison Chapoutier at  L’Abattoir.  It was a truly spectacular evening with Mr. James Leonardo De Sá from M. Chapoutier telling us about the winery and the wines we enjoyed that evening.  Did you know that Canada represents Chapoutier’s largest market outside…

This article follows my previous article where I covered the topics of the South Australian wine masterclass where we learned about a land where some of the oldest vines and soils on earth provide the foundation for modern innovation, collaborative energy, and a profound respect for the environment. As part of the masterclass we tasted seven wines from this region;…

When you think of Australian wine, what comes to mind? For many, it’s a vision of big, bold, Shiraz from a hot, dry country. But sitting down with a delegation of South Australian winemakers recently, I heard a story that is more complex, ancient, and innovative. It’s a story written in 760-million-year-old soils and told through some of the oldest…

Many people think of red Rhône wines, but there are terrific white wines as well.  I received a bottle of Louis Bernard Côtes du Rhône 2023 to tell you about.  It is a blend that features Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Clairette, and Roussanne grapes.   Grenache Blanc is a full-bodied white grape with a round mouthfeel, offering ripe pear, green apple, and…

From my recent tastings of white and sparkling wines from west coast USA during VanWineFest 2025, a few key trends emerge. Chardonnay remains a dominant varietal, showcasing a range of styles from richer, rounder textures with lower acidity in Paso Robles to fresher, more mineral-driven expressions from Oregon’s Willamette Valley. There is a clear emphasis on texture and mouthfeel, with…

I am always excited to try the wines from Famille Perrin who also own the famous Château de Beaucastel in southern France. The vineyards for this wine are located on the slopes of Mont Ventoux. It is a blend of Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache, and Syrah.  This wine comes sealed with screw cap for easy enjoyment. My Wine Tasting Notes Famille…

What surprises does 2025 hold for wine lovers?  Could it be a new varietal or region that you have not yet tried?  Or maybe a new winery in your area?  Today, I am tasting two red wines from Blasted Church Vineyards that were sent to me.  They are not new to me, but maybe the grape varieties may be new…