Although for the majority of wine drinkers, French pinot noir is virtually synonymous with red Burgundy, such unilateral thinking can deny us from discovering the increasingly good examples of this grape from some of France’s less likely wine-growing zones. Perhaps the most counterintuitive of these for successful production of a cool climate variety, is tucked away in the Mediterranean influenced region of Languedoc-Roussillon. The rationale becomes less obscure when we learn that these particular vineyards are located high in the cooler foothills of the Pyrenean mountain range near the sleepy town of Limoux - Domaine de l'Aigle itself has vines planted up to 500 meters.

I'm Good Wine Gal. I blog about "good wine" and how to find it! Why is Pinot Noir the heartbreaker? Why do some love and other hate Pinot Noir? Why do grape growers and winemakers curse Pinot Noir? If you want to know more, read on. Better yet, you might want to drop in to this week’s wine session with Mark Shipway.

Chardonnay is New Zealand’s second most planted white grape and perhaps one that wouldn’t immediately think of in connection with the country but here’s an insider tip: sommeliers and wine professionals everywhere love the value to be found here and the typical Kiwi style of chardonnay, which emphasizes restraint over exuberance, is currently very in vogue.

International Star
Chardonnay is a semi-aromatic grape variety and the world’s most famous white wine. With roots in France and planted around the globe, it’s the number one white planted international grape variety. And while many recall the hangover effects of the mistreatment of this varietal (too much oak, too much alcohol, too ripe and a lack of acidity), today there are amazing bottles and producers in the market expressing Chardonnay with crisp freshness, balanced richness and a finesse of oak and complexity. Join us for ABC - Always Bank on Chardonnay. That’s the name of our upcoming Chardonnay wine session on Zoom this coming Thursday January 21 at 7:30 pm (PST) with Mark Shipway.

Cabernet Sauvignon recently became the world’s most planted grape of any colour and is still growing! From the old world wisdom of Bordeaux and Bolgheri to the new world styling of California and the Cape, Cabernet Sauvignon has captured the imagination of red winemakers and red wine drinkers wherever they may be. Here is a list of recommended wines from BC Liquor Stores, Marquis Wine Cellars & Swirl Wine Store

Cabernet Sauvignon is Argentina’s under-the-radar vinous gem. Overshadowed by both the fame and planted acreage of signature Malbec, this variety literally gets to shine under the bright Mendocinian sun (Mendoza is Argentina’s best region for Cab Sauv).