Author Archives: Simon

The other evening we hosted a dinner at Manoir de Gourin in the Loire valley  France. Our sweet course was a bombe favorite on a raspberry coulee base topped with raspberries, a chocolate sauce and warm raspberry compote. Stunning. The wine … Continue reading →

Before returning to the matter of the pruning of vines, Karin and I spent an enjoyable lunchtime at the local restaurant in Puy Notre Dame in the Loire Valley France with our friends Neil, Hilary and Andrew. Neil and Hilary are retired and … Continue reading →

We shall be enjoying a warm and enjoyable evening with friends tonight. Wines for the supper will be an oak aged Chenin blanc Saumur AOC from Domaine de L'Enchantoir in the Loire valley France with the goats cheese, beetrootand balsamic … Continue reading →

Traditionally the winter is the time of pruning during the period when the vines are dormant. In France this task is done completely by hand using electric battery powered clippers. The rules regulating the pruning for each appellation is specific … Continue reading →

I've arrived in wintery Loire valley, France and here's a pic of the vineyards. Cheers.

  Where am I now David. Cheers.

Here's another of our wine offers this month. A dry pink wine from the Loire valley in France. The grape is Cabernet Franc and it produces a fine elegant fruity wine with a nice edge. Its made by a winemaker … Continue reading →

One of my favourite subjects is that of buying local and buying from a local source. I read that there is a growing move to using local shops and facilities that put something back. Join the movment. Yes I know … Continue reading →

Who said so? Well I have told you all before that red wine contains polyphenols and antioxidents that are good for your health. Further news from one of the Blue Zones that have been identified as a place where your … Continue reading →

  The 2012 vintage has been disappointing in general for most areas of France due to the bad weather throughout the year starting with the cold and freezing temperatures in the new year, the wet period over flowering and the … Continue reading →