In the month of January there is no escaping Robert Burns, the favourite son of Scotland where he is simply known as The Bard. Auld Lang Syne, which heralds the New Year all over the world, ranks as his most well-known poem. On January 25th the life and works of this Scottish cultural icon are […]
Gamay, Abbaye de Mont, Mont-sur-Rolle 2013
Gamay Vieilles Vignes, Abbaye de Mont, Mont-sur-Rolle 2013, Ville de Lausanne Vieilles vignes means old vines, well, how old? You may ask. In this case between twenty to thirty years. Vines can continue to produce winemaking grapes for about 200 years. The older the vine, the better the wine. But the older the vines, the smaller […]
Gamaret Meylan 2012
Gamaret Meylan 2012 Veering away from Valais towards Ollon this time. Ollon is situated at the foot of the mountains on the southeast end of Lake Leman near Aigle. Gamaret, à la mode for quite a few years now, is a red wine grape variety created at the Station Fédérale de Recherches en Production Végétale […]
Fine festive wines. Cheers!
The seasonal festivities are the perfect way to ring out the old year and ring in the new with family and friends. For many they also represent an opportunity to hit the pause button and take a well-deserved time-out. Good food and wine assume greater importance at this traditional time of year and add a […]
Cabernet Franc, Quintessence 2012, B Dorsaz Valais
Cabernet Franc, Quintessence 2012, B Dorsaz Valais Cabernet Sauvignon, as you probably know, is the offspring of Cabernet Franc. Cab Franc was crossed with Sauvignon Blanc to create Cabernet Sauvignon. It is one of the Bordeaux varieties and has been around for centuries. It is also grown throughout Europe, the United States, New Zealand and […]
Clos du Brûle-Fer Johannisberg AOC Valais 2013
Clos du Brûle-Fer Johannisberg AOC Valais 2013 In Valais Johannisberg is the second most widely planted white grape variety after Chasselas. It is also known as Sylvaner and Rhin in the French speaking part of Valais and Grüner Silvaner, in the German speaking part. Its origins however are somewhat of a mystery. Some say it […]
Syrah Prestige AOC Valais 2013 Cave Jean Maret, Fully
Syrah Prestige AOC Valais 2013 Cave Jean Maret, Fully Valais has many choices of wine – more than 70 different grape varieties. Even the Dalai Lama has a few vines in Saillon at Farinet’s trail. Farinet was the Robin Hood of the Alps and a master of forgery (do visit the intriguing museum of forgery […]
Neuchâtel blanc – Château d’Auvernier 2010
Neuchâtel blanc – Château d’Auvernier 2010 It’s not often you get the chance to try aged Chasselas, but if you ever do, you must. It transforms into something entirely different from its young original state. It becomes more like a Marsanne (a variety found in Valais also known as Hermitage in the Northern Rhone valley […]
Piemonte: Probably the best wine region in Italy
Switzerland lies at a wine-making crossroads in Europe. Not only is it home to a diversity of wonderful wines and stunning vineyards, but it also borders some of the richest and most varied wine regions in the world. In this third of a series on our wine-producing neighbours, we head to the Piemonte region of […]
Galaurus, Villette Grand Cru, 2011
Galaurus, Villette Grand Cru, 2011 Ahh…. something a bit different for a change. If you are getting a bit bored with the classics – then try this. St Laurent (a red variety that has been around for over 400 years and grows well in coolish climates. Galotta (Gamay & Ancellota) and Pinot Noir are the […]
