Concentrating mainly but not exclusively on the Loire's vineyards, its vignerons and their wines along with places to eat and stay. Also covers some recently published wine books – not just from Loire. Regional Chair for Loire @Decanter's World Wine Awards since its inception.
Winner of the 2009 Wine Blog Trophy (journalist category) Salon des Vins de Loire. I have a large and expanding library of photos, particularly from the Loire – places, producers, vineyards etc. European.
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Friday, 25 December 2009
A few photos for Christmas Day
Azay-le-Rideau in early January 2009
Cabernet Franc in Saumur-Champigny mid October 2005
Château de Chaintres, Saumur-Champigny: mid-October 2005
Nice photos, and the Cabernet Franc reminds me that I just bought a Bourgueil the other day (Yannick Amirault's La Coudraye 2007). Merry Christmas, and thanks for drawing our attention to the garden of France. I've been meaning to visit the valley for a few years. Who knows: I might actually do it one day.
Best wishes for Christmas and New Year Jim - among our wines this year we had a 1989 Coteaux du Layon Faye from Chateau du Fresne; a very odd oyster shell smell to it, medium sweet, lacked a bit of definition but had lovely mouth filling texture and a toasty, creamy finish. The 2002 Vouvray Le Mont demi sec from Huet was vibrant and rather fine with our Devon crab - half a bottle left for Boxing Day too! All the best for 2010, keep up the good work.
Thanks Colin and all good wishes to you. 2002 is a lovely vintage. It is interesting tasting some sweet 1989s now. Potentially a wonderful vintage but some of the wines are not as good as they would be if one had the same conditions today because of the progress that has been made in sweet wine making over the last 15-20 years.
Azay-le-Rideau in early January 2009
Cabernet Franc in Saumur-Champigny mid October 2005
Château de Chaintres, Saumur-Champigny: mid-October 2005
Wonderful photots. Can't wait to see it again for myself...not long now !
ReplyDeleteHappy Christmas Jim.
And we wish you a great New Year.
Jean and Nick
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Jean. Happy Christmas to you both and best wishes for the New Year,
ReplyDeleteNice photos, and the Cabernet Franc reminds me that I just bought a Bourgueil the other day (Yannick Amirault's La Coudraye 2007). Merry Christmas, and thanks for drawing our attention to the garden of France. I've been meaning to visit the valley for a few years. Who knows: I might actually do it one day.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas JT. Hope to see you in the Loire sometime. Jim
ReplyDeleteBest wishes for Christmas and New Year Jim - among our wines this year we had a 1989 Coteaux du Layon Faye from Chateau du Fresne; a very odd oyster shell smell to it, medium sweet, lacked a bit of definition but had lovely mouth filling texture and a toasty, creamy finish. The 2002 Vouvray Le Mont demi sec from Huet was vibrant and rather fine with our Devon crab - half a bottle left for Boxing Day too!
ReplyDeleteAll the best for 2010, keep up the good work.
Thanks Colin and all good wishes to you. 2002 is a lovely vintage. It is interesting tasting some sweet 1989s now. Potentially a wonderful vintage but some of the wines are not as good as they would be if one had the same conditions today because of the progress that has been made in sweet wine making over the last 15-20 years.
ReplyDelete