As in Cheverny, red wines from Valençay contain several grapes, typically some blend of Gamay, Pinot Noir, Malbec, Cabernet Franc. The 2006 vintage is 40% Gamay, 30% Malbec, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Pinot Noir. the spiciness of the Pinot…the juicy "drink me" quality of the Gamay….and For example. MORE >>

The Jura, in eastern France right near Switzerland, is only place I know of where Poulsard is grown. Red wine grapes cultivated in the region include Pinot Noir, Trousseau, and Poulsard, and although I've had lovely examples of Jura Pinot and Trousseau, my favorite Jura reds are Poulsards. MORE >>

A few weeks ago I read a very nice review on the New York Cork Report about a Long Island dry Rose` made with 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc. It's only been about three years since I started to appreciate Rose` wine and they have all been 100% Finger Lakes Cab/Franc. This Long Island wine sounded very interesting. MORE >>

The wines were from California, Italy, France and New Zealand. Maison Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages, 2009 France The grapes (Gamay) are gently crushed, an extended maceration of 12-20 days gets you the extraction of color and tannins, then aged in French oak for 8 to 10 months. Great deal at $10. Nice long layered finish. SRP $40. MORE >>

have three Ravenscroft glasses, for example, that I use for Cabernet Franc and Syrah. Unfortunately I had only three Riedel Sommelier Series Burgundy bowls, so I drank from a Riedel Oregon Pinot Noir glass - no problem. From the Oregon Pinot Noir glass the wine for some reason showed more alcohol on the nose and on the palate. MORE >>