JC in France
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JC and Will's rugby World Cup journey in France 2023
JC and Will are visiting France for the next 3 weeks - On their to do list: Rugby and wine! They will be going to a few regions, different vineyards and wine producers, and of course, cheering on Les Bleus all the way! Read More... -
JC is back in France! Day 15 & 16
Prior to heading towards the Armagnac region, we had a meeting in one of the prettiest properties in the Graves (Bordeaux) region – Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte. As Di has never been here before, we had the full visit before the tasting with Yann ... Read More... -
JC is back in France! Day 13 & 14
We were up bright and early Saturday as we had a very long drive in front of us from Ampuis, through St Etienne, my home town (sadly we didn’t have the time to stop and give my two sisters a’ bise‘), over the Massif Central to Bordeaux. What a magnificent drive on a nearly deserted motorway. Read More... -
JC is back in France! Day 12
We started the day heading north up the Rhône Valley towards Ampuis (the home of Cote-Rôtie) to visit the family run Domaine Gerin. Read More... -
JC is back in France! Day 11
Not sure how - but we have 6 tastings today! Read More... -
JC is back in France! Day 10
As the rain steadily worsened we met with the entire family at Domaine Chantemerle - we are lucky to have secured good volumes of both the 2020 and 2021 vintages which is very welcome news! The wines classic Chablis. Read More... -
JC is back in France! Day 9
Five tastings today! - Joblot (Givry) - Jacqueson (Rully) - Ponsot (Rully) - Raveneau (Chablis) - Malandes (Chablis) Read More... -
JC is back in France! Day 8
As in New Zealand, today (Monday) is a public holiday meaning that we had a quieter day, but we still managed to track down a couple of producers happy to meet with us. Read More... -
JC is back in France! Day 6 & 7
Saturday AM we’re off with our friends to visit at Domaine Rolet. Cedric Ducote, in charge of this historical domaine, gave us first a tour of their 14th century cellar located under the town of Arbois – A magical place where barrels and barrels of Vin Jaune are ageing for no less than six years. Read More... -
JC is back in France! Day 5
A very early start – packing up and driving to the Cote de Nuits for an 8.30am meeting in Morey St Denis before heading for the Jura. Sebastien at Odoul-Coquard met us and took us down to yet another largely empty cellar to taste his 2021 wines. Read More... -
JC is back in France! Day 4
Finally the forecasted rain has arrived – it’s still quite warm here so we’re also getting thunder and plenty of lightening. Read More... -
JC is back in France! Day 3
Cool overcast morning today, the meteo is forecasting rain which the vignerons are all saying the vines need - it’s unusually dry here for this time of year. Read More... -
JC is back in France! Day 2
Day two took us to the northern most Appellation in Burgundy of Marsannay... Read More... -
JC is back in France! Beaune - Burgundy
After a 2 and a half year hiatus I have now been able to return to France. I am lucky that Di is joining me for the next 4 weeks. We are starting in an area very close to my heart - Burgundy! Read More... -
JC in France January 2020 | Epilogue
Epilogue | Last day of tastings before heading off to Paris to catch up my flight to NZ! Emilie will be staying few days with my Mum before catching up with her sister Read More... -
JC in France January 2020 | Day 14
Day 14 | We are coming to an end of our tour! We won’t be going further South than Valence on this trip. Read More... -
JC in France January 2020 | Day 13
Day 13 | Oulala! Much colder this morning – A nasty Northern wind going down the Rhone Valley! I got the good news overnight that my TGV has been confirmed. Read More... -
JC in France January 2020 | Day 12
Day 12 | We were saying this morning how lucky we have been with the weather! It is cold but no sign of rain or even worse snow! Read More... -
JC in France January 2020 | Day 11
Day 11 | SAD NEWS! Michel Lafarge, a leading vigneron in Burgundy, died a few days ago at the age of 91. Read More... -
JC in France January 2020 | Day 10
Day 10 | Mr Donald Trump is on everyone lips and mind at the moment as he’s threatening to put the import tax for French wines up Read More... -
JC in France January 2020 | Day 9
Day 9 | Our third day in Burgundy and the weather forecast is for beautiful blue sky. I must admit it makes a huge difference to go through the full day of tastings ... Read More... -
JC in France January 2020 | Day 8
Day 8 |Beautiful blue sky this morning! Coolish of course (4degrees) but should warm up a bit during the day. Read More... -
JC in France January 2020 | Day 7
Day 7 | We are still in the Jura wine region for the day after the most amazing day yesterday in the village of ‘Les Rousses’. Read More... -
JC in France January 2020 | Day 6
Day 6 | After a good night sleep and an healthy breakfast we head towards the hills. At the heart of the Natural Park of the haut Jura, Les Rousses Read More... -
JC in France January 2020 | Day 5
Day 5 | Still in Chablis this morning but checking out from our modest but very adequate Hotel Le Moulin de la Coudre. First time I stayed there but I will stay again. Read More...
