France Archives | Palate Press

3 min read

CHAMPAGNE IN HISTORY For centuries, Champagne producers were focused on one thing: inspiring us to drink Champagne. Then they were forced to change. A few decades ago, the world shifted, and instead of being concerned about their one little corner of the earth, Champagne producers became aware that every aspect Read More

Fifty Shades of Grenache

Roger Morris

Features

5 min read

A multifaceted grape gets not-so-tough love at a Roussillon competition. Outside our jury room, where we are sequestered in a restaurant on the outskirts of Perpignan, the February sun is fighting to overcome the chill of the night before. On another day, the room might be hosting a boisterous wedding Read More

Women and Wine in Burgundy, Revisited

L.M. Archer

Features

4 min read

“You do not notice changes in what is always before you.” - Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette I first reported on Burgundy’s Women and Wine organization in 2016 for Palate Press, and this year marks the twentieth anniversary of Femmes et vins de Bourgogne or FEVB. Back in 2000, Burgundy [Bourgogne in French] Read More

Bache Gabrielsen Very Old AOC Pineau des Charentes

Becky Sue Epstein

Wine Reviews

1 min read

The producers of the aperitif wine Pineau des Charentes have upped their game. In order to be labeled “very old” this traditional aperitif of the Cognac region of France must be aged in barrels for at least ten years. Which is quite a long time something that was traditionally a Read More

Delightful Aperitif, Lightly Chilled: Reviseur Pineau des Charentes AOC Vieux Pineau

Becky Sue Epstein

Wine Reviews

1 min read

In case you haven’t had Pineau des Charentes before, it is traditionally served lightly chilled, as an aperitif, in casual settings in the Cognac region of France. This delightful Pineau is aged for a full 5 years in barrel, which has made it softer and richer on the palate. It Read More

Aperitif or Dessert? Anyhow, Serve Chilled: Domaine de la Margotterie AOC Pineau des Charentes Blanc

Becky Sue Epstein

Wine Reviews

1 min read

Pineau des Charentes, served lightly chilled, is a traditional, casual aperitif from the Cognac region of France. The label on this bottle says “dessert wine” which is somewhat misleading. This particular Pineau is a very aromatic aperitif; it could also be served in small portions, well-chilled, as an intermezzo or Read More

What We’re Drinking – Cobrafire Blance d’Armagnac

David Honig

Wine Reviews

1 min read

A white, unaged Armagnac from PM Spirits and Domaine d'Esperance, the fruit simply explodes on the palate. The nose is all grape and raisin, without a hint that it's over 102 proof. Grapes and raisins fill the palate, fruity and sweet, with white pepper and the lightest touch of cardamom. Read More

What We’re Drinking – Domaine d’Esperance 2000 Bas-Armagnac

David Honig

Wine Reviews

1 min read

This is a single vintage, single varietal Armagnac, aged 13 years. It has a beautiful caramel color. The nose offer honey, poached pear, and white florals, like distant magnolia. The palate is complex, with a whole cabinet of spices including cinnamon, clove, cardamom and pepper, a touch of honey, pears, Read More

Champagne Updated: Celebrating a Sustainable Region

Fifty Shades of Grenache

Women and Wine in Burgundy, Revisited

Bache Gabrielsen Very Old AOC Pineau des Charentes

Delightful Aperitif, Lightly Chilled: Reviseur Pineau des Charentes AOC Vieux Pineau

Aperitif or Dessert? Anyhow, Serve Chilled: Domaine de la Margotterie AOC Pineau des Charentes Blanc

What We’re Drinking – Cobrafire Blance d’Armagnac

What We’re Drinking – Domaine d’Esperance 2000 Bas-Armagnac

2018 Ghost of a Chance Wines “Gangster of Love” Red, Sierra Foothills

2020 One Flock Sauvignon Blanc

2020 One Flock Red Wine, California

Bellenda San Fermo, Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG Prosecco Superiore, Brut

2021 David Frost Sauvignon Blanc, Western Cape, South Africa