As an increasing number of us spend more time within the confines of our own homes, we thought it an apt time to re-share this blog post. We currently have a 12% discount offer on our website so that you can opt to follow our pairing suggestions below or simply plump to stock up on your tried and tested favourites. So without further ado, here are some of our favourite movies about wine, together with our tips for what you might want to drink while watching.

Sideways

Two lads set off on a stag weekend in California wine country. Miles is a struggling writer and wine buff, who is finding it tough to get over a failed marriage. Jack, an actor and voice over artist, is out to have some fun on his last few days as a single man. Miles does his best to teach Jack a bit about wine and keep him on the straight and narrow – a task that is far from simple. Meanwhile, Miles, who refuses to drink Merlot, suffers another blow when his novel fails to find a publisher – cue a scene in which he drinks Pinot Noir from a spit-bucket. There are laughs and tears as the dynamic duo stop off at various wineries, including Foxen, Kalyra and Firestone.

What to drink while watching: 
It’s got to be a Pinot Noir (definitely not Merlot!): a Bugey from Burgundy has the Pinot Noir characteristics that Miles loves, while a Bulgarian alternative is one of our favourites.

You Will Be My Son (Tu seras mon fils) – French with English sub-titles

Paul de Marseul is the owner of a vineyard in Saint Émilion (in real life, Clos Fourtet). He repeatedly demeans his son and heir, Martin, who tries desperately hard to endear himself to his father. The most painful snub comes when the winemaker takes legal steps to hand over ownership of the vineyard to Phillipe, recently returned from working abroad as a winemaker to be with his terminally ill father, François, the vineyard manager. Martin’s final humiliation comes when Paul invites Phillipe to accompany him to a ceremony at which he is being awarded the Legion d'honneur. Tensions build between the Paul, Martin and Philippe, while François also has a key role to play in a tense finale.  

What to drink while watching:
Bring out the Merlot for this one: a Saint Emilion Grand Cru mixes Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon and is perfect, if a little extravagant for a night in front of the telly. So perhaps a more modestly priced Merlot from nearby would be a good choice.

A Good Year

A collaboration between filmmaker Ridley Scott and author Peter Mayle, this is a gentle romp through Provence, based around the real-life vineyard Chateau La Canorgue in Bonnieux (it actually sells the wine made in the film). Russell Crowe brings to life the main character Max, a London investment banker who inherits a vineyard in France. Initial plans to sell it are placed on hold as he reminisces about the summer holidays of his childhood, and a flawed investment scheme adds to the turmoil. Increasing the attraction of keeping the property is local bar owner Fanny, while the winemaker Francis and his wife Ludivine are strongly opposed to the sale for reasons that become apparent. Meanwhile, the arrival of an American, Christie, brings extra intrigue.

What to drink while watching: 
Revive memories of hazy sun-filled days with our best-selling Rosé.

We could all do with bringing a splash of good cheer into our lives right now, so here’s some positive news. While lots of people are understandably worried about the effects of the coronavirus pandemic and concerned over how long it may last, many want to keep things as normal as possible.

That’s why we’re trying to do our bit to lighten the mood by offering a discount and home delivery on all online orders. It’s a chance to stock up on some old favourites at attractive prices. It’s also an opportunity to try a few unfamiliar wines.

So, if you enjoy a Malbec, but have generally plumped for a traditional Argentinian offering, you might want to try a French alternative, such as Château du Cèdre from the Cahors region of France.

Or, if Sauvignon Blanc is your thing, and you haven’t had the chance to try Little Beauty from New Zealand, we love this great example of a Marlborough white, made by Eveline Fraser, who was formerly at Cloudy Bay.

And if you are wistfully recalling last summer’s holiday, a glass of Le Paradou rosé will help to offset some of the gloomier news that is currently overwhelming us.

It looks as if everyone may be spending more time at home, whether that’s for work, because sports fixtures have been postponed, or maybe you just want to avoid the supermarket scramble.

While no one wants to be living under these conditions, let’s try to make the best of it. It’s a good opportunity to spend time socialising with family. And, if you are keeping an eye out for others, you may want to share a nice bottle with them.

Santé !

We love the Six Nations Rugby tournament and we enjoy nothing more than sipping a glass of wine as we watch Europe’s leading players slug it out on the pitch. For a little fun, we’ve been thinking about which of our wines would represent some of the star players.

 

Scotland

The Scottish captain this year is Stuart Hogg, a player known for his commitment to performing well and of whom much is expected in the tournament. A wine that encompasses all of the Hawick man’s attributes would need to come from an area with strong traditions and a consistently high output. That wine would also require some depth, a dash of flair and the ability to fizz into action.

Hogg's wine: Brut Tradition Champagne, Janisson et Fils, Grand Cru, Verzenay, France NV

 

England

One of the stars of the England set up is Maro Itoje, a highly intelligent, multi-talented individual. His wine would be deceptively cultured and soft, have hidden depths and several unexpected facets. Made in high quality, refined style, it would be acknowledged as outstanding by other winemakers from the same country and would attract envious glances from those elsewhere.

Itoje's wine: Clos Cantenac, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, Bordeaux, France 2014

 

Ireland

Jacob Stockdale is a young man with impressive values. His work on a cross-community peace project is a sign of hidden depth. Genuine and fresh without any affectations that detract from the wholesome, traditional background from which it has emerged, the Jacob Stockdale wine would be reliable in its quality, intense and made using a modern version of traditional methods.

Stockdale's wine: Merla, Celler de les Aus, Alella, Spain 2017

 

Wales

Wales captain Alan Wyn Jones has established a reputation for consistency and reliability. He is the second most capped player in world rugby. Wyn Jones emerged from an unfashionable club in an area that includes several better known teams. He is not the most glamorous player but he commands respect for his consistency, an uncompromising approach and a maturity that few of his rivals can come close to matching.

Wyn's wine: Rully 'Montmorin', Domaine Jean Chartron, Burgundy, France 2016

 

France

Matthieu Jalibert is a rising star in a team that is evolving. His wine would be young, with great potential and made with flair. It would also be light bodied, lively and less well known than some of established, more mature alternatives. But its unsung qualities would be lurking just below the surface and ready to make an impact that will take some people by surprise.

Jalibert's wine: Fleurie Vieilles Vignes 'Le Vivier', Domaine Lucien Lardy, Beaujolais, France 2017

 

Italy

Sergio Parisse’s wine would be mature and full bodied. He is a wily old fox who has been at the top of international rugby for many seasons and is renowned for his commitment and consistency. Those characteristics match up with a wine (Volpi means foxes in Italian) that is made using sustainable methods, offers excellent value for money and is the result of commitment and hard work by the vineyard’s owners.

Parrisse's wine: Montepulciano, Era Volpi, Molise, Italy 2018

At L’Art du Vin, we’ve been thinking about our New Year’s resolutions, those intentions we all have of watching our diet, taking more exercise or learning a new skill. None of those found its way onto our list. Instead, we’ve made it our mission for 2020 to help our customers broaden their wine experiences. We’ve tracked down some exciting makers who are using less familiar grape varieties to produce excellent wines that we enjoy. And we hope you will too.

If you haven’t heard of it before, let us introduce Mencia, a little-known native of the Iberian Peninsula. It grows around the regions of Bierzo, Valdeorras and Ribera Sacra in northwestern Spain. It is also cultivated across the border in Portugal, where it’s known as Jaen. Mencia produces medium-bodied wine with floral and fruity flavours such as strawberry and cranberry. It’s similar in many ways to Pinot Noir or Gamay. One of our favourite wines in this style is from the Pittacum winery in Arganza, near Leon in Bierzo, inland from Galicia. Petit Pittacum is made in an eco-friendly manner, entirely from Mencia grapes grown on century-old vines. The head winemaker Alfredo Marques uses organic fertilisers and eco-friendly methods. We believe his wines are improving every year, helped by mild temperatures and low altitude vines which means they are not at risk from frosts. Typically, that enables him to complete his harvest earlier than many others in the region. If you’re drinking it with food, it’s great with many different dishes including fish, poultry and vegetable dishes. 

Another alternative to Pinot Noir, and also often compared to Syrah or Nebbiolo, is Blaufränkisch, which is indigenous to Austria. This grape grows best in the clay and fossil-enriched soil of the Burgenland state in the east of the country. On the edge of the Neusiedlersee, a lake that straddles the Austrian-Hungarian border, is the Beck winery. This is one of our most exciting discoveries of recent years. The vineyard is now managed by Judith Beck who, having studied viticulture in France, Italy and Chile, took over from her father in the mid-2000s. However, he is still a key part of the process which focuses on making interesting and delicious wines from Austrian varieties such as Zweigelt, St Laurent and, of course, Blaufränkisch, using a biodynamic process. Blaufrankisch Beck is a pure Blaufränkisch, while the 'Ink' cuvee is a blend of Zweigelt and Blaufrankisch. Unlike many Austrian winemakers, Judith doesn’t use heavily toasted oak barrels to create rich and powerful reds. Instead, she has a fresher style that produces wine brimming with flavours of dark fruit and spices.

If white’s your thing, a little-known Greek grape is worth a try. Savatiano is planted extensively in Greece and is well-known for its resistance to dry conditions, essential in a sun-baked part of the world. We discovered it at the family-owned Domaine Papagiannakos, a century-old vineyard on the plain of Attica, 30 kilometres from Athens. It is run by Vassilis Papagiannakos, the third generation to take the helm and drive a process that blends traditional techniques with a modern approach at a stunning bio-climatic winery. Savatiano is golden in colour and, on the palate, it delivers hints of peach and pear with an almond and savoury finish. We believe the Domaine Papagiannakos Attika is a great example.

New Year’s resolutions are notoriously short-lived, but we’re hoping to shake off that trend. And this time we’re confident that we’ll keep our commitment going well beyond the first few days of January, when our plans usually hit the buffers.

Santé !

L’Art du Vin’s three wine men – Philippe, Richard and Lewis – have travelled near and far in 2019 in search of great producers. And as a result of their efforts, we’re delighted to have added several fabulous wines to our list this year. Among them are some classic styles and a few that are a bit different.

If you’re looking for some high quality bubbly with an interesting back story, Régis Poissinet’s champagne certainly fits the bill. The estate in the Marne Valley has been in the family for more than seven decades but, since taking over, Régis has changed its philosophy. He no longer uses herbicides in the winemaking process, and he has reintroduced working horses to the vineyard, enabling him to work the steeper patches of land that would otherwise be inaccessible. Our festive tip is his Terre d’Irizée, which is made by mixing several vintages in a combination that aims to capture the subtleties of this unique terroir. Meunier is the dominant grape and there is also a small amount of Chardonnay, giving hints of citrus zest, white peach and bright nectarine as well as a smooth finish. If you like champagne with pronounced flavours, we think you’ll love this.

Domaine La Ligière in the Rhône Valley sits on the slopes of the Dentelles de Montmirail mountains which protect it from being buffeted by the Mistral, a local wind that folklore claims drives people mad. The current winemakers, Philippe Bernard and his wife Elizabeth Serra, are the latest generation to have responsibility for the vineyard, having assumed control in 2008. They have created their own winery and secured biological certification. The vineyard, planted with Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre vines, is now biodynamic and organic. The grapes are harvested by hand and are fermented in temperature-controlled tanks using only natural yeasts. No fertiliser, weed killer or chemicals is used on the vines, and the wine is bottled without any fining or filtration. We have added four Domaine La Ligière wines to our list, and we think the Côtes du Rhône Les Costebelles is a particularly good example of what Philippe and Elizabeth are doing. It’s a fruity red combining Grenache and Syrah grapes and has a light, fresh finish that makes it an ideal partner for almost any food.

Tim Schäfer-Fröhlich’s attention to detail is evident in all the wine he produces and played a big part in us adding it to our German whites. In addition to the vines he inherited, he has boosted his output by taking over other vineyards and employing a painstaking approach to managing them. His determination to focus on quality rather than quantity was another of the reasons that attracted us to the Schäfer-Fröhlich wines. The Riesling Trocken has all the standard features of that grape, together with greater refinement than many other Rieslings. We love the floral notes as well as the minerality that draws on the slate and volcanic soil in the Schäfer-Fröhlich vineyards. Typically for this type of wine, the alcohol level is lower than some of the big whites from elsewhere.

We’re thrilled to have had these three wines among the many exciting 2019 additions. Please keep watching for more discoveries in 2020.
 
Have a great festive season!

If you love Spanish cuisine, you’ll know that San Sebastian rightly garners much attention among foodies. And if culture’s your thing, nearby Bilbao is an up and coming city with much to offer, including its spectacular Guggenheim Museum. But, if it’s wine you’re after, head for La Rioja and the area around Logroño.

Less than two hours south of San Sebastian and four hours from Madrid, the capital of La Rioja region is charming, historic and lively. It’s also twinned with several places around the world, including Dunfermline. When it comes to a glass of something delicious, Logroño and the surrounding towns offer a host of wine bars and some interesting places to visit.

Haro, less than an hour along the road, is the venue for a wine fight – the Batalla del Vino – each June. This is a weekend-long event that largely consists of soaking other revellers with red wine using all manner of weapons from water pistols and buckets to sprayers. Haro also boasts numerous wineries. The town of Elciego is home to the Marques de Riscal winery. Opened to the public in 2006, it was designed by the renowned architect Frank Gehry. He created the building in colours that reflect the colours of wine – pink panels to resemble red, silver that is reminiscent of foil, and gold which is similar to the mesh on bottles from the winery. The complex includes a spa hotel and, of course, an impressive wine cellar. While that’s worth a visit, our tastes are a little more modest. Less frantic than the battle in Haro is the September wine festival in Logroño that celebrates the harvest. Nearby are many vineyards which produce high quality wines, mainly reds using the Tempranillo or Crianza grape, with Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano also featuring. Whites and rosés are less common but are gaining in popularity.

One of our favourite producers is Bodegas Altanza which is less than 10 miles outside Logroño. The architecture may be less ostentatious than Gehry’s construction, but it is nonetheless impressive and is well worth a visit if you’re in the area (advance booking required). This vineyard became a key player in 1998 when a group of businessmen decided to give La Rioja’s wines a boost. Their initial investment has allowed Altanza to claim an important place in the Spanish wine market and become a favourite in many other countries.

The head winemaker, Carlos Ferreiro, is a veteran whose eye for quality means he now focuses on producing top notch wines at various price points. The medium-bodied Crianza delivers a smooth, well-balanced wine that is strong in cherry and blackcurrant flavours, while the 2010 Tempranillo is a serious wine, matured in French oak and with flavours tobacco, toast, olives, and blackberries. The use of French oak barrels enhances the quality, and the determination to succeed by combining modern techniques and traditional values has delivered a series of great wines over the past decade or so. The vineyard also produces a light white made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes that is good value for money and showcases the quality of alternatives to the region’s red output.

Spanish wine is great with tapas or more hearty dishes. Señor Ferreiro’s skills mean there’s something at Altanza for most tastes.

Salut!

Bordeaux winemaking is steeped in history and tradition. So, it takes something special to prompt a change in its centuries-old regulations. It’s, therefore, worth taking note of a recent proposal to allow several new grape varieties in Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur appellation vineyards.

The driving force behind this is climate change. The result is a group of seven varieties that are well known for their ability to withstand warm weather. They are also generally resistant to diseases including grey rot and mildew. The change still needs approval from the government agricultural body, INAO. But, assuming that it will eventually be granted, there are potential implications for winemaking in Bordeaux. Planting of the new varieties could start in the latter part of next year although they will not be allowed to form more than 5% of any vineyard. In addition, they will be limited to 10% of any blend with existing Bordeaux varieties.       

The seven newcomers won’t be familiar to most wine drinkers, although several are currently used in blends. Four are reds. Of that quartet, Marselan is a cross between Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache Noir. It is used in full-bodied wines and currently appears in some Côtes du Rhône blends. Lovers of the Portuguese wines we offer may have tasted Touriga Nacional. It’s another variety that is used in full-bodied reds with higher levels of tannin meaning the wine will mature over time. It is also resistant to some of the more damaging diseases. Castets is thought by some experts to have originated in the Bordeaux region although it has fallen out of favour in modern times. In addition to withstanding diseases, it contributes to wines with high alcohol and low acid levels. The fourth of the red grapes is Arinarnoa. It was developed in France in 1956 and is a mix of Tannat and Cabernet Sauvignon. Its attributes mean that it is resistant to frosty conditions and is good for wines that are high in tannin.

Among the whites, the most widely recognisable is Alvarinho. This grape is widely used in production of Vinho Verde, a large part of Portugal’s output, and features in the Albarino wines we source from Spain. Its characteristics include high acidity and some resistance to grey rot. If you’ve tried our Cabidos, you’ll recognise the Petit Manseng grape, which is another of the proposed additions. It is best known for being a feature of wines from Jurançon in the Pyrenees and for its combination of acidity and sweetness. The last of the seven is Liliorila, another variety created in the 1950s, this time from a combination of the Baroque and Chardonnay grapes that results in a strong floral flavour. It is known for playing a part in producing aromatic, low acidic wines. Its main quality in the context of climate change is the ability to replace some of the aromas that are lost as a result of global warming.

The proposal may come as a surprise, and possibly even a disappointment, to Bordeaux traditionalists. But it is also a sign that winemakers are starting to acknowledge the longer-term effects of increased core temperatures around the world. And, it’s likely to be the start of some creative thinking by winemakers.

Santé !

If you’re heading for the sun over the summer, you’ll probably be packing some reading material beside the sun cream and shorts. And if you’re staying at home, there’s no better way to chill out than with a page turner and a glass of wine.

Alongside the thrillers and the biographies that could find their way into your suitcase, there’s a host of wine books that are entertaining, engrossing and educational. Here are some suggestions for reading material and the wines that will enhance your enjoyment of the book.

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Families of the Vine by Michael Sanders

This is the American writer’s account of two years spent with winemakers in Cahors. It tells of the joy and anguish of three wine families over a two year period. There’s the impact of a summer drought, the frantic activity during the harvest and the passion for wine that drives these individuals on. The author starts with limited knowledge and is a little intimidated by his lack of understanding. He engages with people who can teach him about the graft and craft of winemaking and tells their story. There’s also an interesting section on how his local restaurant creates a wine list paired with food.

What to drink: The families in the book all grow Malbec grapes, so this red from Cahors is a perfect pairing.

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Grape Expectations by Caro Feely

Caro Feely and her husband were wine novices. Moving from Dublin to France to develop a wine estate in Saussignac near Bergerac in south west France was a big decision. Financial worries, red tape and family issues all posed problems. And the desire to make wine organically and live a sustainable life added to the hardship. Feely and her family have been resourceful in finding ways to overcome these issues and develop a sustainable business. She has gone on to write two more books about a life that veers from idyllic to tragic, visiting all points in between.

What to drink: Like the wines Caro Feely produces, this Bergerac red from just along the road also relies on organic methods.

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Wine and War by Don & Katie Kladstrup

This is an engrossing tale of a little know aspect of the war that had big implications for France. The German occupation had a harrowing impact on the lives of winemakers. Most had little choice but to comply with the demands of Hitler’s army. If they refused, they could be sent to prison camps, vineyards would be occupied, and cellars would be plundered. The book focuses on Bordeaux, Burgundy and Alsace, where young men from winemaking families ended up fighting for the Germans. The book tells how winemakers defended their property, misled the enemy and even stole back their own wine by raiding trains.

What to drink: Life was particularly tough for the winemakers from Alsace, so a wine from that region will help celebrate their bravery.

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A Good Year by Peter Mayle

The only fiction book on our list, this is an easy-to-read, entertaining tale with a vineyard in Provence as its centrepiece. It’s an example of Mayle at his best, creating images of an idyllic life in France and analysing the quirks of the locals. And, of course, there’s the wine. Max Skinner is the main character. He works in a highly paid job in the City of London, but inherits the vineyard. Initially he plans to sell it, but as he gets to know the area, he starts to reconsider. And then there is the mystery of the wine itself.

What to drink: Although the story is about red wine, Provence is best known for rosé, so this is a perfect accompaniment. 

July 7 will be a big day for the best women footballers on the globe. That’s when the Women's World Cup final takes place in Lyon. If the hosts make it to the showdown for the silverware, it will be a home fixture for Wendie Renard. She is captain of both France and her club Olympique Lyonnais. Renowned for her calmness under pressure and towering presence on the field, she made a rare blunder when she scored an own goal in the group match against Norway. With that behind her, she will now be dreaming of lifting the trophy.

Should France match their male counterparts and become world champions, there will be plenty of fine local wines to enjoy during the celebrations, including a white from Meursault and a Mercurey red. However, an ideal choice would be Domaine Feuillat-Juillot, from a vineyard in Montagny-les-Buxy, about 90 minutes from Lyon. Appropriately, the wine is made by another local woman who is at the top of her game.

The domaine is based at the southern end of the Côte Chalonnaise, an area where the soil is ideal for growing the Chardonnay grape and the wine is widely regarded as offering some of Burgundy’s best value. Françoise Feuillat-Juillot took over the vineyard in 1989, the year before Wendie Renard was born. The winemaker had grown up on the family estate run by her father Michel, but rather than join the business, she decided to follow a different path and left home to study international business in Paris. Two years later she moved back and enrolled in a wine making course at nearby University of Dijon. After qualifying, she worked with a local producer, Maurice Bertrand.

Françoise now runs Domaine Feuillat-Juillot with her partner Philippe Bonne and in 2016 they were joined by her daughter Camille, who spent some time in Napa Valley before returning home. Françoise has increased production of the 14 hectare vineyard substantially and it now stands at 80,000 bottles a year. We like the fact that she places great emphasis on sustainable methods. She avoids all chemicals and herbicides, and picks the grapes by hand, striving for a wine that delivers what she describes as elegance and femininity. It offers a delicious combination of citrus fruits, honey and hazelnuts blended with a subtle vanilla oak.

Both Françoise Feuillat-Juillot and Wendie Renard have a busy time ahead. But they also have reason to be excited – the former as she continues to create top notch wine in one of France’s best-known areas, the latter as she hopes to lead her country to sporting success. And even if the French Women World Cup campaign ends in disappointment, a glass or two of wine from the Lyon area will surely ease the pain – we can recommend those made by Françoise Feuillat-Juillot.

Salut !

The sun is now peeking through the clouds more frequently and temperatures are nudging higher. It’s a sure sign that summer is almost here. And that can only mean one thing – it’s time to crack open the rosé.

The history of rosé wine is a bit sketchy but what we do know is that it dates back to the Middle Ages. And another thing that’s certain is that, in recent years, it has become the wine of choice for many drinkers, especially on balmy summer days. The methods can vary, but the common factor in rosé production is that it involves early pressing of red grapes. This usually takes place after less than 24 hours of contact with the skins – a much shorter period than when it comes to making reds (typically several weeks). The shortness of the process leads to less colour and makes rosé wines less suitable for laying down. In other words, they are light and perfect for drinking right away.

As with any popular trend, rosé winemaking has gathered momentum this millennium. There are some areas where pinks outnumber reds and whites, particularly in parts of Southern France. L’Art du Vin figures for last summer showed a 15% rise in overall demand for our rosés. The summer heatwave no doubt played a part in that, but we expect the popularity to continue. Within the numbers we spotted a move to drier, more elegant rosés, with our customers favouring bottles in the £10 to £15 range.

The top seller was Le Paradou, an organic wine from the family-owned Château Pesquié in the Ventoux region of the southern Rhone. The domaine dates back to the early 1970s, when Odette and René Bastide took on what was then an area of rundown vineyards. In 1985, the ownership passed to Edith and Paul Chaudière, who moved things along by creating an independent winery – the area had previously been dominated by cooperatives. Since 2003, the estate has been run by their two sons, Alexandre and Frédéric, who have taken advantage of the favourable conditions to create organic wine. This dry and fruity rosé is refreshing when served chilled and is great with food. More recently, the brothers have taken on a new project a little further south in the rosé heartland of Côtes de Provence. The vineyard sits in the shadow of Montagne Sainte-Victoire, the imposing peak that is a recurring feature of Paul Cézanne’s paintings.

The Cotes de Provence wine is a blend of Cinsault, Grenache and Vermentino grapes. All three bring their own characteristics, with the Cinsault providing flavours of raspberries and strawberries, the Grenache being a source of colour and spice, and the Vermentino delivering freshness and acidity. Together, they create a wine that is a little lighter in colour than the Pesquié from Ventoux. Both wines from Le Paradou are well balanced and have all the hallmarks of a fine rosé. Although best enjoyed in the better weather, they are equally satisfying when conditions are not so kind – just close your eyes and dream that you’re in the South of France.

Salut !