Learn to drink beyond Bordeaux
From Austria’s celebrated Grüner Veltliner to Japan’s intriguing varieties, you’ll find detailed guides, insider tips, and my top picks for each country. It’s all about broadening your wine horizons and finding those special bottles that are off the beaten path.
Curious about what’s next? Stay tuned as I add more exciting wine regions and discoveries. Whether you’re planning your next wine journey or just looking to try wine beyond Bordeaux, this is your one-stop shop for exploring the world of wine!
Cheers to new discoveries and expanding your wine world!
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Kremstal wine
In Niederösterreich, Wachau has two neighbors : Kremstal and Kamptal. However, both live in its shadow. This is sad because thee two regions are magnificent example of what Austria has to offer. But the good news is, these two regions offer great quality and attractive value for money! The two sisters, have shared a similar history. From vineyards replanted after…
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Wachau wine
Renowned for its charming villages surrounded by vineyards and its medieval castles overlooking the Danube River, the Wachau Valley remains one of my favorite places on Earth! Indeed, the Wachau Valley is also classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its architectural and agricultural heritage. It is part of Niederösterreich, or Lower Austria, which is the foremost wine region…
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A Quick Guide to Austria’s Top Wine Regions
If you weren’t so good in geography at school, let me come with a key reminder : Austria is nestled in the heart of Europe. A lot of people are surprised when I remind them that Austria is renowned for its picturesque vineyards, diverse grape varieties, and exceptional winemaking traditions. Indeed, it has a rich and vibrant wine culture that…
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What is the difference between German Rieslings and French Sauternes?
Although Sauternes is usually considered the best sweet wine in the world, German Rieslings are really not far behind… These wines can seem very similar at first sight, they are both sweet (for the sweet ones of course, German Rieslings can also be dry) with high acidity. So, what is the difference between German Rieslings and French Sauternes? What is…
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Is Sauternes a digestif?
Sauternes is a French sweet wine from Bordeaux. These wines have high acidity and distinctive notes of honey, apricot, citrus zest and dried fruit, from the botrytis. Usually sweet comes at the end of a meal : does this make Sauternes a digestif? Let’s find out! What does Sauternes taste like? The great sweet wines of Bordeaux, Sauternes (or Barsac)…
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What is confit de Sauternes?
Sauternes is a white sweet wine from Bordeaux. It is one of the greatest sweet white wines in the world. However, sometimes, you may come across “confit de Sauternes”. So, what is confit de Sauternes? What is confit de Sauternes? First, let me try to explain what confit is. The word confit derives from a French verb (confire), which means…
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Can I substitute sherry for Sauternes?
Sauternes wines are known to be expensive and for the best of them, prices are through the roof! So finding a substitute can come in handy once in a while. For instance : Can you substitute sherry for Sauternes? What does sherry taste like? Sherry is made from three grape varieties. Palomino produces wines with naturally low acidity that do…
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How would you compare Sauternes wine to ice wine from Canada?
Sauternes and Ice wine are both sweet white wines. The former comes from Bordeaux, in the sub region Graves. The latter is made in Germany and Austria mostly but also in Canada. Are they similar? How could you compare Sauternes wine to ice wine from Canada? Let’s start by defining each type and compare them afterwards. What is Sauternes wine?…
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What typical/traditional dish from Asia would pair well with Sauternes?
Pairing wine with Asian food is not always simple. Indeed, like I often say, the best way to succeed in your wine and food pairing is to pair wine and food from the same region. However, Asia is not known for its wines… But this doesn’t mean, there aren’t great pairings. The acidity of Sauternes contrasts with the sweetness in…
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What is the best way to serve a Sauternes wine?
Sauternes wines are known throughout the world, thanks notably to Château Yquem’s reputation. These wines are sweet and full-bodied, with usually a high level of alcohol. But its high acidity enables to balance all of this. These wines have clearly reached the bliss point! In order to get the best of your Sauternes wine, you want to serve it right,…
