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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Should I decant Bordeaux wine?
French people will talk about “carafer un vin”, when english-speaker will say “decant a wine”. However, in both cases, pouring a wine in a decanter can be used in two very separate ways and for two separate reasons. Let’s take Bordeaux for instance? Why ? Because it’s mostly Bordeaux (or Bandol) wine you’ll be looking to decant. This concerns only…
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Should you let Bordeaux breathe?
Enjoying a bottle of wine with friends is great. But when you say you’re opening a bottle of red wine, there’ll always be someone to ask if you should let your wine breathe or even state it. Let’s take the example of a Bordeaux wine. Why? Because in Bordeaux, we have different kind of wines. Wines can be aged a…
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What makes Bordeaux wine special?
Bordeaux has become inescapable. Whenever there is a conversation going on about wines, Bordeaux’s name is bound to get out. If you’re at a tasting (with no theme), Bordeaux is going to be present. No restaurant or bar can open without having any Bordeaux wine. Bordeaux has become the reference and strongly influenced the New World in wine. But, what…
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Why do Brits call Bordeaux claret?
Wine from Bordeaux is usually called “Bordeaux wine” throughout the world. Well, except for the Brits of course. But, hey, you wouldn’t except less from them. They like doing things differently, don’t they? No offense, we LOVE them nonetheless. I actually spent a few years as a kid near Stratford-upon-Avon, so I have a soft spot for you guys. But…
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History of wine in Austria
The first traces of Austrian wine were discovered during the Bronze Age, in the 10th century BC, in the Traisental valley and the Weinviertel. The discovery of other grape seeds in the Burgenland was during Celtic times around 700 BC. Wine culture then spread to the banks of the Danube (the region we know call Carnuntum) and to Styria, a…
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What is the most common grape variety grown in Austria?
It was the CELTS who planted the first vines, a little before our era. Then viticulture took off in the Middle Ages before taking a turn in 1784 when Emperor Franz Joseph II granted winemakers permission to sell their wines directly to consumers. Austria is now home to 46500 hectares of VINES Seeing as the Alps cover most of the…
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What made Bordeaux successful in the middle ages?
Bordeaux is now one of six most important regions in France and some may argue, it is the most important wine region in France. My WSET teacher would tell me to start by studying Bordeaux if I wanted to understand wine better. I also think, that by studying the history of something, you understand it better too. And wine in…
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How many days should I spend in Bordeaux?
Bordeaux… Although Marseille WAS the cradle of wine in France, Bordeaux has established its reputation throughout the world. If you are planning on visiting Bordeaux, this article is PERFECT for you! However, first read my article on wines in Bordeaux to be able to enjoy more the several tours I have hand-picked for YOU. How many DAYS should you spend…
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French wine from Bordeaux
Bordeaux produces some of the most prestigious wines in the world. It is also the LARGEST wine region in France. My WSET teacher would tell me : “Bordeaux is the starting point for everyone who wishes to know more about wines”. So what about the french wine from Bordeaux? What makes its reputation? Climate Located in a temperate oceanic climate,…
