Hail at Bauduc – the Sequel
Hail at Bauduc - the Sequel, is an update on the state of our Bordeaux vineyard at harvest time, 4 months after the hailstorms in May.Vignobles de France – Online Game
How well do you know your French vineyards? Take this challenging online game to pin-point where you think some of these vineyards are. Let me know you’re highscores below!
Hail the Destroyer at Chateau Bauduc near Bordeaux
How two hailstorms damaged the vines at this British-owned Chateau near Bordeaux in May 2009.Possibly the best Pinot Noir in the (New) World
Dr Neil MaCallum left Oxford University with a doctorate in chemistry and moved back to his homeland, New Zealand, to work as a toxicologist – specifically researching marihuana. He started planting vineyards in 1979, with guidance from a soil scientist colleague, in the Martinborough region east of Wellington.
Deep alluvial gravel beds formed by two ancient rivers created the terrace where he planted initially gewürztraminer, sauvignon blanc and pinot gris. With cool autumns, low rainfall and a heat summation similar to Dijon, plus the cool maritime climate; the area was ideally suited for chardonnay and pinot noir. These were planted along with riesling, syrah and most recently viognier. By 1988 Neil was a full time winemaker with 30 acres and a production of 2,500 cases.
Oz and James visit Chateau Bauduc
Oz Clarke and James May spend a day at Chateau Bauduc near Bordeaux.How to Talk to a Sommelier
I read this great blog article the other day, thought I might share it with you.
You’re at a restaurant and the sommelier comes up and says: “Would you like some wine with your meal?” Maybe you don’t know exactly what you want, so you just say, “Bring us something that goes well with the food.” A few minutes later, the sommelier shows up with a bottle of wine made from a grape you’ve never heard of. You taste it and don’t know what to think but say anyway, “That’s fine,” because you don’t want to seem difficult, even though you don’t particularly like the wine. And then the rest of the meal you can’t stop thinking to yourself, I just spent $45 on this?
“By The Glass” Game Proves a Hit
Recently Bistro du Vin developed a new browser-based game based on their new By The Glass Wine Dispenser and Preservation System.
The object of the game is simple: match the food provided to a great wine from the Dispenser. When first served some food, you’ll need to hover of the plate to find out which wine is the perfect accompaniment, next you’ll need to grab an empty glass and fill it with just the right amount of wine.
You’ll have to be quick on your toes though, as the food keeps getting served and you’re against the clock!
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Ronan Sayburn answers: “Is there a skill in handling a customer in a restaurant?”
In this clip, we asked Ronan: "Is there a skill in handling a customer in a restaurant?"