Bonjour, and welcome to this chilly July-August edition of our epistle on all things wine, beer and spirits related. We have a French feast for your senses lined up! Embark with us on a vinous journey, beginning with the intriguing story of Château Clarke, a new visitor to our shores. We explore the little-known vineyards crafting delightful drops that are Bordeaux's Petits Châteaux and delve into the fascinating nuances of offerings from the Côtes du Rhône. A trip to France wouldn't be complete without visiting the historic village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, while we also take in the origins of the Rothschild family's Mouton Cadet brand, along with a southerly sojourn to the land of Provence neighbours Languedoc-Rousillon. The Alsatian delights of Josmeyer and Gisselbrecht await, as does the lush world of French Chardonnay. From the picturesque masters of rosé, Château Léoube, to the new owner of Provence's Château Mascaronne, we have quite the line-up. As ever, remember life's too short to drink bad wine. H
