I like your traffic light system. We have a section titled ‘Adventurous’ to signpost wines that are a bit off the wall so that people don’t buy them unawares.
I wouldn't say natural wine is an absolute no-no for me - I had an absolutely killer GSM blend at Quality Chop House that turned out to be natty, and The Donkey and the Goat in California makes a lovely slightly sweet fizzy Chardonnay that I like very much. But my hit rate has been so low that I approach it with a certain amount of skepticism.
More than not being wild about natural wine self, I viscerally dislike the holier-than-thou vibe of many of its adherents. It's like going into a coffee shop that won't put out sugar, or meeting an so-called chocolate aficionado who won't touch anything that's lower than 70% cacao.
Fair point. I've been criticised in the past for not being wholehearted enough in my support of natural wines but the point surely is, is it a good wine, natural or not. And some people - often in the wine trade it has to be said - are prejudiced against them in principle.
I’m a fan - we recently spent a week in Paris and had 15 bottles delivered from a local cave which were end-to-end gorgeous. They tailored to our tastes so avoided the very funkiest. And the price was so reasonable. It was great to have such flavour variety.
Many thanks for your latest post. I have tried natural wines on several occasions with varying results. A low sulphur wine must be beneficial to our digestive systems, although the cidery taste is often prominent and I dislike ciders! Price is also a problem, although Restaurants should have regular wines available, not just natural ones, if they are to appeal to a wider range of customers. I have had much more success with pet nats. A firm in Guildford, Surrey has provided me with many tasty wines. They are not as sweet to my palate, and less fizzy, which again appeals, and I will be drinking them again when the weather warms up!
I have had some sensational Natural wines courtesy of Harry Lester and Gergovie Wines. I brought a case back from Harry's place in the Auvergne a few years ago that was all great. I like Patrick Boujou's wines in particular, His Petillant Festejar is totally delicious if served correctly. There was one called Hiway 59 or similar which I loved too. Never seen it again though. And I have had some horrendous ones. Not managed to get into any kind of routine with them ..
I think it's easier than it once was - there's much more consistency and fewer at the wilder. edge of the spectrum. Guessing you mean the Auberge de Chassignolles? That's where I got into them too!
First time we went we were directed to sit in the meadow among the sheep and Ducks with a few nice beers after our drive from Calais. That night's cheeseboard had over 30 to choose from
Yes Chassignolles. Beautiful place. Maybe it isn't Lester but the Harry who had an interest in Great Queen Street and the Anchor and Hope. and Gergovie wines.
Good stuff, Fionna!
I like your traffic light system. We have a section titled ‘Adventurous’ to signpost wines that are a bit off the wall so that people don’t buy them unawares.
That's perfect!
Loving the Glou Glou term too. In fact we’ve just installed a wine in keg system and our first red is an Austrian Pinot Noir ‘Glou Glou’ 😀
🙌
I wouldn't say natural wine is an absolute no-no for me - I had an absolutely killer GSM blend at Quality Chop House that turned out to be natty, and The Donkey and the Goat in California makes a lovely slightly sweet fizzy Chardonnay that I like very much. But my hit rate has been so low that I approach it with a certain amount of skepticism.
More than not being wild about natural wine self, I viscerally dislike the holier-than-thou vibe of many of its adherents. It's like going into a coffee shop that won't put out sugar, or meeting an so-called chocolate aficionado who won't touch anything that's lower than 70% cacao.
Fair point. I've been criticised in the past for not being wholehearted enough in my support of natural wines but the point surely is, is it a good wine, natural or not. And some people - often in the wine trade it has to be said - are prejudiced against them in principle.
I’m a fan - we recently spent a week in Paris and had 15 bottles delivered from a local cave which were end-to-end gorgeous. They tailored to our tastes so avoided the very funkiest. And the price was so reasonable. It was great to have such flavour variety.
That sounds a real treat - especially at an affordable price. Paris has always been brilliant for natural wine
Fiona,
Many thanks for your latest post. I have tried natural wines on several occasions with varying results. A low sulphur wine must be beneficial to our digestive systems, although the cidery taste is often prominent and I dislike ciders! Price is also a problem, although Restaurants should have regular wines available, not just natural ones, if they are to appeal to a wider range of customers. I have had much more success with pet nats. A firm in Guildford, Surrey has provided me with many tasty wines. They are not as sweet to my palate, and less fizzy, which again appeals, and I will be drinking them again when the weather warms up!
Yes I do think pet nats make great summer drinking. Low in alcohol, typically, too!
I have had some sensational Natural wines courtesy of Harry Lester and Gergovie Wines. I brought a case back from Harry's place in the Auvergne a few years ago that was all great. I like Patrick Boujou's wines in particular, His Petillant Festejar is totally delicious if served correctly. There was one called Hiway 59 or similar which I loved too. Never seen it again though. And I have had some horrendous ones. Not managed to get into any kind of routine with them ..
I think it's easier than it once was - there's much more consistency and fewer at the wilder. edge of the spectrum. Guessing you mean the Auberge de Chassignolles? That's where I got into them too!
First time we went we were directed to sit in the meadow among the sheep and Ducks with a few nice beers after our drive from Calais. That night's cheeseboard had over 30 to choose from
Last time we went he was talking about opening in Clermont. Must return!
Yes Chassignolles. Beautiful place. Maybe it isn't Lester but the Harry who had an interest in Great Queen Street and the Anchor and Hope. and Gergovie wines.
Yes, Harry Lester thought he’s now cooking at the Saint-Eutrope in Clermont Ferrand which is equally wonderful. But Chassignolles still going strong