16 Comments
Mar 1, 2023Liked by Fiona Beckett

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.

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That's perfect!

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Mar 2, 2023Liked by Fiona Beckett

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’ 😀

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🙌

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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.

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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.

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Mar 1, 2023Liked by Fiona Beckett

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.

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That sounds a real treat - especially at an affordable price. Paris has always been brilliant for natural wine

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Mar 1, 2023Liked by Fiona Beckett

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!

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Yes I do think pet nats make great summer drinking. Low in alcohol, typically, too!

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Mar 1, 2023Liked by Fiona Beckett

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 ..

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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!

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Mar 2, 2023Liked by Fiona Beckett

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

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Last time we went he was talking about opening in Clermont. Must return!

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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.

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Yes, Harry Lester thought he’s now cooking at the Saint-Eutrope in Clermont Ferrand which is equally wonderful. But Chassignolles still going strong

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