Category Archives: France

2014 Augey Bordeaux Blanc. 11.5% ABV, $7

Posted on March 29, 2016 by The Frugal Wine Snob

This is a classic white Bordeaux blend of 75% Sauvignon Blanc and 25% Semillon. It is softer than many of the popular, in-your-face Sauvignon Blancs out there, so it’s a good wine to share with friends who aren’t totally in … Continue reading →

Posted in France, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, White Blend | 2 Comments

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: 2011 Cave des Vins de Bourgueil Lieu-dit Beauregard, Bourgueil, Cabernet Franc. 12.5% ABV, around $10.

Posted on April 4, 2013 by The Frugal Wine Snob

This wine is so stinkin’ delicious, I am heading to the wine shop later today to pick up their remaining stash. It’s the most exciting red wine I’ve had in a long time. It has the soaring high notes typical … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Franc, France | Leave a comment

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: 2011 Domaine du Tariquet “Classic” white blend (45% Ugni Blanc, 35% Colombard, 10% Sauvignon Blanc, 10% Gros Manseng), Côtes de Gascogne. 11.5% ABV, available for as little as $6.95 online.

Posted on April 4, 2013 by The Frugal Wine Snob

APPEARANCE: Pale gold. AROMA: Linden, citrus. TASTE: Pear, apple, honey, lychee, grapefruit. Very faint Sauvignon Blanc edge is evident. Tart and refreshing, dry, yet with a round sweetness. Minerals, lemon. Good silky mouthfeel. Among the most intriguing wines I’ve tasted … Continue reading →

Posted in Colombard, France, Gros Manseng, Ugni Blanc, White Blend | Leave a comment

Expanding The Frugal Wine Snob’s Mission

Posted on March 23, 2013 by The Frugal Wine Snob

Friends, I’ve been stuck. (Could you tell? No blog posts since January.) Finally figured it out. This blog has grown in TOTALLY unexpected ways (and has grown me as well). Besides being interested in good, affordable wines, for me wine … Continue reading →

Posted in France, News, Spain, Travel | 2 Comments

“April in Paris” Wine and Art Tour, April 13-20

Posted on January 8, 2013 by The Frugal Wine Snob

If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you know I’m an enthusiastic traveler. It’s great fun to explore new places, learn about different cultures, and meet new people. Did you know that by traveling you also change the … Continue reading →

Posted in France, Travel, Visits to Vineyards/Winemakers | Leave a comment

Some Languedoc cattle enjoy wine in their daily rations. Good MOOD, better tasting meat.

Posted on August 26, 2012 by The Frugal Wine Snob

Now here’s an interesting wine geek article! French farmers are experimenting with feeding cattle wine — puts them in a good MOOD, increases milk yield, makes meat taste better. Each lucky bovine is receiving 1-1.5 liters/day/animal, the equivalent of 2-3 … Continue reading →

Posted in Food, France, News, Technical Stuff | Leave a comment

Sunday so far

Posted on August 19, 2012 by The Frugal Wine Snob

Sunday so far: Ten IGNITE! presentations: 5 minutes per person, 10 slides each, 15 seconds per slide, GO! Lots of fun and, surprisingly, lots of good information shared. Next, a blind wine tasting of Canadian wines! Next year the Wine … Continue reading →

Posted in Canada, France, Travel | Leave a comment

A bounty of 2011 rosé: The San Francisco Chronicle recommends

Posted on June 5, 2012 by The Frugal Wine Snob

This is an interesting shopping list/summer project!Out of 100 roses tried, 30 made their “Recommended” list. Most cost less than $20. The San Francisco Chronicle’s list of 2011 rosés. Written by Jon Bonné. Panelists: Jon Bonné, Chronicle wine editor; Wayne … Continue reading →

Posted in Austria, California, France, Italy, News, Rosé, South Africa, South Australia, Spain | Leave a comment

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Domaine Juliette Avril 2009 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhone. 14.5% ABV, $30-55.

Posted on March 12, 2012 by The Frugal Wine Snob

We don’t normally review wines that cost more than $20, but this one was so remarkable, we HAD to say something. If you can find this wine on sale, pick it up. It’s a marvelous blend of Grenache, Syrah, and … Continue reading →

Posted in France, Grenache/Garnacha, Mourvedre, Restaurants, Syrah/Shiraz | 2 Comments

STRONGLY RECOMMENDED: Dependable 2009 Red Blend (50% Syrah, 40% Grenache, 5% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon), Coteaux de Bessilles (Languedoc). 13% ABV. Difficult to find; $17.50 at Civilization, a bistro in Gainesville, FL, where it is their house red.

Posted on February 10, 2012 by The Frugal Wine Snob

Single-grape varietal wines can be astonishing, even stunning, when weather, harvest, and winemaker are in perfect synch. But it’s no secret we also admire, and often prefer, the skills of those winemakers who successfully blend superior (and dependable) wines, both … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, France, Grenache/Garnacha, Merlot, Red Blend, Syrah/Shiraz | 3 Comments