Crémant d'Alsace, established in 1976, is France's second-largest sparkling wine category, following Champagne. Produced using the méthode traditionnelle, it undergoes a secondary fermentation and at least nine months of lees ageing, imparting a toasty, nutty complexity. Domaine Armand Gilg’s Crémant D’Alsace Extra Brut presents a pale lemon colour with persistent bubbles and a creamy palate of apricot, lemon, and ripe apple. Its vibrant acidity, long finish, and complexity make it a versatile wine, ideal for pairing with seafood and light appetisers. Scored 92/100, this Chardonnay-based sparkling wine is a fantastic choice for both immediate enjoyment and cellaring until 2030.

The House of Bollinger was founded in 1829 in the Aÿ region of Campania by Athanase de Villermont, Paul Renaudin, and Joseph Bollinger. Joseph Bollinger laid the foundations for the high quality and excellence that characterise Bollinger Champagne to this day. His widow, Lily Bollinger, took over after his grandson's death and was instrumental in its reputation and growth. Her iconic saying reflects the family's passion and dedication to champagne.

Jean-Marc Vincent’s Santenay 1er Cru “Les Gravières” 2019 embodies the essence of Burgundy’s winemaking tradition. With a philosophy rooted in land stewardship and quality, Vincent crafts wines that reflect the terroir’s true character. This Chardonnay boasts a bright lemon hue, complex aromas of citrus, vanilla, and spice, and a palate of concentrated fruit and mineral notes.

In Burgundy, owning an entire premier cru vineyard like "Clos de La Pucelle" in Puligny-Montrachet is a rarity. The term 'monopole' refers to such exclusivity, where a single producer owns the entire plot. This tradition stems from historical vineyard fragmentation, notably influenced by Napoleon's inheritance laws.

Clos Puy Arnaud is a pioneering force in Bordeaux's biodynamic movement. Situated amidst the limestone soils of Castillon, just a stone's throw from Saint Emilion, this estate crafts wines of unparalleled purity and vibrancy. Handpicked grapes, spontaneous fermentation, and ageing in clay amphorae ensure that each bottle is a testament to terroir-driven excellence.

🍷 Elevate your senses with Auxey-Duresses 2019 by Domaine Pascal Prunier-Bonheur! 🌟 Pronounced "Aussey," this Burgundian gem unveils a rich history, tracing its roots to the Celtic and Gallo-Roman wine-growing legacy. Formerly owned by Cluny Abbey, it earned its prestigious AOC status in 1937. 🏰 Immerse yourself in the lyrical terroir, where each sip narrates a story of fresh red berries, earthy nuances, and a delightful medley of spice. Perfect for savouring now or holding onto the allure until 2028. 🍇 Indulge in a culinary symphony by pairing it with pasta topped with a rich mushroom sauce. Cheers to tradition and timeless elegance! 🌿✨

🍷 Unveiling the Enchanting Chenin Blanc: Saint Nicolas Le Haut des Clous 2021 🌿🏰

Discover the captivating world of Chenin Blanc from the picturesque Loire Valley! 🍇✨ Join me as we delve into the delightful Saint Nicolas Le Haut des Clous 2021, crafted by the esteemed Thierry Michon & Fils winery. 🍾👨‍🌾

Indulge in the exquisite world of Taittinger Champagne. Renowned for producing high-quality Champagnes since 1734, Taittinger is a distinguished Champagne house with a rich history spanning over 280 years. From their fine vineyards in the heart of the Champagne region, Taittinger crafts elegant and creamy wines with flavours of ripe strawberry, refreshing apple, and a hint of freshly baked bread. Experience the harmonious balance and luxurious texture that Taittinger Champagnes offer. Perfectly paired with dishes such as salmon and tuna tartar, they are a celebration of elegance and refinement.

Without a doubt, Burgundy is a place that ignites the senses. And, of course, no trip to Burgundy would be complete without visiting Chablis. One of the highlights of my trip was visiting the highly respected William Fevre winery. Alain Marcuello, who greeted me in the tasting room, was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable and guided me through tasting some of their most impressive wines. The winery was founded in 1957 by William Fevre, and since 1998 it has been owned by Champagne Henriot. It has 78 hectares of vineyards, all located in the Chablis region, with 15 hectares classified as Grand Cru and 47 hectares as Premier Cru.

On Tuesday, my senses were awoken by the magnificent Domaine Chevrot. As I walked through their vineyards, I was amazed by the sight of horses tilling the land, a true testament to the winery's commitment to sustainability.

Burgundy is a dream destination for wine lovers, and my road trip there was nothing short of magical. I arrived in Beaune on a beautiful Sunday evening, just in time to catch the warm glow of the setting sun casting a golden light over the city. The sweet scent of spring filled the air, and I felt a bubbling sense of excitement at the prospect of exploring the beautiful vineyards of Burgundy over the next few days.

Les Fortes de Latour is the second label of Château Latour. It is a common practice in the Bordeaux region of all the major Château to produce a second less expensive label than the Grand Vin yet produced with the same meticulous care as the Grand Vin, both in the vineyard and in the winery. The main differences between the second label and the Grand Vin are the grapes' origin (young vines or less prominent plots), the new oak proportion and usually the higher proportion of Merlot in the final blend.

Even now, after I have tasted the Les Fortes de Latour, I struggle to believe that it was in such an excellent condition. After all, it is a 30-year-old wine!

The Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Beaune includes 29 villages, and one can find wines of all three colours, although reds are the majority.

Château d'Esclans belongs to the Louis Vuitton group and is part of the global network of wineries in strategic regions around the globe. The Whispering Angel is a million-selling bottle rosé and one of the most recognisable brands in the wine industry and beyond.

Nuits-Saint-Georges is the town that gives its name to the appellation that covers the northern part of Côte d'Or. Nevertheless, the region includes some of the most iconic and prestigious sub-appellations, Grand Cru vineyards and wine producers the world has ever met.

Ladoix is the northernmost village of Côte de Beaune and shares borders with the famous Aloxe-Corton.

The Domaine Trapet Père & Fils has interests in both Burgundy and Alsace. They have vineyards and wineries in both regions and craft some outstanding wines. All the vineyards are farmed according to biodynamic principles.

Chablis is all about Chardonnay and its pure austere, lemon, mineral dimension that this particular terroir can deliver.

You do not need to spend a fortune to drink a good Champagne. There are plenty of producers in the region who offer an excellent price-quality ratio affordable to all budgets.

Aligoté is the second white grape in Burgundy. It was under the shadow of Chardonnay for many years since Chardonnay has a high commercial value. But in the last few years, some regional producers have tried to spotlight this stylish variety offering something new in the market. Success is on the corner.