The wine-producing region of Burgundy produces some of the best wines in the world. Why? Well, who doesn’t appreciate a continental climate, and grapes are just the same.
On the whole the region has long cold winters and hot summers with enough rain to jolly along the vines. Luckily for the growers, wine-makers and wine lovers of Burgundy, there is a Burgundy wine to suit every season and weather condition.
On warm summer days there is nothing more pleasant than unwinding with a lightly chilled glass of red Beaujolais or a lovely fresh young Chardonnay from the Mâconnais.
Frost tried two bottles from renowned wine producer Louis Jadot including the brand new 2014 vintage Beaujolais Villages Combe aux Jacques.
NEW VINTAGE: Louis Jadot Beaujolais Villages Combe aux Jacques 2014
Produced from the Gamay grape, this beautifully scented, fruity red wine is delicious lightly chilled and enjoyed as an aperitif or even better at a picnic in the sunshine, accompanied by a spread of charcuterie and cheeses.
Beaujolais can often be disappointing, I find, but not this wine. It is produced from the Gamay grape and lives up to its scent: fruity with a deep timbre. I liked it slightly chilled. Try it with light meat, poultry and cheese. And a few friends – but get two bottles, so the sharing doesn’t become a burden.
RRP: £11.00
Stockists: Waitrose (for the 2014 vintage).
(The following stockists are currently on the 2013 vintage but will be moving to the 2014 vintage soon. Tesco.com, Budgens, NISA, Booths , Whole Foods Market Camden, Ellies Cellar, Vintage Wines Ltd, Hoults Wine Merchants, Islington Wine, Bin 21 , Nailsworth Wine & Spirits, Village Wines (Amersham), Dickens House Wine Emporium Ltd, Kingsgate Wines, Refreshers, The Devine Wine Company (Kent) Ltd, Dylans Wine Merchants Ltd, Famous Wine UK Ltd, Ann et Vin Ltd, Corbridge, Wines and Spirits, Grape Sense, Grayshott Wines, Hailsham Cellars, The Leamington Wine Company
Lindley Fine Wine
Louis Jadot Macon Blanc Villages 2013
This is an unoaked Chardonnay, one which is smooth and creamy but balanced by fresh, crisp apple characters. This indicates a newly ripened grape.
We loved this, which was slightly surprising, as often we prefer oaked Chardonnay, but it’s all down to personal preference, isn’t it. We took it into the garden after a tough day, and found it perfect with salad, and the odd prawn on the B-B-Q.
RRP: £12
Stockists: Asda.com , Budgens, Whole Foods Market Camden, Ellies Cellar, Luvians Bottleshop, Bin 21 , The Devine Wine Company (Kent) Ltd, Village Wines (Amersham), Eynsham Cellars Limited, The Strand Wine Company, Ann et Vin Ltd, Islington Wine, Grape Sense, Famous Wine , Grayshott Wines