Author Archives: dccrossley

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About dccrossley

Writing here and elsewhere mainly about the outer reaches of the wine universe and the availability of wonderful, characterful, wines from all over the globe. Very wide interests but a soft spot for Jura, Austria and Champagne, with a general preference for low intervention in vineyard and winery. Other passions include music (equally wide tastes) and travel. Co-organiser of the Oddities wine lunches.

Recent Wines August 2020 (Part 1) #theglouthatbindsus

Part one of my roundup of the wines drunk at home in August is pretty diverse. This first eight (eight more in Part 2 to follow) includes two from France (Jura and Bordeaux), plus bottles from England, Hungary, Germany, South … Continue reading

Posted in Artisan Wines, English Wine, Hungarian Wine, Natural Wine, Petnat, South African Wines, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Wir Trinken…Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir, what do we know about it? It’s “the” cool climate red grape variety. Many would omit “cool climate” and claim it’s absolutely the finest red grape bar none. It ripens late and is very fickle, dependent on location … Continue reading

Posted in German Wine, Grape Varieties, Wine | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Brief Encounter

It’s not that alcohol hasn’t been consumed during this period of pandemic. After all, the evidence is here for all to see. What I have missed is that opportunity to share a few too many bottles with really good wine … Continue reading

Posted in Bordeaux Wine, Champagne, Fine Wine, Jura, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Wir Trinken…Chasselas

Does it seem odd that I’m writing about a French grape variety and using a title written in German? Okay, you’ll accept that the Swiss love Chasselas. It’s their most widely planted grape variety and comprises around 60% of white … Continue reading

Posted in German Wine, Swiss Wine, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Wir Trinken…Blaufränkisch

There are a number of grape varieties which are almost completely identified with one country yet which have spread beyond false borders, especially those borders which have moved around in Central Europe, or in the Alpine regions. These varieties might … Continue reading

Posted in Austrian Wine, Czech Wine, Grape Varieties, Hungarian Wine, Slovakian Wine, Slovenian Wine, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Recent Wines July 2020 (Part 2) #theglouthatbindsus

Following on from Part 1 (the previous article on the site so I won’t provide a link), Part 2 of July’s wines at home has a definite Austrian texture to it. There are three Austrian wines here, plus one Czech, … Continue reading

Posted in Artisan Wines, Australian Wine, Austrian Wine, Czech Wine, Natural Wine, Swiss Wine, Wine, Wine Agencies | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Recent Wines July 2020 (Part 1) #theglouthatbindsus

We stick with the two-part format again for July’s wines. I’ve selected sixteen once more, which represent a mix of the best and the most interesting bottles drunk at home during July. It remained a month of minimal socialising, although … Continue reading

Posted in Artisan Wines, Natural Wine, Rosé Wine, Wine, Wine Agencies | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

What is it with German Wine?

As a wine lover I feel fairly split between the major wine producing nations of Europe. I have an enduring love of Italian wines, with a pendulum swinging every few years between Tuscany and Piemonte. I’ve said emphatically this year … Continue reading

Posted in German Wine, Wine, Wine Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Tourist Jura – A Brief Guide to Arbois and Beyond

[Added Note 28/08/2024: This article was published in 2020 and since then much has changed in the Jura region. Whilst the majority of the information here remains relevant, from shopping to walking and beyond, changes have taken place and many … Continue reading

Posted in Arbois, Wine, Wine Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Mein Burgenland

There are always going to be places in the world where you just feel that little bit more at home, content, calm. Of course France is the country I know best, better than anywhere in the world. It’s the place … Continue reading

Posted in Austria, Austrian Wine, biodynamic wine, Natural Wine, Neusiedlersee, Rust, Vienna, Wine, Wine Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment