I would agree with Mel as to disappointment with French wines under about?5. But nice wine need not be expensive. Instead of Sancerre try Sauvignon de Touraine or if length is important Menetou Salon. Go to the Saumur Coop at St Cyr for Saumur rouge or Anjou rouge instead of Saumur Champigny or the fashionable Chinon which needs five years if good or cooking if not. Try the southern Villages of the Rhone ,Faugeres or Costieres de Nimes rather than Chateauneuf de Crape-sorry that pun breaks the AC rules. Good gewurz is available from the admirable M Hurst in Turckheim and the Coop there pretty good

Antonello

Any other suggestions for our next trip?

Antonello

Have you tried Bergerac? They produce the same style of wine as Bordeaux, but much cheaper. The food is also delicious, especially if you like duck at every meal. However, if you go there, don't mention any comparison to Bordeaux, they're sick of it!

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mel