Savoie, sometimes spelled Savoy: Two different pronunciations have surfaced, perhaps as a regional thing. The first is “Sav-wa,” and the second is “Sav-oi.” It’s kind of like the difference between saying cow or bovine. This tiny little pimple of France has been endowed with viticulture for at least 2,000 years. What is the viticultural history of Savoy? Where is it exactly? What grapes are grown here? What bottle of wine would you expect City Vino to have on the shelf? Let us dive in.

Nestled in the rolling foothills of the Pyrenees in southwestern France, Madiran is a small, yet historically significant wine region. Known for producing bold, structured red wines, Madiran is the birthplace of Tannat, a grape variety celebrated for its deep color, intense tannins, and exceptional aging potential. Despite its small size, the region has left a global footprint, influencing winemaking as far away as Uruguay, the United States, and beyond. With a rich history, a unique terroir, and a reputation for crafting age-worthy wines, Madiran is a region worth discovering.

Uruguay, nestled between Argentina and Brazil on the southeastern coast of South America, sits between 30- and 35-degrees south latitude. This places it in the same latitudinal range as renowned wine regions like Mendoza, Argentina, and Charleston, South Carolina, in the Northern Hemisphere. While Uruguay is geographically smaller than Washington state but slightly larger than New York, its influence in agriculture and winemaking is significant.

Is it February that just brings out the crazy need to feel somewhat romantic with your spouse? Maybe it’s just the time of year. Christmas was two months ago, and we all spent way too much and regretted it. All through January, most of us hibernated because it was just too dark outside to get out after work. But here is February. The depths of what should be winter, and we realize that actually spending time with people again is a good thing.