French Wine Discoveries

The French Wine Discoveries Tasting, organised by Wine 4 Trade, took place on January 14th at London's Tobacco Dock. With no heating, it was a rather cold day of tasting, but this didn't spoil the enjoyment of discovering some beautiful wines from across La Manche. Already in its 12th year, this annual trade show, devoted to French fine wine producers, showcases the huge variety of wine styles that France offers. Most companies represented were seeking UK representation, including many small wine producers driven by their passion and the unique terroir of their particular regions. With over 120 exhibitors, there was plenty of choice, so here is my selection of highlights (in no particular order) :-

• Château David de Beaufort (AOC wines from Burgundy)
  • Vosne Romanée Premier Cru La Croix Rameau 2007
    • Fruity and elegant.
• Collegiale Des Domaines de Loire (Loire Valley)
  • Domaine Chollet Puilly Fumé 2012
    • Crisp and dry with elegant minerality.
• Domaine de la Potardière (Loire Valley)
  • Muscadet Sèvre et Maine sur lie 2013
    • Crisp apple notes with hints of stone fruit, saltiness and yeast.
  • Muscadet Sèvre et Maine sur lie 2010
    • Deeper, more concentrated than above with elegant minerality.
• La Célestière (AOC Châteauneuf du Pape)
  • Châteauneuf du Pape Domaines 2009
    • A true gastronomic wine. Wonderful!
• Clos Des Americains (AOC Costières de Nîmes from the Rhône Valley)
  • Costières de Nîmes Désirs de Bacchus 2011
    • Made from Syrah and Grenache, this would be a great accompaniment to roast beef.
  • Costières de Nîmes Tradition 2011
    • Made from 40 year-old Syrah and Grenache vines, this is a well-structured red which would go beautifully with a hearty meal of 'saucisson au four et pommes de terre'.
• Vignerons du Mont Ventoux (Southern Rhône AOC Ventoux)
  • 'Altitude 500' 2011
    • A beautifully perfumed and fruity red made with 75% Grenache and 25% Syrah.
• Terres d'Hachène (IGP Cévennes wines from Languedoc-Roussillon)
  • ILEX 2010
    • Made from 50% Syrah and approximately 25% each of Petit Verdot and Grenache, this is an elegant and fruity wine with a long finish. The black fruit notes with subtle hints of spice and chocolate are lifted by a warming, harmonious and well-balanced 14.5% alcohol level.
• Domaine De La Cendrillon (AOP Corbières wines from Languedoc-Roussillon)
  • Inédite 2010
    • Notes of juicy red and black fruit with a hint of mint plus smooth tannins.
• Domaine Louis Hauller (AOC Alsace)
  • Gewürtztraminer 2012
    • Classic notes of rose petals, tropical fruit and spice make this a good accompaniment for cheese.
  • Pinot Gris 2011
    • Notes of apples, apricots and hints of spice.
  • Gewürtztraminer Vendange Tardive 2011
    • Beautiful, deep apple, floral and rosewater character.

Top highlights

One of the standout producers for me was

• Domaine Ansen (AOP wines from Alsace)
  • Riesling 'Geierstein' single vineyard 2012
    • Dry, crisp and mineral with fruity notes of apple and peach plus hints of melon.
  • Crémant d'Alsace Première Cuvée demi-sec
    • Well-balanced, elegant and fruity with hints of pear.
  • Pinot Gris 'Elmen' single vineyard 2012 medium-sweet
    • Delightful notes of apples, pears, stone fruit and mint.
  • Gewürtztraminer 'Froehn' single vineyard 2012 dessert wine
    • Typically aromatic with notes of rose petals and mango.

• Also particularly impressive was

  Château Armandière (AOC Cahors from the South-West of France)
  • Cuvée Armandière Exception 2002
    • One of my favourite wines of the tasting. 'Exception' by name and 'exceptionnel' by nature, this is a beautiful example of an elegant and intense Cahors red from the Malbec grape.
  • La Muse
    • This is a fortified Malbec, at 17% ABV and makes a deliciously fruity and unusual apéritif.