French Cheese and Wine Showcase
A guide to French wine
From Alsace to the Rhône valley, France produces some of the best European wines.
Château Maris Organic Syrah 2006 Minervois
An extremely lively Syrah from the irrepressible Bertie Eden at his Biodynamic estate in the Minervois. This is full of bright and peppery raspberry fruit, with a twist of liquorice.
Domaine des Eyssards Bergerac Rouge
Another brilliant wine from Pascal Cuisset of Domaine des Eyssards in Bergerac. A traditional Merlot / Cabernet Franc blend yet with a soft, almost modern generosity in the mid-palate.
Pierre Boniface Domaine des Rocailles Apremont de Savoie 2007
Wines from Savoie are unusual in the UK, and not much leaves the ski resorts of the French Alps. This wine has a refreshing citrus acidity and a light grapefruit flavour and traditionally partnered fondue and the mountain cheeses of eastern France.
La Bastide Blanche Bandol 2005 Provence
Hugely impressive example of this most remarkable of appellations using the traditional Mourvedre grape as the backbone to the wine. Grown on the chalky terraces perched over-looking the Mediterranean it encompasses the spice and complexities of Grenache, Cinsault and Carignan as well as the black, damson fruit of Mourvedre and Syrah. Approachable and enjoyable to drink now it can also be cellared if required for five years or more.
Champteloup Vieux Vauvert 2006/07 Vouvray
A new wine from the Champteloup stable, this is a fine, medium Chenin from the tuffeau terroir properties around the towns of Vouvray and Rochecorbon, famous for the production of these deliciously soft-textured, waxy wines.
Domaine de la Pierre qui Danse 2006 Quincy
Rarely do the Sauvignons of the little appellation on the left bank of the Cher get exported. But we were very taken with the simple delicate, grassy style from this Domaine with its pretty name, the land of the dancing stones.
Château Le Pin 2006 Bordeaux
A juicy and supple Merlot-based wine for enjoying over the next 12 months. Although it's name has grander associations, this Chateau Le Pin has won its fair share of accolades such as the Medaille d'Or in the Concours General Agricole in Paris in 2007. An enjoyable mid-weight Claret.