Although I love wine from every corner of the globe, my long time favourite producer is France. I love the diversity, the combination of modern and traditional production techniques and the fact that the wines go so well with food. You can have Champagne with canapés followed by an Alsace blend with the fish course, a red Burgundy with beef wellington, a nice wee Sauternes with tarte tatin and a claret with the cheese board. Just make sure you also have a Sancerre to go with the brie and the goat’s cheese. And you could always round off the evening with a large glass of Armagnac. Although, please drink responsibly. France really does have it all.
Ever since the new world wines exploded on to our shelves and dinner tables, France has had to raise its game in terms of range and quality. They had been the only choice (aside from Hock) in the seventies, and some producers had become complacent. As soon as we had more choice, we started experimenting and would occasionally replace Bordeaux with a Western Australian Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot blend, and white Burgundy with a rich Californian Chardonnay. It was a brave new world.
France reacted by introducing more modern techniques and improving standards in the vineyards and wineries. They didn’t want to lose their crown.
If you haven’t considered French wine in a while, try one of these beauties this weekend.
Sancerre Clos des Bouffants Domaine Roger Neveu 2018 (Majestic, £14.99). This is a classically styled Sancerre at a very decent price. It’s lovely with a goat’s cheese tart at lunchtime.
Cotes du Rhone Belleruche M. Chapoutier 2018 (Majestic, £9.99). The Belleruche is super value for a very well-made blend of Syrah and Grenache which are two of the building blocks of Chateauneuf Du Pape.
Cave de Lugny Macon-Lugny les Charmes 2017 (Waitrose, normally £13.49, currently on offer at £8.99). I’m deliberately recommending amazing wines at great prices to ensure you try something French with dinner tonight. The Macon will be on offer until 10th September…make sure you don’t miss out. It’s an unoaked Chardonnay that goes very well with scallops.
Cote de Nuits Villages Bertrand Ambroise 2015 (Waitrose, £29.99). Bertie is one of my favourite Burgundy producers. He doesn’t fine or filter his wines, so expect big flavours and pair this one with game. Cheers!
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