Best French Wine
Best French Sparkling Wine
Philippe Michel Cremant d’Alsace Brut NV
If you’re a fan of sparkling wine, you’ve likely come across the word “Crémant” on a bottle at some point. Since the used of the word Champagne is prohibited outside of that region, Crémant is used for sparkling wines that are made in the traditional method anywhere else in France. Crémants will also carry the name of their broader region, so for example you’ll see Crémant de Loire or Crémant d…
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Domaine Zinck Cremant D’Alsace
Domaine Zinck is a winery located in the Haut Rhin department in Alsace, between the renowned terroir of the region Eguisheim and Gueberschwihr. The family has been making wine for over 4 generations and today the Domaine is run by a tiny team of 7 very passionate people. Zinck has been certified biodynamic since 2021.
Best French White Wine
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Yvan & Co. Picpoul de Pinet
It all started in 2003 when a group of passionate winemakers got together and decided to create a collaboration with other winemakers with the idea of reinventing the French wine export market. Confrerie des Domaines was born. With this idea of independence, the group is closely connected to its partners, providing support, encouraging growth, and maintaining the freedom that the group is able …
Tasting Notes
This winery is dedicated to producing fresh wines, with a vibrancy that shows the terroir of Provence. With a passion for quality and a commitment to sustainable practices, Yvan & Co. carefully selects grapes from trusted vineyards to make wines that are meant to be enjoyed. The soils are situated on sun-drenched clay-limestone terraced hillsides, which are known as “cottiers”. The grapes are pressed and vinified in stainless steel with aging on its lees to further add to the texture of the wine.
Réserve du Chiron Muscadet-Sevre et Maine Sur Lie
France’s Loire Valley is home to some of the country’s most distinctive wines. The extreme western sub-region of Nantes, home to the white wines of Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie, is no exception. Don’t be deterred by the tongue-twister of a name on these labels – ‘Sèvre et Maine’ is a nod to the two main rivers that flow through the region, and ‘sur lie’ a reference to the time the wine spend…
Tasting Notes
These are food wines to the core, with straightforward flavours that complement rather than clash with the region’s cuisine.
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Laughing Stock Viognier
“Viognier grows at our Perfect Hedge Vineyard in Ososyoos. An hour south of the Naramata Bench winery site, the vineyard is hotter and provides the extra heat units that Viognier requires to ripen fully. The 2018 vintage developed intense aromas of florals, lavender and green apples leading to flavours of honeydew melon, apricot, syrupy peaches and a hint of almond.
Tasting Notes
The 2018 vintage developed intense aromas of florals, lavender and green apples leading to flavours of honeydew melon, apricot, syrupy peaches and a hint of almond. This crisp, clean textured wine is nicely balanced with a complex palate leading to a lengthy finish.” from the winery.
Best French Red Wine
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*Château La Rode Castillon-Côtes de Bordeaux*
Château La Rode is located near Saint-Emilion, in Saint-Aiguilhe on the slopes of Castillon la Bataille. The estate is owned and operated by the same family since 1963 and is managed by Christine Faux. The estate has been certified organic since 2012 and there are 20.7 hectares of vines in total, but the majority of the land is planted to Merlot, which takes centre stage in their Bordeaux blend.
Tasting Notes
Supported by generous black fruit flavours and well-defined acidity, the palate is supported by black plum, leather, tinned black olives, and dried bay leaf. The finish lingers.
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Domaine Vallot Côtes-du-Rhône ‘La Magnaneraie’
Fourth-generation winemaker François Vallot and his daughter Anaïs helm this historic property, and produce this exceptional Côtes-du-Rhône from 99% Syrah with just a hint of Grenache.
Tasting Notes
Fourth-generation winemaker François Vallot and his daughter Anaïs helm this historic property, and produce this exceptional Côtes-du-Rhône from 99% Syrah with just a hint of Grenache.
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Domaine Vallot “La Coriançon” Côtes-du-Rhône
Firm and taut. An expresssion of pepper, red fruit, bramble, with hints of charcuterie meats, violets and tar. Black brined olives.
Tasting Notes
An expresssion of pepper, red fruit, bramble, with hints of charcuterie meats, violets and tar. Black brined olives. Slightly leathery. Tannins are plush and smooth. A hint of stewed strawberries. Domaine Vallot sits at at altitude between 250m and 450m within the appellation of Vinsobres which forms the boundary between the Southern Rhone Valley and Provence. Five generations old, and one of the earliest to adopt biodynamic and organic production. Anais Vallot, produces Cotes Du Rhone wines that are incredibly approchable. Produced from an indigenous field blend and vinified together, and sourced from 40 year old plus vines.
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Availability and pricing may vary.