Tastings January 2024

Bouvet Ladubay Saumur Brut

The Loire Valley’s Saumur Brut is the go-to appellation if you like premium sparkling wine – but not the high price tag.   Over its rich history, Bouvet Ladubay has been endorsed by Napoleon III and chosen as official supplier to the House of Lords.  They specialise in bringing out the floral notes of Chenin Blanc, and it certainly shows in this lively, zesty fizz. Expect notes of honeysuckle, apple and lime, with a crisp, fresh finish.  In 2022, this wine won an IWC award.

Available from Majestic.

TYPE Brut

GRAPE Chenin Blanc

ABV 12.5%

UNITS 9.4

REGION Loire

COUNTRY France

Maison Saint Aix 'AIX' Rose  2022, Coteaux d'Aix en Provence

Maison Saint Aix lies high in the hills of Provence. Here, the sun shines for an average of 300 days each year – and that, combined with mineral-rich soils and the cooling effects of altitude, makes for ideal grape-growing conditions. The team crafts this much-loved rosé from perfectly ripened Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault, blending them at their state-of-the-art winery to create a wine that will transport you straight to the Mediterranean. Fresh and aromatic, it has delicate notes of red berries, peach and white flowers. Its elegance and freshness make it an ideal match for light salads and salmon dishes.

Available from Majestic.

TYPE Rose

GRAPE Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault

ABV 13%

UNITS 9.8

REGION Provence

COUNTRY France

Louis Chevallier Chablis

This Chablis has a class nose of fruits and white flowers underlined with citrus flavours such as orange blossom.  On the palate it shows great balance between richness and vivacity, with a delicate mineral finish. This wine is perfectly versatile to be enjoyed on its own or paired with grilled seafood and cold seafood platters.  It will also match beautifully with poultry dishes and rich creamy sauces.

Available from Aldi.

TYPE Rose

GRAPE Chardonnay

ABV 13%

REGION Burgundy

COUNTRY France

Languedoc Blanc 2022

This distinctive wine is brimming with white peach and lemon flavours, with floral aromas and a pure mineral finish.  Internationally acclaimed winemaker, Jean-Claude Mas, has blended the best grape varieties of the Languedoc to create this intensely flavoured wine.  This wine will complement spicy dishes, curries and smoked meats.

Available from Sainsburys.

TYPE Rose

GRAPE Grenache, Vermintino and Marsanne

ABV 13%

UNITS NA

REGION Languedoc

COUNTRY France

Cairanne Cru des Cotes du Rhone

An intense full bodied and enticingly smooth red wine from the south east of France.  On the nose with rich dark red fruit aromas are complemented by hints of cinnamon spice with plummy fruit and chocolate notes.

Available from Aldi.

TYPE Red

GRAPE Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre

ABV 14%

REGION Rhone

COUNTRY France

St Emilion Grand Cru 2020

Saint Emilion is one of the most popular of Bordeaux's wine regions and the words Grand Cru indicate this wine has passed a special tasting panel. Dry, firm with plummy fruit, typical of Merlot, and a note of oak. Enjoy with grilled and roasted meats.

Available from Lidl.

TYPE Red

GRAPE Merlot and Cabernet Franc

ABV 13.5%

REGION Bordeaux

COUNTRY France