After many many years of importing some of the incredible lesser-known wines that France has to offer we thought it was about time we paid homage to the best of the wines we’ve had the pleasure of selling. Over the years we’ve been lucky enough to work closely with a small group of talented & expressive wine growers that make our lives easier by producing outstanding wines year after year no matter the vintage. The following ten have been chosen because of their popularity with you, our customers, have displayed something unique or are wines that have plain impressed us here in the office. We’ve been out taking some photos of them with a bit of natural beauty and are certain you’ll enjoy discovering a bit more about them.
1. Domaine Pierre Cros – Vieilles Vignes
The first entry is from the ‘King of Concentration’ comes a unique & mouth-watering 100% Carignon made in very humble quantities. Wines of 100% Carignon are very rare, as they can only be made from these old vines, of which Pierre has 106 years behind his. A deep garnet-purple, viscous wine which is ideal matching for rich red meats such as game, venison and boar. We have included this on our list because we have long connections with Pierre Cros and this is a wine that’s consistently incredible, even in bad vintage conditions. A highly sort after wine and a must try for every enthusiast.
2. Domaine Raspail Ay – Gigondas
A most impressive wine and favourite here in the office. Typical of Southern Rhone wine it is made from 80% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 5% Mouvedre and is aged for a minimum of 2 years in foudres and barrel. This results in a wine that has monumental depth and unusal animation for a red that is recommended by Dominique Ay for ageing 4-7 years to reach its true potential. A man of a similar philosophy to our own that the wines should do the talking, this is a wine with plenty to shout about that reflects the character of Rhone terroir. Will accompany lighter red meats like pork and onion based cuisine that is inspired in Lyon.
3. Domaine Boudau - Muscat Sec
Regarding this wine the people have spoken, it would not be just to omit our most popular wine from the all-time greats. A wine from the highly under-rated Roussillon region, this is a twist on a normally sweet grape, Muscat. Harvested at night, the grapes retain freshness and vivacity producing a wine that is somewhat dryer and displays many of the characteristics of a northern French wine. Within the strict wine laws of France this wine from Henri Boudau brings something fresh & niche to the table that is served ideally as an aperitif or will compliment a spicy oriental dish.
4. Chateau la Calisse – Rosé
The only rosé to feature on our list of all time greats, Patricia Ortelli has crafted a delicious wine that offers subtleties and a delicateness that can only be achieved by a passionate winegrower with the right terroir. Made of Grenache & Syrah using only traditional, organic methods this wine is immensely popular throughout the Provence region and is highly regarded amongst the locals. In the true spirit of southern France this wine will compliment summer food such as barbeques and salads, especially local dishes like a salade niçoise.
5. Domaine Dupont Fahn – Meursault
Forged by the charismatic and aspiring young vintner Raymond Dupont-Fahn, he is the fifth generation to work the vineyards of his family name. Still working closely with his father Michel they have produced this beautifully ripe and creamy Mersault. With a carmalised pear and peach nose preceding a nutty vanilla palate this is truly one of our finest Burgundies. Although having his new vineyard declassified to ‘Bourgogne’ status, due to adding to the topsoil, we are eagerly anticipating what this passionate winegrower can produce in the future. This is a wine that can be served with a variety of seafoods, particularly scallops or with a creamy chicken dish to bring out the best synergies.
6. Clos Canos – Les Cocobirous
‘The Rolling Stones’ in both name and spirit, this wine features in our all-time greats because of its niche production (7000 bottles per year) and individual character. Produced by Pierre Galinier & Francoise Castel as Clos Canos premier wine, les cocobirous is deep red with sparkles of ruby and is made from Grenache, Carignon & Syrah. It has a bouquet of red fruits and blackcurrants that give way to earthy aromas which it yields from the interesting stoney terroir in the Corbieres upon which the vines grow. It is matured in half old, half new oak and will keep up to 10 years throughout which it will reveal many different sides. This red suits grilled red meats such as beef and pork well.
7. Chateau Reynier – Cuveé Heritage
This list would not be complete without a classic Bordeaux so we’ve decided on this Merlot – Cabernet Sauvignon blend made by Marc Lurton just south of Saint Emillion. For any budding Bordeaux fan this is a necessity, aged 18 months in oak within his limestone underground caves and made in small quantities. A very sought after wine and highly rated across the Bordeaux community that matches well with a variety of quality cheese aswell as red meats. It is because of its value for a wine that has inspiring ageing potential and a very good example of what a fine Bordeaux should taste like that we have listed this amongst our greats.
Our only dessert wine on the list and a very original take on a french equivalent to port. With a firm belief in the richness of their terroir and the potential of the Grenache grape this wine has been naturally produced from 100% Grenache by brother and sister Boudau, Pierre & Veronique. Continually producing elegant wines under their personal axiom of quality, authenticity and fruit, the Boudau family never cease to impress us with their wines. It has been included on our list of important to complete a wide ranging variety of wines and is one of our more unique & quite seasonal winter specialities. Is best drank with chocolate and cigars or spicy food.
9. Domaine Seguinot Bordet – Chablis
The Seguinot Bordet vineyard dates back as far as 1590, giving them plenty of time to master the local terroir! The techniques they use in their vinifcation blend the best traditions from the past with new technology to produce a young, fresh & vivacious wine. Golden yellow in colour with light greenish tints and a steely palate, this is a repeatedly brilliant wine that never fails to deliver all the characteristics of a good Chardonnay. This features on our top 10 because our Chablis lovers never seem to tire of it and give us nothing but delightful reviews. Will accompany a nice goats cheese, lobster or grilled salmon to perfection.
10. Chateau de Rozier – Mittifiot
Formally the Chateau de Roziers premier wine made by Count Louis de Belair using very traditional methods of vinification, severe selection of grapes and feet crushing. Consisting of 70% syrah and 30% Grenache this wine hugely benefits from the terroir of Costieres de Nimes around the vineyard which has lots of pebbles that help retain heat at night, giving a greater richness and maturity to the grapes. It is very pleasant, refined and expressive wine that will captivate any wine fanatic and pairs perfectly with rich red meats such as lamb. This is one wine we had to involve in the list purely because of the sheer positive feedback we get from our customers!
So we bring our top 10 to a close. We hope it may have inspired some of you to try some of these outstanding creations and others of you to create your own personal top 10.
As always, Happy Drinking!
Chris, Jean-Pierre & Pierre
Love your top 10 selection on this article, quality pictures too… familiar with a few of them but have some more to try! Thanks.