RAISE A GLASS
THE best way to discover which wines you might enjoy is by going to a wine tasting. Sometimes it’s a challenge to understand wine labels let alone the wines – but dipping in and out of wines at a tasting is a really good way to feel your way through. I’ve just been to a Burgundy tasting hosted by The Wine Society and several winemakers and growers were there, sharing their knowledge. Here’s three whites I enjoyed:
Samuel Billaud Chablis Les Grands Terroirs (£15.50, 12.5% abv). This was the Number One wine in the tasting booklet but it was at the back of the room.
I headed through the glassclasping throng of people, casting needy eyes sideways as I passed other wines on the way. Samuel Billaud was pouring his wines and he’d already gathered a little crowd debating which they preferred. This chablis was an early favourite of mine; it is an unoaked chardonnay with the grapes sourced from three vineyards; with typical crisp apple aromas but with a nod to something a bit softer; to taste, it was upright and steely with a good acidic backbone. Domaine Pataille, Marsannay Blanc 2014 (£19.50, 13% abv).
Mmmm. Toast; and I sensed grilled pineapple aromas too. I’m not sure anyone else did but that’s why wine is so interesting. The aromas also included pears and a nutty creaminess; to taste, this chardonnay from the Côte d’Or shone with more pears, apples and a thrill of elegance. Winemaker Sylvain Pataille also served a Marsannay rosé fleur de pinot, a pinot noir rosé matured for a year in oak. Delicious.
Husband and wife Sylvie and Frédéric Burrier were positioned on the last table but their wines weren’t last in my pecking order. They poured some delightful whites; I adored the pears and spice of Chateau de Beauregard Saint-Veran En Faux (£13.95, 13% abv), but as I write, it is sold out on the society’s website but I’ll be seeking out the next vintage. Equally moreish was
left, which was citrusy, creamy and with lots of freshness. Find all the wines at winesociety.com
■ ALDI is also doing its bit to remove mystique around French wines.
It’s launching two wines which focus on a couple of regions which otherwise might slip under an Aldi shopper’s radar – The Forgotten One Haut Poitou 2016 (£6.99, 12% abv) is a sauvignon blanc and The Forgotten One Cahors (£6.99, 12.5% abv) which is a malbec – you may think malbec is from Argentina but France is its birthplace. Aldi is also adding a Pardon My French range, all at £4.99, designed to make French wine more accessible together with fun labels to catch the eye. Pardon My French Cotes de Gascogne 2016 (11.5% abv) is a citrusbright white blend; Pardon My French Ventoux (13.5% abv) is ruby red and very fruity; Pardon My French Minervois (13% abv) is full of red fruits; and Pardon My French Fitou (13% abv), left, says woody hedgerow fruit. Aldi is also launching a new “green” collection which includes a tropically-tasty organic Prosecco for £7.99. ■ All of these wines will be in store from April 4.
■ Email jane@onefootinthegrapes.co.uk