Vinexpo was the main event in Bordeaux for the third week of June. However there are also a number of satellite events associated and dissociated with the main exhibition. Two of the linked, invitation only events Discovervin attended were the “Cercle des Femmes de Vin” and ”Expression des Vignerons Bio”, i.e an exhibition of wines made by female wine makers and an exhibition of wines from biodynamic producers. Biodynamic wine was once the preserve of alternative lifestyle types, but increased consumer concern about genetically modified food and the use of chemicals in agriculture has made organic farming and its more specific cousin biodynamic agriculture a mainstream pre-occupation for consumers in Europe and elsewhere.
For Discovervin the main satellite event was La Douce France. We had been invited to attend by Accents du Sud Ouest, who were co-ordinating exhibitors from south-west appellations. It was held at Chateau Grattequina on the banks of the Garonne at Blanquefort. We were able to taste wines with the producers and enjoyed gorgeous lunch in a wonderful location
We were able to catch up with Marian Latrille from Chateau Jolys in Jurancon. The Chateau Jolys Jurancon Sec remains one of our favourite wines. We also met up with the Laplace family from Chateau Aydie. They had been very welcoming and hospitable during our visit to their Madiran chateau and chai the week before.
Bergerac Sec from Chateau Tours des Gendres continues to impress. It was great to gesticulate with Luc de Conti the world-renowned winemaker behind this vineyard. His daughter and son were helping on the stand. Their youthful enthusiasm and knowledge of their family’s wines and heritage was impressive.
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