International Trophy Red Blend under £15 – Château Bouissel, "Le Bouissel" Fronton, Southwest France 2011

Chateau Bouissel, "Le Bouissel" 2011 has won the the Decanter International Trophy for Red Blend under 15 pounds. 

From the small appellation of Fronton near Toulouse in south-west France, its a blend of Shiraz, Malbec and the unique local/indigenous variety of Négrette. This grape is known for producing wine with rich fruit, aromatic character, soft spice and velvety tannins. Largely replaced in the region by international varieties such as merlot and shiraz in the 20th century, the Selle family at Chateau Bouissel have championed this variety.

Out of 16000 wines tasted by a panel of 250 judges, 35 wines received a trophy in the Decanter awards. 8 were French, 2 were red wines- Le Bouissel 2011 and a Burgundy (Domaine de la Vougeraie).

Long recognised as one of the leading producers in the region, on an ideal site on the 3rd terrace of the Tarn river, the Selle family are a little amused at being tagged an "overnight success". Since taking over the Chateau in 1978, Pierre and Isabelle have embarked on a program of renovation, renewal and replanting. Since 2009 they have been in conversion to organic production. Says Pierre, "It's a long term project, well thought out and prepared for a longtime. Its a little bit like elite sport, its necessary to make a huge effort and make sacrifices in order to be rewarded today."

DiscoverVin has been importing this wine for 4 years and we are thrilled to see this wine recognised in this way.

What Decanter said: "Fresh and warm, with well-judged oak bringing a little spiciness to the table, complementing earthy, smoky aromas of black cherry, herbs and liquorice. Vivid, ample, stylish and articulate, this displays lovely balance, reams of deep, juicy fruit, and a characterful, dusty finish. A simply stunning illustration of Fronton."

The bad news: it immediatley sold out at the Chateau. The good news: we secured a small allocation of 300 bottles. With import duty, WET and GST it retails for more than 15 pounds in Australia. Nevertheless, we believe it to be value for money given for the uniqueness and quality of this boutique wine. 

We are currently taking orders whilst stocks last 

Trade price on application at info@discovervin.com.au. 

If you Speak French, here is a short video from France 3 Television. 

Chateau Rollan de By 2008

If you are looking for a very special (but affordable) red wine, read on! 

Chateau Rollan de By 2008 is one of our current favourites. Drinking superbly now but could repay several more years in your cellar.

Winner of the Best Sommelier in the World in 2007, Andreas Larsson, reviews the wine in this short video.




This red is  Cru Borgeois Bordeaux at its best. We think this is wine with a WOW factor for taste and value for money. Currently being served on Air France A380 Business Class. It received two stars in the French wine review bible, Guide Hachette and four stars in Decanter Magazine (UK).

More details here.