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. 

The March of Organic Wine

The “Wine Planete” column of the April 2015 edition of The Revue du Vin de France (the Wine review of France) contained a piece called “The Long March of organic wine."

  

The production of organic wine in France has more than doubled in 7 years.

Just to be clear on the terminology here, organic (or “Bio” as it is called in France) refers to wines made with no chemical fertilisers or artificial pesticides and herbicides. Organic production has to be certified and there are several authorities that can certify a producer as complying with organic production. Biodynamic refers to additional steps taken by the producers who follow the methods of Rudolf Stein (burying a cows horn, producing according to the lunar cycle etc.) In this way biodynamic production is a subset of organic production.  We have previously blogged about the topic.

In 2014 only 8% of production was organic, but nevertheless a doubling in 7 years from a miniscule base .  If we include vineyards that are converting to organic production (and not yet earnt their certification) the area under organic production continues to grow rapidly. In comparison only a tiny proportion of vineyards in Australia follow organic production methods.

There is no sign of this trend slowing.  For example in Champagne up until recently, there were practically no organic producers. In 2014 there were 120.  Similarly Bordeaux, in the past had very few producers using organic methods, now Guiraud in Sauternes and Pontet-Canet in Paulliac are 2 well known proponents. Without much publicity the famous Chateau Latour and Chateau Margaux have converted some test plots to biodynamic production. It seems that the long march continues apace.

DiscoverVin stocks wine from a number of producers who are either organic or biodynamic….

Chateau de Saurs (Gaillac)- converted since 2012 vintage

Domaine de l'Ancienne Cure (Bergerac)- converted since 2012 vintage

Chateau Haut Peyrous (Graves)- in conversion

Domaine Bellegarde (Jurancon)-in conversion

Chateau Bouissel (Fronton)-in conversion

Chateau Semeillan Mazeau (Bordeaux/Listrac Medoc)-in conversion

Chateau Moulin Pey-Labrie (Fronsac)- in conversion

Domaine Roche-Audran (Cotes du Rhone)

Our biodynamic producers..

Tour des Gendres (Bergerac)- converted to organic since the 2005 vintage.

Indigenous Variety Négrette from south-west France now available in Australia

DiscoverVin is pleased to be importing Négrette wine from Château Bouissel an organic independent producer in the appellation of AOC Fronton, near Toulouse, in the south-west of France.


The main variety in Le Bouissel is Négrette, meaning “black” in the local dialect. According to Jancis Robinson’s tome Wine Grapes, these deeply coloured grapes are a “supple, fruity and distinctive variety that has thrived for centuries just north of Toulouse”. The origins of Négrette has not been confirmed by DNA studies to date. Some claim it has been grown in the region since the time of the ancient Gauls. Others say it was introduced to France from the Crusades by the Knights Templar and planted in their vineyards near Toulouse in the 14th century. It is possibly descended from a grape variety, Mayro, indigenous to Cyprus, and perhaps crossed with wild vines growing locally. It has soft, spicy characteristics with modest acid levels making wines best for early drinking. Négrette is now grown exclusively in Fronton.

Anne-Marie and Pierre Selle, with their son Nicolas, the third generation at Chateau Bouissel, are renowned for the quality and consistency of their wines, which emphasise the terroir of Fronton. They are ideally situated on the third terrace above the Tarn river. They are at the vanguard of the appellation, leading its revival, removing international varieties such as cabernet and merlot and replanting with Négrette best suited to the local conditions. They use modern techniques to make clean, modern and authentic wines tat appeal to the domestic and international market. They are converting to organic production and will be fully accredited with releases of 2012 vintage wines.

Pierre says “we aim to create a bond between vine and man, and we are attentive to the needs of one and the expectations of the other. That’s how we like our wines, when the fruit of our vines satisfies your palate. We like to try to help our vines gently along, to encourage them to yield the best fruit they can; that’s why we choose to use as little chemical products as possible.”

Château Bouissel, Le Bouissel, 2010
Grapes: 50% Négrette, 25% Shiraz, 25% Malbec

Wine making: Long maceration (18 days). Fermentation and maceration with micro-oxygenation. Twelve month ageing period in stainless steel tanks and 10% in oak barrels.
2010 was an irregular year with perfect spring conditions, followed by rain and warm weather in summer with cool nights preserving the freshness of the grapes.

Our tasting notes: Nice and intense ruby colour with purple tints. Intense aromas of small red and black fruit, of spices (liquorice and pepper) and of flowers (violet and peony). This wine is both powerful and harmonious. The first taste is velvety, the mouth feel is ample and rich and the finish is long with great balance.


Accolades: This wine was awarded a gold medal by Concours des Vignerons Independent in 2013.

The American magazine “Wine Enthusiast” has awarded it 91 points.
A classic from the southwest of France. Powerful fruit wrapped in soft tannins.

Taste the Tour - Six Wines from DiscoverVin

Mark the centenary of Le Tour in 2013 with DiscoverVin wines from the Pyrenees and the south west of France.

Top of Form

Bottom of Form

It’s that time of year again; time to enjoy the legendary Tour de France. Enjoy the sights of the racing and the stunning scenery whilst enjoying this selection of French wine.

Allez Cadel - Road Graffitti in the Pyrenees.

The six wines in DiscoverVin's Taste the Tour pack are sourced from vineyards in the Pyrenees and the South West of France - regions that the 2013 Tour passes through in the second week as the battle for the yellow jersey really hots up. 

They represent great value for money and a great introduction to the wines of the region. And at a fraction of the price of a ticket to France! 

The white wine in this year’s Tour Pack, a Jurancon Sec from Domaine Bellegarde  is Wine of the month for July in SBS Feast Magazine.

Here is the list of wines, as matched with this years Tour stages, with some serving suggestions...more food suggestions and recipes are included in the tour pack.

Domaine Bellegarde, Pierre Blanche,Jurançon Sec 2009, 750ml $36.00

Stages 1, 2 and 3: Corsica 29 June - 2 July

It would be a perfect match with seafood and shellfish, but also goes down a treat with pre-dinner nibbles and dips as you watch the highlights.

Domaine de la Croix Irresistible cru classé rosé 2010, 500ml - $19.90 

Stage 4: Provence 

Tuesday 2 July:

Time Trial

25 km

Imagine that you are sitting in a café overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, smelling the sea air and the scent of herbs and local delicacies from the kitchen,

A great wine to enjoy on any day of the tour to evoke the French summer as you watch La Tour wrapped in a rug!

Château Bouissel, Bouissel Classic, 2008, 750ml $20.00

Stage 7 Friday 5 July Montpelier to Albi 205 km

The tour travels through the Tarn and Herault valleys with some hilly terrain just to the west is the wine region of Fronton.

Serve with a plate of charcuterie such as hams, salami and some cheese.  Allez Cadel! 

Domaine du Crampilh, Vielles Vignes, 2006, 750ml $29.00

Stage 8

Saturday 6 July:

Castres to Ax trios Thermes

194 km

The tour traverses the wine regions of Madiran and Saint-Mont.  

Domaine Crampilh, Madiran, Classic Le Tour country in the Pyrenees.

Perfect with lamb shanks or duck breasts. Keep an eye on our Facebook page and website for suggested recipes! Enjoy your wine in preparation for the Col de Pailheres (15.3 km at 8/%) and the Col Ax 3 Domaines (7.8 km at 8.2%). 

Château Jolys Cuvée Jean  2009, 750ml $32.00

Stage 9 Jurançon

Sunday 7 July:

Saint-Girons to Bagneres-de-Bigorre

165 km

This is where those attacking riders who are at home at high altitude will get the chance to combine showmanship with efficiency.  Five climbs figure in the day's program.  Sit back and enjoy the ride as with one of the famous wines of Jurançon. 

Perfect for the late night cheese platter or dessert - the right accompaniment on the late night stages.

Château Haut Monplaisir Prestige-AOC Cahors-Rouge 2006, 750ml $35.00

Stage 18: The Alps

Thursday 18 July:

Gap to Alpe-d’Huez

168 km

A long awaited and memorable day with two ascents of the Alpe-D’Huez.  A big day with big mountains deserves a big wine.  We have picked a great Malbec from a top producer.  Good value for the quality of this wine, which has won multiple awards including three $$$ from Robert Parker

Suggestion: Enjoy with pasta or pizza, or a cheese platter as you watch the climbs.