Vegan wine is an important trend.

Vegan wine?

Recently we have had lots of requests for vegan wine. And many sommeliers are telling us they are similarly receiving lots of requests for vegan wine. 

Isn't all wine vegetarian/vegan? 

Well actually no.

Many wines are fined or clarified with meat products. The idea is to add an agent that will bind with sediment. 

These agents can include: 

• isinglass (fish bladder by-products)
• blood 
• egg whites
• casein (milk protein)
• gelatin (derived from bones and connective tissues)
• fish gelatin
• egg albumin 
• chitin/chitosan (derived for the shells of crabs or lobsters)

Veganswines are either completely free of fining agents or they use vegan fining agents such as bentonite clay, carbon, diatomaceous earth or kaolin.

Some wine producers have started labelling their products "vegan-friendly". Look out for the Ⓥ symbol, or the words "vegan -friendly" on back labels. 

Recently we have started to seek clarification from our producers as to whether their products are vegan-friendly or not. So far we know that the wines of the following are vegan-friendly.

• Champagne Jeeper

• Domaine Roche Audran (Rhone)

• Chateau Haut-Monplaisir (Cahors)

• Chateau Jolys (Jurançon)

• Chateau Tour de Gendres (Bergerac)

If you want to read more, here are two recent articles:

https://www.winemag.com/2018/05/09/vegetarian-vegan-wine/
https://www.foodiful.com.au/articles/843/aussies-want-more-vegan-wine

Brisbane French Festival 2017

DiscoverVin is looking forward to participating in the Brisbane French Festival this week-end. 

Come and say Bonjour at the Wine Pavilion and taste some of favorite French wines from South-West France and the Rhone Valley. We will have some wines available at festival only discounts.

It''s possibly Australia’s biggest French festival – Le Festival – and has released its full programme, promising a weekend in Brisbane of food, wine and French culture like no other.

This year’s festival, from Friday 7 – Sunday 9 July 2017 in South Bank’s Cultural Forecourt, will see the return of festival favourites as well as a host of new French-inspired acts.

The Wine Pavilion returns for the fourth time in 2017, and is be dedicated to French wine, Champagne and spirits.

The Pavilion will welcome visitors in a fashion that has proved very successful during the previous years. Entry to the Pavilion is free for all Festival visitors, allowing everyone to talk to exhibitors and have a look at their products. However, a great way of visiting the pavilion is to buy at the entrance a tasting glass which includes three tasting tickets. The price in only $10 and enables you to sample three of the exhibitors’ wines offered for tasting.

DiscoverVin is able to take orders for delivery after the festival and we are offering great deals during the festival.

This year there is a Wine Bar within the Pavilion. You will be able to buy a glass of DiscoverVin wine. The bar will sell Exhibitors’ wines exclusively. (This is in addition to the French wines including DiscoverVin wines available at the main Festival bar.)

One of the wines we will have to taste, on offer at a special price  and to enjoy by the glass is the new 2015 vintage of Domaine Roche Audran Cotes du Rhone. This is a fabulous grenache/shiraz blend, from an independent producer in a stunning part of the Rhone Valley (below). If you are in Brisbane this week-end, come and have a taste!

90 points biodynamic Cotes du Rhone

This is a delicious Grenache/Shiraz blend from a biodynamic producer in the Côtes du Rhone. It offers excellent value for money.

The May 2016 edition of Decanter magazine published a review of Southern Rhone wines from the 2014 vintage.  The French called this vintage "digeste" or easy drinking. The Domaine Roche Audran  Côtes du Rhone 2014 was one of only 2 wines from the Côtes du Rhone to be included in the review. It was given 90 points.

"Broad, interesting, warmly fruited bouquet. Crunchy palate with tasty momentum- genuine and stylish. Drink 2016-2022. "

More details here. Trade enquiries info@discovervin.com.au

Nice work Vincent and team. 90 points Roche Audran Cotes du Rhone 14 @decanter #biodynamic #wine #rhone http://www.discovervin.com.au/shop/item/domaine-roche-audran-cotes-du-rhone-rouge-2012-copy/red-wine trade POA

A photo posted by discovervinwines (@discovervinwines) on Apr 19, 2016 at 2:47am PDT

DiscoverVin Top 10 wines of 2014

Here is a look at our most popular wines of 2014. 

It makes for some interesting reading, none the least for the prominence of rosé. 

For the second year in succession two rosé wines have made the top 10! Once considered sweet and uninteresting, dry rosé certainly appears to be making a resurgence in Australia as it is in Europe. In France in 2013 rosé sales exceeded white wine sales for the first time. Similarly we appear to be in the middle of a rosé revolution ! If you have never had a French rosé we suggest that you try one of these wines.

Here are the first 5 of our top 10 wines for 2014. We will blog about wines 6-10 next week!

1. Chateau de La Bouyere Bordeaux Blanc 2013 $22.50

We are thrilled to see this lovely easy drinking white wine making the it to the top of our list again in 2014 as it did in 2013. 

It has struck a chord as a good value easy going alternative to NZ savvy blanc. It was a big hit when served cold and crisp on a hot week-end at the Paris to Provence Festival in Melbourne in November. Sommeliers are reporting customers coming in and asking for "that" French white they had last time.

Its a stylish wine. A blend of semillon and sauvignon blanc.  Crisp and refreshing, perfect on its own , with nibbles or with salads or seafood and can stand the heat in spicy Asian dishes. Great value. No wonder its flying!

If you would like to see some of the technical details or grab a case, click here

2. Domaine de la Croix Irrésistible AOC Cotes de Provence 2013 $29.90

Number 3 last year and just short of number one this year. 

The name says it all.  Irresisitible!  An irresistible rosé from Provence, the home of rosé.

Domaine de La Croix, created in 1882, has an outlook to the beaches of St Tropez. It has the classification of cru class. Very few Provençal producers are given the cru classé classification, denoting an exceptional winery.

In 2011 Vigneron magazine named this as one of the three best producers in Provence.

For more information in general on rosé and its rising popularity here's a link to an article on rosé that we wrote for French Living magazine in January 2014. 

For more technical details or to place an order click here.

3. Domaine Roche-Audran Cotes du Rhone rouge 2012 $25.90

From a biodynamic producer on the Cotes du Rhone. A delicious grenache/shiraz which is excellent value for money for the quality of this artisanal wine. It was cited in the 2015 Guide Hachette- France's premier wine guide!

Domaine Roche-Audran has been following biodynamic practises since 2006. It is situated on 3 separate sites on the Cotes du Rhone and uses vines between 35 and 100 years old. Vincent Rochette has developed a growing reputation for producing quality wines of character.

70% Grenache, 15% Carignan, 15% Syrah

For more technical information or to place an order click here





4. Chateau La Rayre Bergerac Rose 2013 $26.50

Wow! A second rose in the top 10 for 2014. 

This rosé seems to appeal to wine lovers who say they "don't like rosé" once tried they love it!

It is darker in colour and has more body than other styles of rosé (this is achieved by a pressing of the skins with the juice which otherwise would be clear). It has a loyal following with many repeat customers.

Try some and you will see what all the hype about rosé (and in particular French rosé) is all about. 

More details can be found here .

5. Domaine Bellegarde Cuvée Tradition Jurançon Moelleux 2012 

The sweet wines of Jurançon are amongst the great sweet/dessert wines of the world. They are great value for money compared to dessert wines from other regions. This is an excellent example- luscious complex fruit, balance, length and not too sweet on the finish. We are so happy to see a desert wine make our top 5 wines of the year!

Gorgeous late picked dessert wine and "sensational value for money" Winsor Dobbin. Domaine Bellegarde is a certified organic producer. It received 17 points by Jancis Robinson and featured in her "Top-tip whites and fortifieds" December 2014.

Available in 375ml for $28 or 750 ml for $35.90

For more information on this amazing wine, click here.



Thanks to all of you who purchased wine from us in 2014. Thank you for coming on our adventure to find interesting and good value wines from France!

Prices shown reflect our online price. Trade prices on application: 0260 206 016 or info@discovervin.com.au

Here's an updated link to the rest of our top 10- five more interesting, authentic and good value wines!

Damien Pignolet brings French Flair to 3 Weeds with Bastille Day Eve Luncheon

Celebrity Chef Damien Pignolet brings French flair to The 3 Weeds, Rozelle this Bastille Day Eve

And with it a special offer for DiscoverVin customers

Damien Pignolet- doyen of French cuisine

The multi-award winning 3 Weeds Hotel, nestled in the back streets of Rozelle will launch its inaugural Chef du Jour program on Bastille Day eve (Sunday 13 July) featuring celebrated doyen of French cuisine, chef Damien Pignolet...and a gem from DiscoverVin will be part it.

The Chef Du Jour series will expand the hotel’s culinary horizons and dining experiences with featured specialist guest chefs working in partnership with the 3 Weeds’ own executive chef, Nathan Jackson.  The exciting collaborations will bring a diverse offering of cuisines and styles that accentuate the personal flair of the respective chef du jour.

This first Chef du Jour event will begin with an inspired lunch menu created by legendary chef Damien Pignolet.  As an Australian of French heritage, Damien’s cultural culinary roots are celebrated. He is a specialist in both French and modern Australian cuisine and as a pioneer of the Sydney gastro-pub scene, teaming with the 3 Weeds is a natural fit. Pignolet’s impressive portfolio includes Claude’s Restaurant, Bistro Deux, Moncur Terrace, Cleopatra, and most notably, Bistro Moncur, the acclaimed institution which re-defined the standards of pub dining in Sydney.

Bastille Day Eve at the 3 Weeds will be a celebration of the French tradition of the leisurely Sunday lunch – and an evening of French indulgence shared by family and friends.

The menu begins with an amuse bouche, accompanied by an apero, followed by four sumptuous dishes consisting of; hors d’ oeuvres, potage crème, plat principal and salade, each paired with matching wines and liqueurs. Finally, Damien’s signature dessert will take centre stage with tea and coffee to follow.

The outstanding biodynamic 2011 Domaine Roche-Audran, Grenache/Syrah/Mourvedre, Côtes du Rhône from DiscoverVin will feature with the plat principal.  

Do not miss this opportunity to experience the unique partnership of 3 Weeds executive chef Nathan Jackson alongside Damien Pignolet in a celebration of French cuisine.

The 3 Weeds 197 Evans Street 

Rozelle, Sydney

Ordinarily the prix-fixe offering, including a glass of French bubbles on arrival is $88 or with matched wines and liqueurs for $123 BUT FOR DISCOVERIN MEMBER THAT IS $110 PER HEAD COMPLETE WITH MATCHED WINES.   Reservations are essential as spaces are limited. For further enquiries and bookings, please contact the 3 Weeds Rozelle on  (02) 9818 2788.  AND mention you are as DiscoverVin friend.

 

The history of the 3 Weeds in the former working class Rozelle-Balmain peninsular exemplifies the Bastille Day motto of ‘Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité’…. Freedom, Equality…and ‘mateship ’ 

although much has changed in the area since it was established in 1881. With the gentrification of the neighbourhood, the 3 Weeds has emerged as a front-runner of the Sydney gastro-pub scene and the perfect venue to catch up with mates.

Taste the Tour Pack

Celebrate 101 years of Le Tour in 2014 with a younger tradition – DiscoverVin’s Taste the Tour Pack. DiscoverVin wines from the Pyrenees, the Rhone and the South West of France matched to stages through these scenic appellations.

 

Allez Cadel - click on the photo to purchase a tour pack

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.

The wines in this 6 pack are sourced from vineyards in the Pyrenees, the Rhone and the South West of France - regions that the 2014 Tour passes through in the second week as the battle for the yellow jersey really hots up!  They represent value for money and are a great introduction to DiscoverVin’s wines. And at a fraction of the price of a ticket to France! 

CLICK HERE TO TASTE THE TOUR

Stage 13: Rhone

Friday July 18 Saint Etienne: Chamrousse 197.5 km  

The ride crosses the Rhone River after a category three climb of the Col de Croix de Montvieux.  It then heads east with a final climb up Chamrousse, an 18.2 km mountain with an average gradient of 7.3%.

Wine 1 Domaine Roche Audran Cotes de Rhone Rouge, 2011

From a biodynamic producer on the Cotes du Rhone a delicious Grenache/Shiraz! Excellent value for money for the quality of this artisanal wine.

Suggestion: Enjoy this wine with meat dishes like braised beef with carrots, Navarin lamb or chicken casserole.

Stage 15: Provence

Sunday July 20 Tallard : Nîmes 222km

A long transition stage across the Provencal hinterland to round off the second week of the Tour. It appears unlikely that the sprinters will be thwarted in this majestic finish opposite the Nîmes arena.

Wine 2 Domaine de la Croix Irrésistible Rosé, 2012

Cru Classé rosé from Provence.  Rosé seems to be popping up everywhere these days - see what the fuss is about!  Pale pink, elegant nose with citrus fruit aromas.  Supple, fruity with a soft and silky "finale".

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!

Stage 17: Jurancon

Wednesday July 23 Saint-Gaudens: Saint Lary Pla d’Adet 124.5 km  

At 125 km, the shortest stage comes just after the longest. A difficult stage through the mountains of the Pyrenees. Three category one climbs including the Col de Peyresourde before finishing in the mountain ski resort town of Saint Lary Pla d’Adet.

Wine 3   Chateau Jolys, JurançonSec, 2011

A delightful, complex, fruity but dry wine. From the excellent 2011 vintage, this wine is from one of the most beautiful and under rated regions in France. 92 points Huon Hooke. A great alternative to sauvignon blanc. Tropical fruits and citrus on the palette. Crisp dry finish. Our best selling white. 

Suggestion:  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.

 Stage 18: Jurançon

Thursday 24 July:

Pau: Hautacam

145.5 km

Today the riders start in Pau the city of Henri IV - who was baptised with the wine of Jurancon. Pau has welcomed the race in style, 65 times, which puts it on the podium with Paris and Bordeaux as the most visited cities of the Tour. Today they climb the Col du Tourmalet, always a challenge. Next up, the final climb up Hautacam, which has earned a hallowed place in the history of the Tour.  Sit back and enjoy the ride as with one of the famous wines of Jurançon. 

Wine 4 Château Jolys Cuvée Jean, Jurançon, 2010

The nose presents notes of honey, apricot and peaches.  The palate is fresh, powerful yet smooth.  Petit Manseng at its very best with fabulous length and balance.  This wine, like many from Jurançon, is pleasantly sweet without a cloying finish.  Best served with one of the classic cheeses of the region or a fruit gateau.

Suggestion: We have seen a photo of a gorgeous Gabriel Gaté gateau matched to this wine. Might this be his recommended food and wine match while in Pau for the Taste of the Tour?

  

Stage 19: Mandarin

Friday 25 July: Maubourguet Pays du Val D’Adour: Bergerac 208 km

The tour leaves the mountains of the Pyrenees.   Today’s departure is from Maubourguet Pays du Val D’Adour in the foothills of the Pyrenees. An area of plains and hills, the Pays du Val D'Adour is at the crossroads of the Béarn, Bigorre and Gascogne cultures.  Maubourguet, the name of the common was chosen by its inhabitants to inspire fear to possible invaders. But the “Bad Village” will certainly be far more hospitable to the riders. This 208 km stage is completely devoid of any real difficulties and, on paper at least, should smile upon the sprinters.  There could be a surprise breakaway.

Wine 5 Domaine du Crampilh Vignes Vielles, Madiran Rouge, 2009

This is a powerful multi-award winning wine from a well-regarded producer in the Madiran region. This domaine aims to produce a wine “in a style that brings out the heart and soul of south-west France. The wines of this region date back to roman times but were made famous by pilgrims passing through the region.  Made from 70% Tannat and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. A beautiful deep purple colour. An intense and savoury nose with black fruits, vanilla and leather. A concentrated palate with rich black fruit and peppery spices balanced with great structure, fine chalky tannins and acid. Intense, powerful but great length and balance.

Suggestion: Perfect with lamb shanks or duck breasts. Keep an eye on our Facebook page and website for suggested recipes!

Stage 20: Bergerac

Saturday 26 July: Time Trial Bergerac: Périgueux 54km

What happens in the organisers' dreams? The final winner is decided in this 54 km time trial.

Bergerac, the second city of the Dordogne area has only been visited by the tour twice before but has a long history of wine making.

The Bergerac region is picturesque and historic with bastides (walled towns) medieval cities, chateaux, Romanesque churches and abbeys and gorgeous stone villages full of character and history and some exciting wines.

Wine 6 Moulin des Dames Bergerac Rouge, 2007

A classy Merlot/Cabernet (60:40) blend from a sought after biodynamic producer.

This complex beautifully balanced and satisfying red wine is from one of Bergerac’s renowned producers Luc De Conti.

Suggestion: It is a superb tasty wine that goes well with game, duck, stews and cheese. 

Les Vaches du Tour

CLICK HERE TO TASTE THE TOUR

Roche-Audran best value Rhone wine in the french press

Prestigious French wine magazine Revue du Vin de France ("French Wine Review") recently reviewed wines from the Côtes du Rhone. 

It named DiscoverVin's new red wine from Roche Audran as one of the best value current release rhone wines in the February 2014 edition. 

The blind tasting was conducted in Avignon in September 2013 and wines from more than 210 wineries were tried and 80 reviews published.

The article pointed to the progress made in the quality of wines produced in the region during the last 20 years. Today it offers "a large palette of wines at sound prices." In fact according to the article's author-Roberto Petronio-the wines of Cotes du Rhone offer "the most beautiful" wines in France at good prices.

Here is the review for the Roche Audran Cotes du Rhone , newly arrived at DiscoverVin . This review was written in French and we have done our best to translate!

"Domaine Roche Audran 

13.5/20

A nice generous vegetable nose which is a beautiful invitation to taste. In the mouth it is the smoothness of the texture which seduces with plenty of savoury material- the fruit is omnipresent. Imagine yourself biting on the skin of a ripe grape (but without excess) and taking in the pulp. Here is a generous and complex wine. A wine from the village of Visan to drink everyday without restraint! "

This particular wine is made with a blend of Grenache (70%), Carignan (15%) and Syrah (Shiraz) 15%. Alcohol 15% Vol. 

This is an up and coming producer producing wine by biodynamic practices. To learn more look here .

This wine is available on-line and is also in a number of stockists. Contact us at info@discovervin.com.au for up-to date information on the restaurant or wine shop near you. Trade prices available info@discovervin.com.au

As always drink in moderation!