A perfect Sunday in Bordeaux

It was one of those Bordeaux blue sky mornings! We woke late, thanks to the jet lag, then enjoyed a quick breakfast of fresh baguette and croissants from the local boulangerie. 

We strolled down to the Chartrons Market. Known locally as the "Bo Bo" market (meaning Bohemian Bourgeois or "trendster") one can choose from a vast array of produce- fresh fruit and vegetables, artisanal cheeses, wine, bread, patisserie, fresh and pre-cooked meats, poultry and seafood dishes. 

But the highlight for us, and our priority any sunny Sunday that we are lucky enough to be in Bordeaux, is the oyster stalls. There 6 oysters of your choice (which grade/size?) are shucked to order, and best washed down with a glass of Bordeaux Blanc. These oysters are so fresh one can taste the salty waters of the Basin d'Arcachon where these were harvested on the previous low tide.  A perfect Bordeaux lunch. Then we grabbed some macarons for later.

Macaron stand Chartrons market #bordeaux #sunday #dimanche #marche #macarons #france

A photo posted by discovervinwines (@discovervinwines) on Jun 26, 2016 at 5:39am PDT

Bordeaux was heaving, with the Euro finals in full swing. We found a bar near the Garonne to watch France v Ireland. 

Fete le Vin, the Bordeaux wine festival, was underway as well . Crowds of wine lovers spilled from the wine tasting stands along the banks of the Garonne clutching wine glasses but were seemingly well behaved. 

After the French match many of the tens of thousands of football fans from the nearby Fansite in Place de Quinconces headed to the wine stands. We found these 2 wearing the famous French coq symbol...

I suppose you would call these guys coq-heads? Allez les bleus! #france #bordeaux #euros

A photo posted by discovervinwines (@discovervinwines) on Jun 26, 2016 at 9:03am PDT

We had a stroll through the wine festival site but decided not to taste, due to the crowds. 

Instead we decided to retreat to our apartment for a quiet Apero, before heading out to dinner. We enjoyed a glass of wonderful Domaine de la Croix Irrésistible rosé, cru classé from Provence.

Apero #bordeaux @domaine_de_la_croix #rose #provence #wine #wineandfood

A photo posted by discovervinwines (@discovervinwines) on Jun 26, 2016 at 10:03am PDT

We took a short stroll across the Pont de Pierre to Restaurant l'Estacade. It features a lot local seafood dishes. One of those menus where its hard to decide what to choose. It has a very good wine list with some top local wines, plus a good selection from other parts of France (which is a bit bit shocking in Bordeaux) and interesting wines by the glass thanks to Coravin. The service is excellent and the restaurant has a stunning view across the Garonne looking back to Place de la Bourse and central Bordeaux. 

It's a perfect place to watch the sun set in this stunning natural ampitheatre, with water meeting sky, and framing the stunning architecture of the Bordeaux waterfront.

Gorgeous evening in #bordeaux

A photo posted by discovervinwines (@discovervinwines) on Jun 26, 2016 at 1:11pm PDT

At 11pm we had a fantastic view of the Fete le Vin son et lumière (sound and light show ).

 


Then at 1130pm we ordered a half bottle of Gosset rosé Champagne and moved to the deck to watch the fireworks exploding above our heads over the Garonne. An amazing ending to a perfect Sunday in Bordeaux.

Spectacular #bordeaux @bordeauxfetevin

A photo posted by discovervinwines (@discovervinwines) on Jun 26, 2016 at 3:02pm PDT

Rosé for languid days of summer and autumn

Living in North East Victoria we love having 4 distinct seasons and we particularly love summer. We love being able to pick from the garden, tomatoes warmed by the sun  for salads and BBQs.

#summer #tomatoes !

A photo posted by discovervinwines (@discovervinwines) on Feb 6, 2015 at 6:58pm PST

But its hot! And that means its "rosé o'clock".

Not so many summers ago, rosé was a bit uncool and unfashionable. Now we have realised its the prefect summer wine. The best rosé wines are crisp dry and refreshing. They are a prefect match to tomatoes and salads.
They are a perfect wine for a pre-dinner drink with olives under a shady tree or a glass by the pool. They are a perfect solution to the heat. We love a cold bottle of rosé for an autumn picnic on a warm sunny day.

So hot ! #Rosé time! #wine #summer #coolchange

A photo posted by discovervinwines (@discovervinwines) on Feb 7, 2015 at 11:49pm PST

But rosé is now cool and fashionable. Rosé sales are soaring.  In France rosé now outsells white wine. Provencal rosé was rationed in New York and the Hamptons last summer! This week surging rosé sales were reported in the US.


Here's 2 perfect dry rosé wines on offer from DiscoverVin.

The first, Chateau La Rayre Bergerec Rosé 2013 ($26.50), is slightly darker in colour and has a slightly bigger mouth feel (the colour comes from briefly leaving the skin in contact with the grape juice). It is organic (no pesticides and herbicides, minimal sulphur) and it was reviewed recently by Sean Mitchell AIWS in the Grape Observer


"There is much talk of context in wine tasting, and that perhaps more should be made of it.  Today's context is that it is high summer, 37 degrees outside and climbing, with gusty northerly winds testing the mettle of some new tree plantings.  So, in two words, largely awful.  A chilled bottle of rosé therefore seemed a rather good idea with lunch.   From the 2013 vintage, this rosé is from Chateau La Rayre in Bergerac (inland of Bordeaux) and is a blend of one part merlot, and two parts cabernet franc.  The result is refreshing, dry on the palate, and has attractive and balanced flavours reminding of strawberries and raspberries.  This wine is recommended - I really quite liked it - and is perfect for summer."








The second is a classic Provencal rosé Domaine de la Croix Irresistible rose 2013 ($29.90). 

It's crisp and refreshing. Close your eyes, and you could be on a beach in Provence! It was also reviewed by Sean Mitchell in the Grape Observer.


"This rosé speaks of salty, humid air, and long warm days.  A very light salmon in colour, it refreshes with its reminders of rose petals and fresh lemons.  A blend of cinsault, shiraz and grenache, this is a typical Côtes de Provence rosé to be enjoyed with seafood and summer."


Click here to find these wines online.





Prices above are for our on-line customers. Trade enquiries welcome via info@discovervin.com.au

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!

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

Bordeaux Dinner Brisbane January 31, 2014

DiscoverVin was pleased to do another food and wine event with Celine Damour and her team at C'est Bon restaurant in Woolloongabba on January 31st.

This restaurant has a loyal following and is well known for its award winning cuisine. It is a bastion of french culture, cuisine and hospitality.

The Bordeaux dinner featured 6 courses and matched wines...

Guests were welcomed with a refreshing glass of rosé by Domaine de la Croix Irresistable cru classé from Provence. Poured from magnums and accompanied by an amuse -bouche of Bayonne Ham, it was a great start to the evening. Domaine de la Croix  is a classy, crisp rosé from a premium producer. 


It comes in a stunning bottle. The magnum certainly turns heads at events and dinner parties.

This is currently one of our best selling wines and so it was not really a surprise it was so well enjoyed by all as an aperitif.

The first sit down course was a beautiful dish- Monkfish in a pastry case with a rich red wine sauce. 

It was perhaps a little unusual to have a red wine sauce with fish, but since monkfish is a fairly robust fish, it worked well. 

And certainly what worked extremely well was the wine match. The delicious semillon/sauvignon blanc blend from the Graves appellation of Bordeaux- 
Chateau Haut Peyrous-Pêche au Carrelet-Graves Blanc 2010. This organic white wine is made by Marc Darroze who recommends that it is served with fish dishes or eel. It was perfect with the monkfish. Many commented that this textural dry white wine was the match of the night. 




Next up was one of our favourites, duck breast with a peach sauce which was beautifully cooked (not overdone) and with a lovely sauce taking advantage of a seasonal ingredient.

The wine was really special and one that we have not often had the chance to show at a dinner: Clos des Quatres Vents 2007 from the Margaux appellation on the left bank of Bordeaux. 

Clos des Quatre Vents consists of a tiny 1.2 hectare plot planted with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.  The proprietor is Luc Thienpont. The estate produces only 6000 bottles/500 cases from a vineyard planted with very old vines with an average age of 80 years old.  The vineyard is situated on a plateau at the entrance to the town of Margaux, surrounded by Cru Classée vineyards.

This wine was made by Jacques Boissenot, wine consultant to four of the five First Growths of the Médoc, and named Winemaker of the Decade in 2010 by the Chinese Bordeaux Guide to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the publication.

It showed its obvious class, with layered deep fruit, fine tannins. It has balance, poise and restraint. Wonderful!

The main course was a rich beef stew- boeuf carbonnade. We served 2 older Bordeaux wines. 

Chateau Lannessan 2004 and Chateau Rollan de By 2006.

Both married beautifully with the rich beef dish. The room was divided on which was better. Some preferred the Lannesan with its soft integrated tannins and some preferred the Rollan de By, a classy wine currently being served in Air France business class ! 

We then had a refreshing pre-dessert, an apricot and fennel sorbet, which sharpened our palettes for desert.

Dessert was spectacular, a pear poached in sauternes , sitting on a hazelnut biscuit base and surrounded by a cinnamon and chocolate sauce.

To accompany this was a classic sauternes from a small family producer Chateau de Rolland 2007 .  The "10 best list" in France in 2013 named this wine in the 10 best value Bordeaux wines. 

It was perfect with the pears and a great way to finish a wonderful night  of great food and wines.