Showing posts with label White Wine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label White Wine. Show all posts

17 February 2014

Mike Frost in Courier Mail reviews Beycheville's Grand Bateau Bordeaux Blanc


Another review for our new white wine called Grand Bateau Bordeaux 2012.

This is the first time this wine has been imported to Australia. It is available online and to our trade customers exclusively through DiscoverVin. It is one of only a few white wines made in the Medoc- one of the premium red wine growing regions of world. Chateau Beycheville produce thiis white wine as well as a grand cru red wine.

The bateau refers to the famous sailing ship that symbolises Chateau Beycheville. Ships sailing on the Gironde estuary coming to and from the port of Bordeaux would be saluted by a retired Admiral (the "Amiral of Beycheville") who would lower the flag on the tower of the Chateau.

grand bateau white wine from bordeauxMike Frost in the Courier Mail published the following review on February 14, 2014:

"From well-known Bordeaux producer Château Beychevelle, this blend of semillon and sauvignon blanc shows citrus and herbal characters with a touch of oak and mineral backbone. 
Its a natural partner with oysters, shellfish or white fish dishes. $24.50 at discovervin.com.au Rating 91 points"


See also a review for this wine by Sean Mitchell in Grape Observer.


We think this is a great quality/value for money white wine from a famous Bordeaux producer.



Currently online or through restaurants and wine stores.

3 January 2014

Grand Bateau – Discover an excellent white wine from an elite Bordeaux producer

DiscoverVin is excited to be importing Grand Bateau Blanc, a Bordeaux white from the well-known Bordeaux Cru Classé producer Chateau Beychevelle.  Chateau Beychevelle is a classified Saint-Julien producer with a tradition of growing vines on the Garonne gravel of the Médoc dating back to the Middle Ages.


The boat (bateau) on the label refers to the mythical galleon of Chateau Beychevelle.  Ships on the Gironde estuary sailing past the Chateau would lower their sails to honour the Admiral who began growing vines there over three hundred years ago.

With a rich winemaking history Chateau Beychevelle has collaborated with Bordeaux negogiant Maison Barrière to produce this exciting, value for money wine.

The same team that produces the prestigious Chateau Beychevelle red wine makes this wine Philippe Blanc, the chief winemaker of Chateau Beychevelle guides the assemblage of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc wines, based on a selection of the best wines from the Beychevelle estates.  Chateau Beychevelle follows “Terra Vitis” and “Sustainable Viticulture” practices, to produce high quality grapes using environmentally friendly methods.

grand bateau white wineThis was a standout wine at Vinexpo 2013.   A perfect wine for the summer months, it offers value for money and exquisite drinking.


GrapesSemillon (20%), Sauvignon Blanc (80%).
Alcohol: 12.5 % VOL
Wine making:  Pre-fermentation maceration results in a wonderful aromatic structure.  Seventy percent of the juice is fermented in new oak barrels for four months, with accompanying batonnage (stirring of the lees).
Our Tasting notes:  Aromatic nose with buttery-vanillin oak notes and exotic fruit.  On the palate the wine is round, fleshy with wonderful minerality and delightful exotic fruit flavours.  Lovely balance between the oak, fruit and acidity.  Excellent finish.


Online price is $24.50.
Trade price on application.
Please call DiscoverVin on 0260 206 016 for more information or to place an order.






15 July 2012

Taste the Tour with DiscoverVin

Its 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.
We are also pleased to partner our friends at Les Vaches du Tour for possibly the social media event of the Tour. Follow Les Vaches du Tour as they celebrate the unsung heroes of the tour. That's right, the cows! Enjoy riding our virtual peleton over the pyrenees. Enjoy the wine and food, the stunning scenery and the magnificent TV coverage of the Tour.
The wines in this 6 pack are sourced from vineyards in the Pyrenees and the South West of France - regions that the 2012 Tour passes through in the third 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! 
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.
In summary:
Domaine de la Croix Irresistable cru classé rosé 2010, 500ml - $19.90
Château Bouissel, Bouissel Classic, 2008, 750ml $19.99
Domaine du Cramplih, Vielles Vigne, 2006, 750ml $28.99
Château Jolys Cuvée Jean 2008, 375ml $22.00
Domaine Bellegarde, Pierre Blanche, Jurançon sec 2006, 750ml $29.99
Château Haut Monplaisir Prestige-AOC Cahors-Rouge 2006, 750ml $29.90

Usually $150.77 if purchased individually, the total price for the Taste of the tour 6 pack is only $140.

Packs include notes on the wine and some serving suggestions and recipes.

Stage 13-Provence
Saturday 14 July Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux > Le Cap d’Agde
215 km
The tour enters Provence, we crank up the heating, crack open the nibbles and pop the cork on this classy rosé. Not the sweet rosé of our youth but something dry, minerally and classy. Imagine that you are sitting in a café overlooking the Mediteranean Sea, smelling the sea air and the scent of herbs and local delicacies from the kitchen, as the peleton whizzes by. Are you starting to get the idea? Its Bastille Day. Vive la France and Vive le Tour!
Wine 1-Domaine de la Croix Irresistable AOC Cotes de Provence 500ml $19.90 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 fruits aromas. Supple, fruity with a soft and silky "finale".

Stage 14-Fronton
Sunday 15 July Limoux > Foix
192 km
The tour enters the Pyrenees region for the first time, just to the north are the wine regions of Gaillac and Fronton. We have selected an interesting blend of 55% Négrette, 20% Shiraz, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Malbec. A lively nose redolent of flowers, herbs, with some meaty tones; rich fruit, complex and round. Serve with a plate of charcuterie such as hams, salami and some cheese. Allez Cadel!
Wine 2- Chateau Bouissel Classic AOC Fronton Rouge, 750ml $19.99 This is a great value for money wine. The modern expression of classic Fronton wines. 

Stage 15- Madiran and St Mont
Monday 16 July Samatan > Pau
160 km
The tour traverses the wine regions of Madiran and Saint-Mont- ancient wine growing regions undergoing a resurgence. Where classic south-west wines are produced from ancient terroir, by small passionate producers using modern wine making techniques-wines being rediscovered and celebrated by the French, reacting against the "sameness" of international wines. A region where duck is king of the table.
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. Winemakers of the region can draw on centuries of cumulated experience to ensure optimal viticulture practices. Modern techniques have brought out the best from this wine. 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.

Stage 16 & 17-Jurançon
Wednesday 18 July Pau > Bagnères-de-Luchon
197 km
After a days rest, the peleton departs Pau- the Tour’s most visited city after Paris and Bordeaux.  It is the birthplace of King Henry IV who was baptised with the sweet wine of Jurançon. The famous cols of the Pyrenees, Tourmalet, the Aubisque, the Aspin and the Peyresourde will challenge the riders today. We sit back and enjoy the ride as we enjoy one of the famous wines of Jurançon. 
Wine 4 Château Jolys Cuvée Jean 2008, 375ml  The nose presents notes of honey, apricot and peaches. The palate is fresh, powerful yet smooth - Petit Manseng at it's very best. Fabulous length and balance. This wine like many from Jurançon are pleasantly sweet without a cloying finish. Best served with one of the classic cheeses of the region or a fruit dessert such as the classical tarte tatin.
Thursday 19 July Bagnères-de-Luchon > Peyragudes
144 km
Another day of high mountains Tour drama. Tonight we celebrate the dry white wines of the region. The manseng grapes used in the famous dessert wines are picked at optimal ripeness and made into classy dry minerally wines. With their lovely fruit and dry finish they seem to appeal to baoth the chardonnay and the sav blanc "camps". They keep well for years, and we present here one reaching its optimal drinking age. To enjoy on its own or with chicken pieces roasted with orange and thyme.
Wine 5 Domaine Bellegarde Jurançon Sec "La Pierre Blanche" 2006, 750ml $29.99. Selected parcels of petit and gros manseng grapes from 60 year old vines, aged in oak. The nose is very expressive and complex with spicy and mineral notes. The palate is long, rounded and complex with spices and complex stone fruit and citrus flavours. Good acid to give great balance and structure to the wine.

Stage 18-Cahors
Friday 20 July Blagnac > Brive-la-Gaillarde
215 km

Turning north and racing through the Fonton and Cahors region, crossing the Dordogne and Lot rivers, this is a day for the sprinters. We have put together a quick steak recipe to enjoy with a classic red from Cahors. 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:The World's Best Wine .
Wine 6 Chateau Haut Monplaisir Prestige-AOC Cahors-Rouge 2006 750ml $29.90 Garnet red colour. The nose is intense, with notes of red fruit, spices and blackberry jam.  Crisp and even, this wine presents aromas of blackcurrant and blackberry on the palate, along with a mineral note.  The finish is lengthy and complex, with notes of chocolate and spices, and with just a hint of woody aromas.

19 March 2012

Wine Enthusiast Scores DiscoverVin Wines Highly


DiscoverVin were pleased with these scores for wines from our estates in South West France.
 WINE ENTHUSIAST is a USA based wine magazine and retailer of wine related products.
The Wine Enthusiast tasting panel consists of knowledgeable international wine critics.
The scores are for the vintages indicated.  DiscoverVin stocks wines from some of the vintages mentioned.

AOP
ESTATE
CUVEE
VINTAGE
RATING
CAHORS
Tradition
2008
88 pts
Prestige
2008
89 pts
Pur Plaisir
2008
90 pts
BERGERAC
Cuvée des Conti (white)
2010
88 pts
Moulin des Dames
2008
90 pts
Moulin des Dames (white)
2009
89 pts
Gloire de mon Père
2008
91 pts
Tour des Gendres
2010
87 pts
FRONTON
Négrette
2009
89 pts
Le Bouissel
2008
90 pts
La Syrah
2009
89 pts
JURANCON
Cuvée Pauline (white)
2009
91 pts
Cuvée Jean (sweet)
2009
90 pts
Jolys (white)
2010
88 pts
Jolys Doux (sweet)
2009
88 pts
CHÂTEAU DE JURQUE
Tendresse (sweet)
2009
89 pts
Emotion (white)
2009
93 pts
Fantaisie (white)
2010
87 pts
GRAVES
Pêche au Carrelet (white)
2009
90 pts
Pèle Porc & Cochonailles
2009
87 pts

9 October 2011

Le Guide Hachette 2011 Reviews wines for DiscoverVin WinesPart 1

Le Guide Hachette 2011 – the French wine bible has reviews for 10,000 wines. The South-West chapter reviews wines from several of our suppliers.

The “jury” – a team of wine professionals from around the world, tasted each wine blind, described it in terms of colour, aroma and taste and then scored  each from 0-5.  A score of 3 is needed to be give a star, 4 for 2 stars and 5for a wine to be given 3 stars.   The ultimate is “un coup de cœur , a heart.

Gaillac

Usually only one wine per producer is reviewed in the Guide Hachette. The 2011 review for Chateau de Saurs is predominately about their  2008 Réserve Eliézer which was given a star. Two other Chateau de Saurs wines were included in the 2011 Guide.  Both made in larger volumes than the Eliézer and both available from DiscoverVin.

The 2008 Blanc doux, a dessert wine, was given a star (well balanced with roundness and acidity). DiscoverVin stock the 2009 vintage of this lovely sweet wine made from the loin de l'oeil grape.
The Chateau de Saurs 2008 Rouge (rich and structured) was also given one star. DiscoverVin have ample stock from this vintage.
The 2010 Blanc doux, has just recieved a star and wonderful review in the 2012 Guide Hachette.
"Pure ... Lion de l'oeil  the sweet wine's golden colour reveals an intense bouquet with nice notes of spices, lemon confit and baked potatoes. The mouth is rich, concentrated and sweet. The balance between sweetness and liveliness is successful, as is the aromatic expression of the candied citrus and acacia honey. A rich wine of great length, by the end of the meal .... "

Fronton

Chateau Bouissel

Le Bouissel 2008, a blend of negrette, shiraz and malbec, is stocked by DiscoverVin  and was given two stars  and a coup de cœur.

The review mentions that Bouissel wines are regularly in the Guide and that 2010 was an important year as Nicholas Selle, son of the proprietors returned to the domaine, and it was the start of their conversion to biodynamic classification.

The coup de cœur indicates that the wine shows “la Haute Expression” ( high expression ) of the range of flavours expected in wines from Fronton.

“This 2008 offers an intense bouquet reminiscent of berries in l’eau-de-vie (blackcurrant, raspberry) statements of  spices and decorated with a scent of roasted coffee. The mouth has a high density, full and silky, perfectly balanced by a frame of tannins, velvety and aromatic with finesse of style. Ready to drink this superb Fronton represents the appellation with class.”

18 September 2011

Discover the Wines of Bergerac Part 2

Map showing the geographic locations of the DOC Appellations within Bergerac
Bergerac - The upriver neighbour to BordeauxThe 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.

Situated on the Dordogne River the town of Bergerac is about 50 km east of Bordeaux.
Bergerac has a climate similar to that of St Emilion and Pomerol.

History, rather than geography has lead to the difference in perception between the wines of Bordeaux and Bergerac. The 100 years war changed the medieval wine trade. Vineyards upstream of Bordeaux, (Gaillac, Bergerac and Cahors) were under French control, while the English linked to Bordeaux since the reign of Elinor of Aquitane continued their relationship with Bordeaux.

Grape Varieties of Bergerac
Bergerac, the neighbour and close cousin of Bordeaux produces similar blends without the price tag. The main grape varieties are those of Bordeaux: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot usually make lighter style wines that are elegant, supple with silky tannins and represent the “terroir” of the region.
Bergerac Blanc will be a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. It is usually crisp, aromatic and full of vitality, pale in colour with a fine finish.

Appellations of Bergerac

As with Bordeaux, Bergerac is not one simple appellation, but one broken into sub-sections according to slope, microclimate and soils; including Bergerac Rosé, Bergerac Rouge, Bergerac Blanc, Pecharmont, Saussignac Monbazillac, Montravel and Côtes de Bergerac.

Three Bergerac Wine Producers

Luc de Conti is currently one of France’s leading white wine makers. He has been leading the movement to adopt organic viticultural practices in France.
Chateau Tour des Gendres showcases both his viticultural and oenological skills.
One of the loveliest wines from Chateau Tour des Gendres is the Bergerac Sec, Le Moulin des Dames Blanc, 2009. A fabulous complex and balanced Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc blend.

Chateau La Rayre is situated in the gorgeous village of Colombier in the heart of Bergerac on the Dordogne. The Chateau La Rayre rosé could be one of the wines of the Aussie summer. A great wine to take to a BBQ or to the beach – it goes with just about anything!

From renowned winemaker Christian Roche, the wines of Domaine de L’Ancienne Cure are made with passion, attention to quality and are considered amongst the best in the region.
Pécharmont, a small appellation with the broader Bergerac region, is the oldest collective of vineyard in Bergearc. "Pécharmant" comes from the words "Pech" ( "Hill") and "Charmant" (Charming), thus meaning "the charming hill." Pécharmant vineyards are well exposed to the sun and the soil consists sand and gravel from the Périgord. The Domaine de L'Ancienne Cure Pecharmont Sélection, Rouge, 2008 has fine tannins, reflective of the sandy terroir, power without aggression, round and savoury.

16 September 2011

Discover the Wines of Bergerac

Wines from the Region of Bergerac now available in Australia.

For the first time a range of wines from the region of Bergerac are available
to consumers in Australia. These wines typify the wines that DiscoverVin are
bringing to Australia. Quality and affordable wines of character, made by
independent producers.
Bergerac wines form a regional section of DiscoverVin’s portfolio of wines
from South-West France. We have sought out three excellent producers from
the region. Each works with care and expertise to produce wines reflective of
the terroir of the region. Organic and sustainable viticultural practices are a
key feature or their approach to wine making.
The Dordogne is a popular destination with Australian tourists visiting France.
Having developed an appreciation for the wines of Bergerac, up until now
they have been unable to relive and share their vinous experiences once
home again.
Made from grape varieties traditionally associated with Bordeaux, they have
their own elegance and refined expression of fruit, soil, climate, viticulture
and wine making techniques.

DiscoverVin’s Bergerac Producers
Assiduous research and touring through Bergerac led DiscoverVin™ to our
suppliers. We found passionate individuals, working in historic locations to
make award-winning wines (e.g. Two stars in the French Le Guide Hachette
des Vins for the 2007 Domaine de L’Ancienne Cure Monbazillac 2007). Wines
from both Chateau Tour des Gendres and Domaine de L’Ancienne Cure
feature on wine lists in Michelin star restaurants in London and Paris.
Stephanie Alexander records her visit to Chateau Tour des Gendres with
Maggie Beer when immersed in the traditions and flavours of the Dordogne in
her book Cooking and Travelling in South-West France. In the book Domaine
de L’Ancienne Cure wines were marked as family favourites – especially the
sweet, lush dessert wine, Cuvée Abbaye (Monbazillac).
DiscoverVin™ has formed close professional relationships with each of our
Bergerac suppliers. Our Australian consumers can be assured of a reliable
supply chain from cellar door to our warehouse and then to their cellar.
Chateau Tour des Gendres
Luc de Conti is currently one of France’s leading white wine makers. He has
been leading the movement to adopt organic viticultural practices in France.
Chateau Tour des Gendres showcases both his viticultural and oenological
skills.
DiscoverVin’s wines from Chateau Tour des Gendres include:
Bergerac Sec, Le Moulin des Dames Blanc, 2009 A fabulous
complex and balanced Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc blend.
Bergerac Rouge, Le Moulin des Dames, 2007 A Merlot/
Cabernet Sauvignon blend with 5% Malbec, which adds to the inky
colour and the red and dark fruit flavours.

Chateau La Rayre
Chateau La Rayre is situated in the gorgeous village of Colombier in the heart
of Bergerac on the Dordogne.
Bergerac Rosé 2009 The La Rayre rosé has been popular with
DiscoverVin’s clients and this could be one of the wines of the
Aussie summer. A great wine to take to a BBQ or to the beach – it
goes with just about anything!
Domaine de l’Ancienne Cure
From renowned winemaker Christian Roche, the wines of Domaine de
L’Ancienne Cure are made with passion, attention to quality and are
considered amongst the best in the region.
DiscoverVin™ imports wines from L’Abbaye range and the L’Extase range
including:
Bergerac Rouge (L’Abbaye Range), 2008 The nose is lifted and is a
complex mélange of fruit, subtle spices including green pepper, liquorice,
prunes, black cherries and some toasty elements.
Pecharmont Sélection, Rouge, 2008 Fine tannins reflect the sandy terroir,
power without aggression, round and savoury.
Côtes de Bergerac Rouge (L’Extase Range), 2005 2005
was a great vintage across the region producing wines of great
quality and longevity.
Monbazillac (L’Abbaye Range), 2005, 500ml The Wine Review of France
called it a “remarkably accomplished wine” and “close to a good sauterne”.

Jeeper Royale Champagne Dinner

Join us for a very special Jeeper Royale Champagne 5 course degustation.  Sam Ferjou of Champagne Jeeper, DiscoverVin and Rosé Roya...