Taste the Tour Packs 2017

Get set for the Tour.

It’s that time of year again. It's time to enjoy the legendary Tour de France! Aussie Richie Porte is one of the favourites with team BMC, which will add to the Aussie interest, but who doesn't love the scenery anyway?

You can enjoy the sights of the racing and the stunning scenery whilst enjoying a selection of French wine.

The wines in this 6 pack are sourced from vineyards in Burgundy, Bordeaux, the Rhone Valley, Provence (the home of rosé), Madiran in South West France, and Jurançon in the foothills of the Pyrenees. This year these regions are covered during the final 2 weeks of the race. You can drink each wine when the tour reaches that region, or just enjoy whenever you want, before during or after the Tour! Grab some Tour snacks, turn up the heating and enjoy. Follow the virtual peleton on social media. #tdf #tdf17

These wines (2 whites, 3 reds and a rosé) represent very good value for money and are a great introduction to DiscoverVin’s french wines. And all at a fraction of the price of a ticket to France!

6 wines in the Taste the Tour Pack 2017:

Burgundy (stage 7, July 7) 
Domaine Lupé-Cholet Comte de Lupé, Bourgogne (Pinot Noir ) 2014
Bordeaux region (stage 10, July 11) 
Maison Sichel Sirius Bordeaux Blanc 2014
Madiran – South West France (stage 11, July 12) 
Producteurs Plaimont Madiran Collection, 2012
Jurançon – in the foothills of the Pyrenees (stages 12 & 13, July 13 &14)
Château Jolys, Jurançon Sec, 2014
Rhone Valley (stages 16 & 17, July 18 & 19)
Domaine Roche Audran Côtes du Rhone 2015
Provence (stages 19 & 20, July 21 & 22)
Domaine de la Croix Irrésistible Rosé, cru classé Provençal rosé 2014

For more information click here

Our "Posh Pink" Les Tongs rosé makes Style magazine

Rosé is hot right now. In Australia it was the fasting growing wine segment in 2015. In France rosé now out-sells white wine! We have heard the term "brosé" referring to guys drinking rosé. Now the term "Posh Pink" has been coined, referring to the pale crisp rosé of Provence, championed by celebrities such as Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. This style of rosé is booming especially amongst younger wine drinkers.

Rosé has become trans-seasonal with sales showing wine lovers are enjoying rosé throughout the year. You can drink it at lunch or at a picnic on a sunny winters day, or with nibbles in front of a fire. If you drink a white wine in winter, rosé should be on the menu as well! 

DiscoverVin sells three different rosé wines and a lovely rosé Champagne. Our Posh Pink Les Tongs recently was featured in Style Magazine. It is a bargain "Posh Pink". Try one or grab a case and enjoy! 

most popular wines of 2013

Here is a look at our most popular wines of 2013. 

The following makes some interesting reading, none the least for the prominence of rosé. 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. Similarly we appear to be in the middle of a rosé revolution ! If you have never had a french rosé try one of these wines.

Here are the first 5 of our top 10 wines for 2013. We will blog about wines 6-10 next week!

1. Chateau de La Bouyere Bordeaux Blanc 2012 $21.50

We are thrilled to see this lovely easy drinking white wine making the it to the top of our list in 2013 . (It was number 5 in 2012).  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.

The Queyrans family has owned Chateau de la Bouyere for more than a century.  The vineyard is located at the top of Donzac, 45 km to the south of Bordeaux.  Grape production, wine making and ageing all take place on the family estate.  Vines have an average age of 30 years.

Region/Terroir:  AOC Bordeaux Blanc
Grapes:  Semillon (80%), Sauvignon Blanc (20%).
Ageing:  Drink now.  Serve at a cool temperature around 12°C.
Our Tasting notes:  Lovely pale golden colour with little hints of green. An expressive nose with fragrances of citrus fruits that evolve towards nuances of tropical fruits.  The mouth is harmonious and fruity with a great round, rich mouth feel due to the ageing on fine lees.  Delicate and balanced.  A lovely wine at this price.

A stylish wine.  Crisp and refreshing, perfect on its own , with nibbles with salads or seafood.

2. Domaine de la Croix Irresistible AOC Cotes de Provence 2012 $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, is situated near the village of La Croix Valmer with 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.

Here is a testomonial from a happy customer.."the domaine de la croix is the ‘winner’. Although we thought all three rose that we sampled were incredibly drinkable the domaine de la croix was even more so – truly delicious." David Sydney 

Madison magazine says " if decadence is what you’re after, then you won’t be able to resist La Croix, Irrésistible Rosé" 

This wine has been featured in the Rose Revolution activities during the last 2 summers.

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 etc quick here.

3. Chateau La Rayre Bergerac Rose 2010 $24.90

Wow! A second rose as our best seller for 2013. This rosé was our number one wine in 2012 and just beaten this year into third position.

This rosé seems to appeal to wine lovers who would not normally look at rosé. 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).

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

This wine has featured in Rosé Revolution promotions in the last 2 summers. 

It was also selected by French wine critics and consumers in the Guide "Un vin presque parfait" (an almost perfect wine). A panel of critics and consumers selected 400 french wines from several thousand to be given this accolade.

From Sean Mitchell  Grape Observer ...regarding the 2009.."I enjoyed drinking this rosé from Bergerac situated to the east of Bordeaux, a blend of two thirds cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon and one third merlot.  A deeper hue of salmon pink in colour, the aroma is of crisp and crunchy peaches.  The palate reveals spices, nectar and a savoury balance.  Good drinking and well priced."

More details can be found here

4. Chateau Jolys Jurançon sec 2011 $27.75

Also in fourth position in 2012. A delightful, complex, fruity but dry and great value for money wine. From the excellent 2011 vintage and from one of the most beautiful and under rated regions in France.

This Jurançon Sec represents great value for money. If you are looking for something other than chardonnay or sauvignon blanc this summer, but don’t want to pay a fortune, this is pretty hard to beat!

Huon Hooke gave it 92 points and named it "Best Import" in Sydney Morning Herald June 2013 ."The colour is medium to full yellow and the bouquet evokes citrus blossom, honeysuckle and many other appealing fragrances. The palate is delicate, seamless and gently fruity, with a trace of sweetness early, then a clean, dry finish, with balanced acidity. It’s a lovely wine but drink it soon because the synthetic stopper is not designed for cellaring. 13 per cent alcohol. 92/100 Food: pre-dinner nibbles "

Sommelier Peter Healy in his blog George the Grape wrote: "I think Petit Manseng in particular is an exciting grape. Capable of developing high sugar levels without losing its crisp, refreshing acidity. When in balance it gives you a refreshing drink that ‘moves’ in your mouth like a spinning dancer.  With an initial boof of amazing sweet tropical fruits counter balanced by a late flick of dry extract that keeps your palate on its toes.  This wine offers such a diverse array of uses- great aperitif, wraps itself all over rich runny Brie style cheeses or keeps good pace with lightly spiced foods- Chicken Larb comes to mind."

In the Canadian press in January 2014, Michael Godel named this as one of his best wines of the New Year, and urged readers to try something different in 2014. "Shake it up with this delicious if slightly unusual, tangy, edgy stuff. Out there and beyond your average French sipper, shaped by lemon curd and zest, tangy grapefruit and lengthened by rubber-legged dancing elasticity. May drive its car under the influence but it’s not warm and fat. Busts the move ”  88  Tasted December 2013

Other media reviews are listed here

5. Chateau Lagarde (Saint Émilion) SOLD OUT

Saint Émilion is one of the most famous Bordeaux regions.  It is on the Right Bank of the Dordogne River where Merlot and Cabernet Franc are the predominant varieties. 

This wine from 2009 is a good example of how good value can be found in unclassified producers (petits chateaux) in the good years. 2009 was a good year right across the region , so good value can be found in many chateaux.

This wine proved so popular that it sold out. It is no longer being produced! The property was purchased by another producer and the grapes go into the production of a different producer. 

We have replaced the Lagarde with another excellent St Émilion from a small producer, called Chateau Truquet. This château borders the fabled Chateau Figeac, one of the best (and most expensive) producers in Saint Émilion. We have only been selling it for about on e month and we expect it will be in the top 10 for 2014 if current sales/feedback are anything to go by.

If you are a fan of Saint Émilion or Merlot, or just looking for a good wine at a great price, it’s pretty hard to go past these wines!

So that's the first 5 of the top 10.

Wines 6-10 include 4 reds (Chateau Fontblanche and Chateau Haut-Belian from Bordeaux, Chateau de Saurs from Gaillac ) a great Graves white from a famous French wine and food family (Ch Haut Peyrous)  and our top selling dessert wine (Chateau Jolys Cuvée Jean). 

More on these next week.

DiscoverVin support Mater Chicks in Pink

All courses on the menu were pink

DiscoverVin were happy to support the "Mater Chicks in Pink" with a fundraising dinner at C'est Bon in Wooloongabba, Brisbane on April 15. The "Mater Chicks in Pink" support women diagnosed with Breast Cancer.  Over $2000 was raised on the night.

Celine and the team at C'est Bon put their heart into the event, gathering support from their suppliers, decorating the rooms, working for free and wearing pink aprons in the kitchen. All of the staff worked for free and the suppliers donated all food and wine used, so that as much money as possible could be raised for the cause!

Homemade Gravelax with Honey Dill Mustard Creme.

All of the food had a pink theme.  The Domaine de la Croix Rosé was the perfect wine for the dinner.  The salmon pink colour of the wine was ideal and looked wonderful with the Pink Fish.  The colour and the soft fruit flavours were lovely with the Homemade Gravalax served with a honey dill mustard creme.  

The wine's dry and savoury aspects on the palate meant the Irresistible Rosé also worked well with the Free Range Chick in Pink.  The soft and supple wine was lovely with the oven roasted free range chicken supreme coated in beetroot crust on spinach and exotic mushroom risotto beurre pink.

Vivid pink dragonfruit & lychee sorbet was spectaular finale.

The rosé was also a good accompaniment to the pink dessert - The Dragon, the Crunch and the Ballet Dancer.  This was a vivid pink dragonfruit and lychee sorbet in a brandy basket.  Superbe!!

Pink stripes for the plates

The kitchen team in their chicks in pink aprons.

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.

Wine 3 Domaine du Crampilh, Vielles Vignes, 2006, 750ml $28.99.

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.