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.

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.

Mike 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.

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.

Review for our new white wine from Bordeaux-Grand Bateau

This week we were really pleased to see a review for our new white wine from Bordeaux called Grand Bateau. This is the first time this wine has been imported to Australia. It is available online and to trade 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. I guess the Bordelais can't drink red all the time!

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.

Sean Mitchell in the Grape Observer published the following review:

"Produced by Château Beychevelle, the Grand Bateau Bordeaux blanc is a lovely wine.  A blend of 80% sauvignon blanc and 20% semillon, it has reticent aromatics of apple skin, bruised peach, lemon, stone fruit kernels, hay, grass and gooseberry.  The palate is medium to full bodied, the acid medium and its flavours remind of lemon, apple skin, grass and gooseberry.  The finish is medium in terms of length and depth of flavour.  This is overall a good wine due to the complexity on offer.  Good

Abv: 12.5%
Price: $24.50
Source: sample"

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

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.

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

Grapes:  Semillon (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.

Fifth anniversary Cocktail Party at Franck Provost Double Bay

Franck Provost Paris Hair is France's number one salon and last night the Double Bay Salon was celebrating its 5th Anniversary.  Amber Renae, the Franck Provost brand ambassador, VIP's, members of the French Trade Commission and Alliance Francaise, bloggers, journalists, fashionistas and just about every French person living in Sydney was there! So French, so chic!!

DiscoverVin wines were sponsors of this event and we offered the following wines by the glass:

Domaine de la Croix, Irrésistible Rosé  - The name says it all! A delicious rosé from one of the top producers in Provence.

Château de la Bouyere Bordeaux Blanc - A great value for money crisp white wine for the coming summer months.

Château des Saurs, La Constance, 2009 - One of our best sellers is this lovely lighter style red from Gaillac in South West France. Silver Medal winner.   

We also offered tastings of some of our best sellers:

Château Jolys Jurançon Sec 2011 - a delicious dry white wine awarded 92 points and voted 'Best Import' by Huon Hooke in the Sydney Morning Herald in June 2013.

Château Haut Peyrous, Retours de Palombieres, 2008 - a sensational Merlot/Cabernet/Petit Verdot blend from an organic producer (Marc Darroze) in Graves (Bordeaux).

Chateau de Saurs, Moelleux, 2011 - A late harvest wine made from an ancient variety in Gaillac.  Silver medal winner at the Paris 2012 Concours General Agricole.  

All of these wines, I am happy to say, were a hit with Francophiles and French people alike. 

There was a real buzz in the air as the glamorous models displayed the Summer 2013 (Hair Style) Collection - long soft curled tresses seem to be the hairstyle of the moment - pity I've got short hair!  

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.