France feels like a long way away right now, but we can transport ourselves around the world by enjoying the delicious wines they produce, at home.
One of the largest wine producing countries in the world, all of the major grape varieties can be found there. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in Burgundy, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in Bordeaux, Syrah and Grenache in the Rhone, Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc in the Loire, the best aromatic varieties are grown in Alsace and of course, they have the spiritual home of sparkling wine, Champagne.
Champagne-Gosset Grande Reserve Brut NV
Founded in 1584, Gosset is the oldest wine house in the Champagne region. Originally a grower, and producing still red wines from their own vines, Gosset is a Grande Marque house sold worldwide and has just recently found its way back to New Zealand. Its distinctive bottle, a replica of the bottle first used almost 300 years ago, and unique bottle neck label makes it easily recognisable.
Avoiding malolactic fermentation during the winemaking process produces a crisp, clean champagne with aromas and flavours of green apple, citrus, and white peach. These fruity characters are balanced by 36 months on lees, producing warm biscuity notes that intertwine with the delicate bubbles and linger on the palate.
Available at Caro’s $114.
Gros Tollot La 50/50 2018 Southern France
Anne Gros and Jean-Paul Tollot, two talented Burgundy winemakers, combine their knowledge and passion to produce wonderfully delicious wine.
A blend of old vine grenache, syrah and carignan, fermented and aged in stainless steel to produce a deliciously juicy and lively red wine.
This wine just so… yummy! Dark purple with ripe aromas and flavours of blackberry, cassis, fresh plum, and spice with a soft, velvety tannin structure and a splash of refreshing acidity.
Perfect with charcuterie, roast beef, or to drink on its own.
Available at Glengarry stores $29.99.
Rameau d’Or Petit Amour Rosé 2020 Southern France
Picked when the grenache and syrah reach the desired ripeness and acidity levels, the grapes are pressed with very little skin contact to produce the perfect pink. The juice is fermented at low temperatures in stainless steel tanks to retain the delicate red fruit and floral notes in the finished wine.
A pretty pale pink with raspberry, strawberry and watermelon aromas.
A lovely light, crisp and dry Provence-style rosé with citrus, red berry and white blossom notes on the palate.
The perfect way to start a meal, this rosé is great with light snacks, chicken salads, and fish tacos.
Available on Black Market $21.99.
Domaine de Bellene Bourgogne Rouge 2018 Burgundy
Domaine de Bellene is organically farmed, carbon neutral and aims to minimise its impact on the environment as much as possible. This wine is 100% pinot noir from high-density planted vineyards on clay and limestone soils. The wine is vinified in old oak barrels and bottled unfined to produce a wine with fruit purity and a sense of place.
Medium ruby in colour, with aromas of red berries, dark floral notes and touches of dried herbs.
A medium-bodied and structured wine with cherry, raspberry and cranberry flavours with underlying savoury notes, dusty tannins and a long finish.
Available at Glengarry stores $33.99.
Words—Angie Atkinson, The Wine Writer
