For many consumers, France is wine. The country vies with Italy and Spain to be the largest producer in the world. It has a lot of the best-known names, including Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne, as well as most of the most popular grapes such as the cabernet sauvignon, merlot, pinot noir, sauvignon and chardonnay.
These days, it no longer enjoys the dominant position it once had (in Ireland it lags behind Chile, Spain and Australia in volume), but France is still the point of reference for most wine lovers and producers around the world.
One of the great pleasures of French wine is its sheer range and diversity. Every region seems to have its own set of specialities and grape varieties, often only known locally. You are more likely to find value for money here, although quality wines from small producers will always cost a little more.
As a pre-celebration of Bastille Day on July 14th, this week we have four wines from lesser-known parts of France.
The Roussillon, usually lumped in with the Languedoc, is the Catalan part of France, adjacent to the border with Spain. It the best known for fortified wines as well as some rich, full-bodied, fruit-filled reds. Bergerac lies next door to Bordeaux. This picturesque region, which is well worth a visit, produces red and white wines using the Bordelais grapes. They can offer great value. Another area worth visiting is the Savoie, in the French Alps. White wines dominate here – usually aromatic and fresh. I am a big fan.
Château de Jau 2022, Côtes du Roussillon Villages, Organic
14.5%, €14.95 (down from €19.95)
New to O’Briens, a lovely big, rich and supple red with a sprinkling of black pepper. Perfect with roast, grilled or barbecued red meats and Mediterranean vegetables.
From O’Briens
Parcelles Pinot Gris 2023, Val de Loire, Rethore Davy
13%, €17.50
Lightly aromatic with succulent, fresh red apple and apricot fruits. This would be great with Asian seafood or mixed summer salads.
From Wicklow Wine Co, Wicklow; Blackrock Cellar, Blackrock, Co Dublin; Red Island, Skerries, Co Dublin; Morton’s, Dublin 6
Château Le Payral 2022, Bergerac
12.5%, €18.50
A classic merlot/cabernet blend with cool, concentrated plum and blackcurrant fruits and light tannins on the finish. With grilled or roast red meats.
From Green Man, Dublin 6; McCurtain, Cork; Ennis Butcher, Dublin 8; Kari Stores, Dublin 8
Roussette de Savoie 2023, Domaine Lupin
12.5%, €23.40
A delightful light wine with luscious pear fruits, hazelnuts and honey. A lovely aperitif, with fruits de mer, or local cheeses.
From: Blackrock Cellars; Delgany Wine Cottage, Co Wicklow; The Drinks Store, Dublin 7; The Corkscrew, Dublin 2; LeCaveau.ie; MacCurtain, Cork; Thenudewineco.ie; Pop Crowley’s, Macroom, Co Cork; Seagull Bakery, Waterford; 64 Wine, Glasthule
