Celebrating Bastille Day: the best of France

Le Grand Cros

Bastille Day was celebrated this week (14th July), so it was only right that for the latest in our ‘best of’ summer series we should find ourselves in France. And what better way to celebrate than with some of the world’s finest wine? 

Reims

Known by its peers and amongst the world’s top wine critics for its exceptional quality, Champagne Castelnau Brut Réserve NV (£29.50) is multi-award winning, vegetarian, vegan and made to the highest standard by respected Chef de Cave, Elisabeth Sarcelet who has been creating this superb Champagne range for more than 30 years. A full and flavoursome style, balanced with crisp, refreshing acidity and a clean, pitch-perfect finish. Its contemporary, understated packaging is the perfect complement to any table setting, from light snacks to a more formal meal.

Bordeaux

France is famous for its wines and no region in the world has quite the same reputation as Bordeaux. The Monfaucon Estate – Nobody’s Perfect Sémillon Muscadelle Blend 2018 (£20) is a unique and refreshing white wine bursting with the flavours and freshness of summer sunshine. Pale lemon gold in colour, this wine has flavours of warm lemon zest, white stone fruit and hints of honeysuckle on the nose, with white-stone fruit, galia melon and nectarine on the palate.

Provence

Hailing from Côtes de Provence and originally launched by award-winning wine producer Julian Faulkner with a 2015 vintage named in honour of his eldest child, Aurelia was created to showcase the very best of the terroir at Le Grand Cros. Created using grapes hand-harvested in September, Aurélia 2019 (£28.95) spent eight months on lees and partially in oak, allowing it to develop a creamier texture and greater complexity. With its elegant pink hue and salmon reflections, the Aurélia 2019’s nose is expressive and complex, with some floral notes, candied melon and mango, sweet spices (cinnamon) with a little zesty lift of grapefruit. The mouth, ripe and full, is balanced. A beautiful structure reinforces the original and elegant character of this gastronomic rosé.

The Chateau L’afrique, Famille Sumeire, Cotes De Provence Rosé, France, 2018 (£19.99) is a very pale rosé, which is both bright and beautiful in the glass. It exhibits nuances of rosewood, with an intense and rich perfume of crisp apples and passionfruit. A gentle and refreshing style of rosé, which instantly recalls memories of sunshine and deck chairs.

Chateau L’afrique