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Virtual Wine Tasting - South West France

Virtual Wine Tasting - South West France

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Duration
3 x 1 Hour

Event Description

Our popular virtual wine tastings return for 2022 with a visit to an area of France often overlooked: the South-West region.

Home to some fairly obscure (but fascinating) appellations, there is a huge range of styles to enjoy; dry and sweet white wines, classic blends of oaked reds and the original home of Argentina’s superstar grape – Malbec.

Week 1 - Wednesday 5th January

We start with two grape varieties that are (almost) unique to South West France, Petit Manseng and Madiran.

Jurançon is home to Petit Manseng, here blended with its sister variety Gros Manseng, together with a little Camaralet, Courbu and Lauzet grapes.  The style is bone dry and full-bodied white wine with zesty, grapefruit fragrance that works well with strong hard cheese or fish pie.

Madiran is known for its (in)famous main grape variety – Tannat.  Studies have linked the enhanced life expectancy in this region with its wine that has one of the most tannic grape varieties in the world.  Some Madiran has a little Merlot to soften these tannins, but our example is 100% Tannat grapes and aged in oak barrel for just over a year. The style is true Madiran with plenty of grip and bold, dark flavours that make a perfect match with roast beef.

  • Jurançon AC Geyser, Domaine Cauhape 2020 – Retail Price £12.95
  • Madiran AC Ode d'Aydie 2017 – Retail Price – Retail Price £11.95

Week 2 - Wednesday 12th January

Bergerac is an appellation that is east of Bordeaux and is very much in similar style to its more famous neighbour on the coast, using the same grape varieties and often similar winemaking techniques.  It is however usually better value for money.

We start with a Bergerac Blanc, a very ripe expression of Sauvignon Blanc, with a little oak ageing. Superbly rich, unctuous and complex with flavours of apricot and citrus, it would be perfect with fish in a creamy sauce, shellfish or blue cheese.

Our Bergerac Rouge is made from roughly equal proportions of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this is a full-bodied red, full of fruit with hints of tobacco and spice.

  • Bergerac Blanc AC, Moulin des Dames, Château Tour des Gendres 2020 – Retail Price £18.00
  • Bergerac Rouge AC, La Gloire de Mon Père, Château Tour des Gendres 2018 – Retail Price £12.50

Week 3 - Wednesday 19th January

The dessert wines of Bordeaux, such as Sauternes, are rightly regarded as world class wines.  However, hiding in the hinterland of Bordeaux is the Appellation of Monbazillac, making very similar wines at a fraction of the price.  We have a Monbazillac here; glorious, succulent and peachy nectar from the Dordogne, made in the style of a Sauternes. Though fully sweet, it retains great delicacy and freshness.

Finally, we visit the real home of Malbec; Cahors (not Argentina!).  Made from young malbec and merlot vines, raised for a short time in used barrels, in a fresh, fruity style for drinking young. This is concentrated, rich and full-bodied, showing the virtues of the 2017 vintage in the south-west of France

  • Monbazillac AC, Château Pech La Calevie 2019 – Retail Price £13.95
  • Cahors AC Petit Clos, Clos Triguedina 2017 – Retail Price £11.95

 As with all our virtual wine tastings, nobody has to be designated driver as you can enjoy these wines from the comfort of your own home.

We do not sell wine, so we have partnered again with our friends at The Wine Society, who will deliver the wines to your door.

The price for this event includers the cost of the wines.

To ensure deliveries take place in good time, the order cut off for this course is Tuesday 28th December.

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