The 12 Great Wines of France
Nothing better than a tour of France to broaden your oenological horizons!
In this box, we have selected twelve wines which represent the best!
🍷 Please note: changes in vintages or vintages may occur depending on availability from our partner winegrowers. We will update this page accordingly!
Day 1: Château Saint-Roch
- Domain and name of the wine: Château Saint Roch
- Appellation: Chateauneuf du Pape
- Region: Rhône, France
- Grape varieties: Grenache 70%, Syrah 15%, Cinsault 15%
- Vintage: 2020
- Color of the dress: Red - A garnet color with purple reflections
- Color intensity: Beautiful shine, lots of shine.
Fragrant and straight, the small red fruits combine with licorice. It is a perfect expression of its terroir.
- Body: 4/6 - Powerful
- Tannins: 3/6 - Present
- Sugar: 0/6 - Very dry
- Acidity: 3/6 - Fresh
- Alcohol: 4/6 - Warm (13.5%)
- Length in the mouth: 6/6 - Very long (>10 sec)
This deep red which strikes with its aromatic density, on very ripe morello cherry and eucalyptus. A palette which is also expressed in a delicate palate, with an elegant touch, endowed with well-softened tannins, a sign of careful vinification, without excessive extraction, nor the need for use of wood.
Beef, Lamb, Game (deer, venison)...
Day 2: The wine moment selectors
- Domain and name of the wine: The selectors of wine moments - Return from fishing
- Appellation: IGP Bordeaux
- Region: France, Bordeaux
- Grape varieties: 50% Sauvignon, 50% Sémilion
- Vintage: 2022
- Color of the dress: White - The dress is a pretty pale yellow color.
- Color intensity: Deep color.
Aromas of white fruits and blackcurrant, with herbal notes.
- Body: 5/6 - Powerful
- Tannins: 0/6 - Absent
- Sugar: 0/6 - Very dry
- Acidity: 3/6 - Fresh
- Alcohol: 3/6 - Warm (13.5%)
- Length in the mouth: 3/6 - long (~6sec)
Delicate, fresh and fruity. After fishing, comfort. We sometimes come home empty-handed but it’s not the catches that count. The important thing is the shared moment. This wine from organic farming is an opportunity to exchange and chat over a glass filled with freshness.
It is a well-balanced wine to be enjoyed as aperitifs, with cooked fish, white meats, cheeses...
Day 3: Domaine Moulin-Pouzy
- Domain and name of the wine: Domaine de Moulin-Pouzy
- Appellation: Tradition Bergerac AOC
- Region: South-West, France
- Grape varieties: 85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon
- Vintage: 2019
- Color of the color: Red - The color is black cherry with ruby reflections.
- Intensity of color: Beautiful shine, limpid.
A warm nose, between red fruits and floral notes. Spicy and peppery lingering with notes of ripe red fruits
- Body: 2/6 - Powerful
- Tannins: 5/6 - Tannics
- Sugar: 0/6 - Very dry
- Acidity: 4/6 - Sharp
- Alcohol: 5/6 - Generous (14%)
- Length in the mouth: 4/6 - Rather long (7-8 sec)
This red, made mainly from Merlot, nevertheless offers traits in common with its predecessor: a warm nose, between red fruits and floral notes, a full and round mouth without softness, enhanced with spicy touches.
Cold meats, Red meat, Poultry, Game, Mushrooms, Barbecue, World cuisine, Cheese
Day 4: Domaine De La Roche Moreau
- Domain and name of the wine: Domaine De La Roche Moreau
- Appellation: Coteau du Layon 1er Cru Chaume
- Region: Loire, France
- Grape varieties: Chenin Blanc 100%
- Vintage: 2018
- Color of the dress: Light to deep color, golden yellow with green reflections, evolving towards an old gold with amber reflections
- Color intensity: Beautiful shine, beautiful intensity
A very concentrated nose, notes of blackcurrant, cocoa, an empyreumatic side with notes of cedar, tobacco, and vanilla. A second nose with light aromas of mint.
- Body: 5/6 - Powerful
- Tannins: 4/6 - Firm
- Sugar: 6/6 - Soft
- Acidity: 3/6 - Fresh
- Alcohol: 4/6 - Warm (14.5%)
- Length in the mouth: 4/6 - long (>8 sec)
The wine shows with its roundness, a tonic mouth. Fruit, tannins present but of good quality, with a cocoa finish. The whole thing is very elegant, of remarkable finesse, and does not lack personality.
Delicious with roast duck, tournedos (Rossini) or mature Comté...
Day 5: Clos Sadra
- Domain and name of the wine: Clos Sadra - Cahors
- Appellation: Cahors
- Region: France, South-West, Cahors
- Grape varieties: 100% Malbec
- Vintage: 2021
- Color of the coat: Red - The coat is intense red and very dark, almost black.
- Color intensity: Dark, powerful color
A nose with subtle notes of black fruits.
- Body: 5/6 - Powerful
- Tannins: 4/6 -
- Sugar: 0/6 - Very dry
- Acidity: 4/6 - Fresh
- Alcohol: 2/6 - Light (12%)
- Length in the mouth: 5/6 - long (>8 sec)
A balance between the power and finesse of Malbec, a good wine to reconcile with the Cahors appellation.
With red meats, grilled meats, mature cheeses.
Day 6: Domaine de Cala
- Domain and name of the wine: Domaine de Cala
- Appellation: Coteaux Varois en Provence
- Region: France, Provence, Coteaux Varois en Provence
- Grape varieties: Cinsault 60%, Grenache Noir 30%, Syrah 8%, Rolle 2%
- Vintage: 2021
- Color of the dress: Rosé - The dress is an elegant pale pink
- Color intensity: Brilliant color.
Finesse and subtlety, the nose is marked by an aroma of citrus fruits. The aromas evolve towards lemony and fresh apricot notes.
- Body: 2/6 - Full-framed
- Tannins: 0/6 - Absent
- Sugar: 0/6 - Very dry
- Acidity: 5/6 - Very Fresh
- Alcohol: 3/6 - Warm (13%)
- Length in the mouth: 3/6 - (6 sec)
The aromas then evolve towards notes of lemon and fresh apricot. On the palate, the attack is elegant, bright and delicious, accompanied by notes of citrus and fresh apricot, followed by a saline and mineral finish. An ideal wine to serve at aperitif time!
It is an ideal wine for an aperitif or a seafood platter.
Day 7: Domaine Saint Thomas
- Estate and name of the wine: MA Alonso Etayo - Viña Ilusion
- Appellation: Aop Collioure
- Region: France, Languedoc-Roussillon, Aop Collioure
- Grape varieties: Grenache Noir – 80%, Mourvèdre – 20%
- Vintage: 2020
- Color of the dress: Red - The dress is a pretty intense red color
- Color intensity: Brilliant color.
Suave, notes of fresh red fruits, jam, cherry in alcohol.
- Body: 5/6 - Powerful
- Tannins: 4/6 - Robust
- Sugar: 1/6 - Very dry
- Acidity: 4/6 - Fresh
- Alcohol: 6/6 - Very Warm (15%)
- Length in the mouth: 6/6 - Very long (>10 sec)
Soft attack, silky and melted tannins thanks to a fully ripe harvest.
Braised or grilled pieces of beef, oriental couscous, chicken tagine.
Day 8: The wine moment selectors
- Domain and name of the wine: The moment selectors - Pétanque in the shade
- Appellation: Côtes de Provence
- Region: France, Provence, Côtes de provence
- Grape varieties: Grenache, Mourvedre, Cinsault
- Vintage: 2022
- Color of the dress: Red - Pretty ruby color with garnet reflections
- Color intensity: Brilliant color.
The nose opens with notes of citrus and fresh fruit.
- Body: 3/6 - Balanced
- Tannins: 0/6 - Absent
- Sugar: 0/6 - Very dry
- Acidity: 5/6 - Very Fresh
- Alcohol: 2/6 - Light (12.5%)
- Length in the mouth: 3/6 - classic (~5 sec)
The palate is tangy and fruity. Delicate, fresh and mineral
As aperitifs, with white meats, grilled fish or vegetarian dishes.
Day 9: Revelation of Moulin Pouzy
- Estate and name of the wine: Moulin Pouzy, Révelation
- Appellation: Pécharmant
- Region: France, Guyenne, South-West
- Grape varieties: Cabernet franc, Cabernet-Sauvignon and Merlot
- Vintage: 2020
- Coat color: Red - The coat is a deep, shiny red with purple highlights.
- Color intensity: Deep color, quite intense.
The nose is fresh and elegant with notes of black fruit jam and tobacco, but also spices such as cinnamon or cloves.
- Body: 4/6 - Full-framed
- Tannins: 4/6 - Firm
- Sugar: 0/6 - Very dry
- Acidity: 3/6 - Fresh
- Alcohol: 3/6 - Warm (13.5%)
- Length in the mouth: 6/6 - Very long (>10 sec)
It is a wine that reveals itself in stages, highlighting the complexity of this blend, with background notes of leather, white pepper and liquorice. The whole is balanced by an aromatic power which testifies to the elegance of the Lolol valley.
It is a well-balanced wine that can be accompanied by game in wine sauce or barbecued red meat...
Day 10: Domaine Vincent Denis
- Domain and name of the wine: Domaine Vincent Denis - Terres Blanches
- Appellation: Montlouis-sur-Loire
- Region: France, Loire Valley, Montlouis-sur-Loire
- Grape varieties: 100% Chenin
- Vintage: 2021
- Color of the dress: White - The dress has a pretty golden yellow color , patinated
- Intensity of the color: Color with reflections.
A pleasant and delicious nose, presenting ripe aromas of pear, quince, wax...
- Body: 2/6 - Balanced
- Tannins: 0/6 - Absent
- Sugar: 1/6 - Very dry
- Acidity: 6/6 - Very Fresh
- Alcohol: 4/6 - Warm (14%)
- Length in the mouth: 4/6 - long (>6sec)
The rich, ripe apple flavors give it an off-dry character. Rich and dense acidity, crunch, nuts and spices, the wine is complex and will take its time.
We recommend enjoying it with a tarte tatin. Or a succulent dish of pasta with cream.
Day 11: Banton Winegrowers Family
- Estate and name of the wine: Famille Banton Vignerons
- Appellation: Côtes de Bordeaux
- Region: France, Bordeaux, Côtes de Bordeaux
- Grape varieties: 50% Merlot, 20% Malbec, 20% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
- Vintage: 2020
- Color: Red - This wine has a beautiful garnet color.
- Color intensity: Deep, brilliant color .
On the nose, remarkable expression of fresh crushed red and black fruits.
- Body: 5/6 – Fully-built
- Tannins: 5/6 - Present
- Sugar: 0/6 - Very dry
- Acidity: 4/6 - Fresh
- Alcohol: 3/6 - Warm (13.5%)
- Length in the mouth: 5/6 - long (>8 sec)
The palate also represents these aromas well with floral notes, red fruits and black fruits. A balanced and fruity wine, easy to drink.
It is a well-balanced wine which can be accompanied by grilled red meats, but also pork, lamb...
Day 12: Chateau d’Arche
- Domain and name of the wine: Château d’Arche, Sauternes
- Appellation: Sauternes Grand Cru Classé
- Region: France, Bordeaux, Sauternes
- Grape varieties: Sémillon, Sauvignon
- Vintage: 2010
- Color of the coat: Gold - Golden yellow color, golden highlights.
- Intensity of the color: Brilliant and luminous color.
The nose is very open with aromas of white fruits (pear, apple) and floral notes. Notes of honey and candied.
- Body: 5/6 - Powerful
- Tannins: 0/6 - Absent
- Sugar: 6/6 - Liquorous
- Acidity: 5/6 - Sharp
- Alcohol: 4/6 - Warm (14%)
- Length in the mouth: 6/6 - Very long (>10 sec)
On the palate the attack is fresh, mellow and confirms a beautiful balance. We will find notes of candied oranges and apricot jam accompanied by subtle smoky notes.
Foie gras, powerful cheeses (Munster, Maroilles, Bleu), bitter dark chocolate mousse...
Calculate your score:
You like wine but wine doesn't like you. No matter how much you smell the corks to detect possible defects, you only smell the smell of cork. You observe but see nothing, you smell but smell nothing, you chew but taste nothing… Is rosé a mixture of red and white? There is still a long way to go but you will get there with practice and tasting!
It's not the desire to become a true tasting master that you lack, but the training. You aspire to be a sommelier, there is no doubt about it, but your senses are not yet sharp enough and all wines have a similar taste. But don't despair: if Bach was able to become a musical virtuoso while being deaf, there is hope that you will one day be able to tell a chardonnay from a champagne. Train your nostrils and your taste buds, that's the only thing!
You may be spending too much time deciphering the label and not enough analyzing the contents of your INAO glass. But you have a taste for adventure: you are curious about everything and you explore the vine jungle with a machete without fear. You mess up, you get lost, you fall but you always get back up. You have the enthusiasm of a future oenologist: don't despair, you are on the right wine route!
You are an initiate of the order of good bottles. If you are not yet a great master of taste-vinage, you have the discipline and curiosity necessary to achieve it. If you can't yet distinguish the subtle notes of yuzu at the end of the second nose of a small, obscure wine with heightened minerality, you know with certainty what you like and what you don't like, and that's already a lot !
The precision of your tasting is almost witchcraft. It’s like you fell into an oak barrel when you were little! You simply excel in the art of oenology, you are familiar with the most advanced techniques and your senses are as sharp as those of a professional sommelier. You're pretty good, to say the least... The path to absolute grace is not far away!
You are the Mozart of tasting, the Picasso of the Pommerol cellars, the Einstein of the Savagnin old and Comté accord 36 months of maturing with grains of salt! At a glance, you can distinguish Mourvèdre from Tannat. The subtlety of your senses has risen to the rank of divinity: you discern the most incongruous aromas in a few seconds in any bottle. You have passed to the other side of the barrier: you no longer taste the wine, you write its destiny.
The connoisseurs' corner
In oenology, we speak of Old World wines when they are produced in traditional wine regions such as Europe and the Middle East.
While in the New World, wine-growing activity is more recent, as in America and Africa. Can you recognize the category to which the 4 wines in this box belong?