Here is some information on DiscoverVin wines organised by grape variety and style.
Call us on 0260 206 016 for any assistance on selecting wines.
“The southwest is one of the wine world’s great indigenous grape incubators.”
-Roger Voss, “France’s Hidden Treasures,” Wine Enthusiast
Australian wines are usually sold as straight varietals but the French use regional names or appellations to label their wines. Each appellation is usually associated with a grape variety.
Appellations
Australians are familiar with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet franc. These varieties are used to make wine from Bordeaux, Bergerac, and Pécharmont amongst other places.
Malbec or Auxerrois is associated with Argentina, but Cahors is its natural home.
Sauvignon Blanc is synonomous with New Zealand. In Australia Sauvignon Blanc is often blended with Semillon in Margaret River or the Hunter Valley. Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc blends are made in the appellations of Bergerac and Bordeaux.
Many of the varieties of South West France are less well known to Australians.
The appellations of Madiran in the Pyrenees make Tannat based wines. Tannat produces a rich, powerful and tannic wine which softens with time to give beautifully savory and structured wines.
The appellations of Jurançon, and Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh use the Manseng grapes, gros manseng and petit manseng, to produce savoury dry white wines and with late-harvest techniques to produce luscious sweet wines.
To choose wines by style here are some suggestions from our current range....
White Wines
For crisp dry unwooded whites, such as wines to drink as an apperitif or with salads, white meats and seafood try:
Château Jolys Jurançon Sec 2011
Chardonnay drinkers or those who prefer wooded whites should try:
Château Beycheville Grand Bateaux Bordeaux Blanc 2012
For those that like the crispness of a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc try:
Château de la Bouyere Bordeaux Blanc 2013
Fuller bodied softer white wines with some wood, such as wines to drink with fish, mushrooms, white meat, cream or cheese based sauces try:
Domaine Bellegarde Jurançon Sec "La Pierre Blanche" 2009
Red Wines
Lighter style red wines offer easy drinking and are perfect with a BBQ. Wines from Gaillac and Fronton are spicy and full of fruit. They can include some Shiraz, along with varieties indigenous to the area. Try:
Château de Saurs Gaillac La Constance Rouge 2010
Château Bouisell Le Bouisell 2010
DiscoverVin have several Merlot or Cabernet/Merlot blends, such as:
Domaine de l'Ancienne Cure Bergerac Rouge 2011
Château Haut Lariveau 2006
Merlot is the dominant variety of Pommerol. The wines are rich, smooth and approachable - so if this is your style try:
Fleur de Clinet 2006
Full bodied earthy reds are a flavoursome match with slow cooked meats, game and cheese. French wines will have less alcohol than big "Aussie reds", but it you prefer an earthy style red such as a Shiraz or Durif these would be of interest:
Domaine du Crampilh Madiran "Cuvée Vielles Vignes" 2009
or the reds from Producteurs Plaimont.
Full bodied rich, smooth and elegant reds will also match with slow cooked meats, game and cheese. The Medoc, Haut Medoc and Graves are known for Cabernet Sauvignon blends such as:
Chateau Lanessan 2004
Chateau Tour Seran 2007
Chateau Haut Vigneau 2009
Dessert Wines
DiscoverVin's range of sweet wines is superb!
For a light crisp wine to match with tropical fruit or a summer dessert try:
Domaine Bellegarde Cuvée Tradition 2010
Domaine du Crampilh Pacheranc du Vic-Bilh
For rich luscious stickies to match with puddings, cheese or even chocolate
browse the wines of Domaine de l'Ancienne Cure and Château Jolys.
To further explore the grape varieties of south-west France, we also suggest this great website from our friends at Wines of South-West France
Please call 02 6020 6016 or email info@discovervin.com.au for guidance on selections!
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