What’s Trending in France seminar at the Vancouver International Wine Festival was a Trade event that I was able to “audit” for MyVanCity.ca. This was only one event, both public and trade, of ten events for the Festival that are capably organized by the team at The Wine Umbrella, Mireille Sauve and business partner Luisa Deziel. Sponsored by France Bon Appetit and Sopexa.
Each region of France was represented by a winery principal who spoke at length about their thoughts on what is trending and how it is effecting their winery.
The seminar covered the subject of Trends with a panel of eight wineries principals plus local wine expert Sid Cross who was a stand-in for a principal who was unable to attend due to an unexpected family emergency.
Regions represented were:
Champagne
Loire
Languedoc
Southwest France
Bourgogne
Bordeaux
Rhone
Alsace
Of course opinions on which trends were most relevant to their respective wine region was varied. There was discussion regarding the “modernization” of wine. How modern? Does the winemaker want to be modern? Does the consumer want a modern wine?
The screw cap was another topic that raised discussion amongst the members of the panel. Introduced in France in 2006, and possibly because it is France, some rules and regulations to go with it.
Good news to wine drinkers it was suggested that the Languedoc area which was known for making only everyday or table wine through to and including the 20th century is now trending towards premium and super premium wines, particularly in the wine regions near the Spanish border.
Rosé takes centre stage in Languedoc and in 2008 French wine drinkers drank more rosé wine than white wine. Noting it is a lighter colour between a white and a rosé, a light rosé.
Bio Dynamic wine making is also trending in the Languedoc region which is good news for those wine drinkers that want to avoid sulphites.
The wineries of the Southwest of France seem to be less a cohesive group comparative to other regions. The wine cooperative encompasses a relatively small section of the wine region. The Bozet “sans” Sulfites Ajoutes was discussed in terms of longevity and concerns of transporting.
In Burgundy there was a hail storm in July of 2013, not surprisingly this is a matter of grave concern. Weather has been a factor in recent years although 2009 was a good year. The trend here is towards Pinot Noir. Like the other wine region, Bordeaux, the Asian market is beginning to be prominent in Burgundy. Trending varietal gamay.
The trends in Bordeaux are good news for the wine drinker and consumer. Both 2010 and 2011 showed good results in the outlining areas where the grapes are grown, unlike central Bordeaux wine regions, not in gravel. Climate change has meant that these outlining areas expect to experience warmer growing seasons and therefore will be producing new wines that were not possible before. Price points should be more attractive to the average consumer. Of course it is well known that the red wines of Bordeaux are a favourite of the Chinese buyer which has affected the price.
Now to my favourite taste experience of the day, the Hermitage, Monier de la Sizeranne. Although this wine does not seem to appear on the list of wines in the Tasting Room Program there are four other M. Chapoutier wines that will be poured at the public tastings. The Hermitage, a 2010, is listed at LCLB (sku #180422).
Also from the Rhone wine region Chateau de la Gardine – Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Cuvee Peur Bleue 2010. Although Canada was their first export market this wine is not currently available for sale in Canada or the U.S. This is another wine maker that is going sulphite free since 2004.
From Alsace we tasted a special edition of Gewürztraminer 1998. Although not of their usual style this wine is named in honour of the owners late Uncle Johnny who retired in 1998. It is a sweeter wine that pairs well with Asian, Thai, Japanese and Indian food, food with spice. Although this wine is not included in the Tasting Room Program you will find a selection of four wines from 2011 and 2012. Their wine maker has been with them since 1972.
The Champage from Lanson tasted was Extra Age Brut NV which I am pleased to say is on the list in the Tasting Room Program and is also available through LCLB (sku #260315).
Sid Cross spoke very knowledgeably on Baron Philippe de Rothschild and the history of the winery. Tasted was a Pauillac, Chateau Clerc Milon 2007. This particular wine is not listed in the Tasting Room Program or available for sale but a Pauillac Baron Nathaniel 2010 is included in the list of wines to be poured at the Tasting Room.
I am pleased to announce that Sid Cross (wineandfoodguru) will be a future contributor to MyVanCity.ca. We look forward to sharing his insights with our readers.
