APVSA Tropical Summer Wine Tour
The Association for the Promotion of Wines and Spirits launched its Tropical Summer Wine Tour here in Vancouver this past week at the Sutton Place Hotel. The tour will make stops in 18 cities across North America, from Mexico City to Montreal, with an additional stop in Honolulu. APVSA boasts an impressive portfolio of more than 3,000 wines, each selected through a rigorous series of blind tastings led by Pascal Fernand and an expert jury panel.
I stopped by the event and had the opportunity to taste through a selection of the portfolio. A few highlights stood out.
Chai Julip “Leïla” — AOP Saint-Chinian
Hailing from the Languedoc region of southern France, Saint-Chinian is known for its distinctive terroir of schist and clay-limestone soils, producing rich, characterful reds. Leïla is a blend of 30% Syrah, 30% Grenache, and 10% Cinsault, offering juicy red fruit layered with peppery spice. The tannins are grippy yet balanced, leading into a savoury, satisfying finish.
2022 Château Tour de Pressac — Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé
Perched on the limestone plateau of Saint-Émilion, Château Tour de Pressac traces its history back to the 12th century and is famously recognized as the site where the British surrendered in 1453, ending the Hundred Years’ War and returning Bordeaux to French rule. The 2022 vintage is a blend of 68% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2.5% Malbec, and 1.5% Carmenère. The wine shows classic Saint-Émilion character with bright cherry, plum, baking spice, and a subtle touch of licorice. Fine tannins and vibrant acidity provide structure and freshness, carrying through to a long, polished finish.
Roy Soleil Champagne
First created in 2003 in honour of Louis XIV, the Roy Soleil’s current label is the result of a unique collaboration between Champagne producer Chantal Brégeon-Gonet and tattoo artist Frédéric Agid. More than a thousand individual strokes depict the vineyard and cellar workers who served the King. It’s safe to say this is a Champagne fit for royalty. Made from 100% Chardonnay sourced from the Grand Cru vineyards of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, the wine is aged in demi-muids for eight months, resulting in a smooth, creamy, and intensely expressive Champagne with notes of fresh citrus, apple, and brioche.
Brémont Champagne Cuvée Prestige
House Brémont is a highly regarded grower Champagne producer based in the Grand Cru village of Ambonnay. The Cuvée Prestige is a blend of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir with a low dosage of just 4 g/L, keeping the profile crisp, focused, and dry while allowing the fruit to shine. The nose is aromatic and vibrant, offering lemon zest, stone fruit, and apple, while the palate layers creamy toasted brioche with crisp red apple notes.
I hope these wines find a home in our marketplace soon.
The Association for the Promotion of Wines and Spirits aims to promote wines from winemakers in North America in a different way.
Who are our winegrowers and our buyers?
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Who are our winemakers?
– These are passionate, dedicated, and overwhelmed producers facing an excessive workload.
Sometimes poorly informed, these winemakers need our sales network to boost their sales– We also support successful winemakers, for whom sales hold no secrets but who are always looking for new territories.
Who are our buyers?
– They are buyers in search of renewal who seek at all costs to satisfy the needs of their customers.
– In a saturated market where excellence reigns, their mission is to revitalize their sales , put a smile on their customers’ faces and value the hard work of their employees.