Wine52 Case Review: Vin de France
Wine52s latest case embarks on a wine journey aiming to show you the world of wine away from boundaries and stodgy tradition. This case showcases Vin de France, an arguably simple wine category without geographical indication or clear provenance.
This would once have been something to avoid in the wine world, and indeed many drinkers still associate Vin de France with cheap and cheerful. But in recent years VdF has undergone a remarkable transformation.
As experimentation trends in the wine world, their freedom from the strict governing rules of the appellation system has given winemakers the opportunity to experiment with new blends, grape varieties and styles. This is often led by young winemakers who don’t have the capital to buy land in the ludicrously expensive appellations, and who have instead found opportunity to push wine in new, creative, modern directions.
In fact, some of France’s most sought-after cult winemakers work to the Vin de France designation, and sell their wines between £1,000 - £30,000!
This case might not quite have bottles of that level (it is free after all), but it boasts very impressive, approachable and modern wines that reflect VdF as the strong value wines they are.
The Wine Tasting
Mirage Doré Blanc Sauvignon Blanc
This is made by Vignerons Mais Autrement, a cooperative of 1000 different winemakers growing vines from Entre-Deux-Mers in Bordeaux down to Bergerac. It was founded between WW1 and WW2, to give the smaller winegrowers access to shared infrastructure (bottling lines, grape presses, storage etc) and shared savoie faire.
This Sauvignon comes from cool vineyard sites with a nose displaying fresh cut grass, grapefruit and waxy lemon peel. The palate really shone with ripe juicy lime, not sour but just, well, juicy. A herbaceous note on the finish rounded it out. It’s cool, crisp and collected French Sauvignon.
La Vouivre Emeraude Rouge Merlot
The Emerald Wyvern comes from Domaine Montariol Degroote, situated on the Canal du Midi in the Languedoc. The estate owns a number of properties in the region, each with its own unique identity and terrorir.
This is a well-rounded, juicy Merlot with red berries, raspberry and, most deliciously, Kirsch chocolate liqueur flavours. It is smooth and light on the palate with low tannin and a little touch of sweetness on the tip of your tongue on the finish. It is approachable, easy-drinking and full of flavour – exactly what you’d want from VdF.
I think you’d be well placed popping this in the fridge for 30mins before you open it and it would be perfect with the current summer heatwaves.
Hirondelle en Fleur Rose
Wine52 have been impressing me with their Roses so far this year, and this neat little blend of Syrah, Cinsault and Grenache is just what the summer ordered.
The glass opens with bright strawberry and raspberry aromas, hailing in the seasonal fruits in style. The addition of Syrah adds a very subtle spice which gives the wine welcome bite and complexity.
On the palate it does what you’d expect from a rose of this colour. Creamy yet bright, rounded and gentle. It’s very smooth, very refreshing and full of red berries. As much as I hate to see it, I wouldn’t blame you for popping a few ice cubes in this one.
The Verdict
It’s almost as if the guys at Wine52 predicted a summer of heatwaves, because they have chosen wines just perfect for hot weather. Smooth, easy-drinking wines, a chill-friendly red, a berried-rose and zippy, clean Sauvignon.
Perhaps you turn your nose up at Vin de France. Perhaps you should try this case and rewrite your views. The key thing about VdF is extraordinary value for money, because you pay for the wine in full, not just the name and location.
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