French Wines that are Great Values
During this time of large price increases for wine, I am going to continue to point out some of the great values still found in wine regions around the world. While many consider French wines to be very expensive – which, of course, many are – there are lots of exciting and delicious French wines that are reasonably priced. When considering white wines, there are amazing Sauvignon Blanc wines from Bordeaux and the Loire Valley.
The Loire Valley is the ideal region for growing Sauvignon Blanc, thanks to its terroir and climate. There are also fantastic Chardonnays from the Burgundy region and delicious rosés from all over France.
JACQUES DUMONT VAL DE LOIRE SAUVIGNON BLANC (Loire Valley): Jacques Dumont Sauvignon Blanc is sustainably farmed, round and lush, with citrus and exotic fruit flavors along with the signature notes of minerality found in the Loire Valley. Pairs well with seafood, shrimp scampi, crab cakes, ceviche.
An amazing value!
DOMAINE VALERY RENAUDAT REUILLY BLANC (Loire Valley): Not as well-known as other wine-growing regions in the Loire Valley, the Reuilly region produces outstanding white wines, and Valery Renaudat is considered one of the most talented winemakers in this region. It’s an understated but elegant wine, smooth and balanced with crisp green apple and pear flavors. Pairs with pork, vegetables, shellfish, spicy food, and fresh goat cheese.
CHÂTEAU TURCAUD ENTRE-DEAUX-MERS BLANC (Bordeaux): Year after year, Château Turcaud produces one of the best wine values in the world! This is a very crisp and fruity wine with citrus and tropical flavors and beautiful floral overtones. Serve this wine chilled as an aperitif, or with all kinds of seafood. An outstanding value!
JEAN-PAUL BRUN DOMAINE DES TERRES DOREES BEAUJOLAIS BLANC (Beaujolais): This is 100% Chardonnay. Located in Charnay, a village in southern Beaujolais, Jean-Paul Brun is the owner and winemaker. This is a bright wine full of crisp citrus fruitiness, lightly textured with warm edges of juiciness and green apple. Consistently a winner.
COMMANDERIE DE LA BARGEMONE BLANC (Provence): Made from 50% Sauvignon Blanc and 50 % Vermentino, this is a charming wine that is light, crisp, and refreshing. Round and fresh with notes of pineapple, ripe melon, and white flowers. Pair with simple salads, fish, shellfish, sushi, oysters, and grilled calamari.
DOMAINE TALMARD MACON CHARDONNAY (Burgundy): The Talmard family has been growing grapes in the Macon region dating back to the 17th century. This is an excellent example of the fresh, appealing style of Chardonnay from the Macon. The wine has ripe fruit flavors and deep concentration, with great balance and elegance. Creamy, toasty, pure and refreshing. Pair this delicious Chardonnay with appetizers, light fish or chicken dishes, or pork.
There are also some outstanding red wine values available from France, especially from the Côtes du Rhône and the Beaujolais regions.
JEAN-PAUL BRUN BEAUJOLAIS L’ANCIEN VIELLES VIGNES (Beaujolais): This consists of 100% Gamay grapes from vines 40-60 years old, farmed organically and harvested by hand. According to Wine Advocate, this wine is “bursting with scents of plums, cherries, sweet spices, and licorice, medium- bodied and fleshy with melting tannins and mouthwatering acids. This is a fantastic red wine for summer, it can be served slightly chilled and pairs with an endless number of dishes, such as pasta, veal, pork, and poultry. Consistently delicious!”
MICHEL GUIGNIER BEAUJOLAIS (Beaujolais): Michel Guignier is a fourth-generation vigneron who is committed to making wine in the most natural way possible. This beautiful Beaujolais is fresh and ripe with gentle tannins and supple fruit with red fruit aromas and flavors. Made from 40-year-old vines. A great value!
DOMAINE VALERY RENAUDAT REUILLY ROUGE (Loire Valley): Valery Renaudat grew up in Reuilly and traveled to Oregon, Bordeaux, and Burgundy. At the age of 25, he returned to his hometown of Reuilly and started his own small estate. This 100% Pinot Noir wine could easily be mistaken for a red wine from Burgundy. There are aromas of red and blackberry fruit. It is lush, smooth, and very drinkable with sweet red fruit flavors and spice. Serve with grilled or roasted vegetables, fish, or chicken.
CHÂTEAU PÉGAU CUVÉE MACLURA (Côtes du Rhône): This excellent property is owned by the very talented winemaker, Laurence Féraud. The wine is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, and has an intense nose of cassis, blackberry, and spice. This a round and juicy wine with soft tannins, and a supple mouthfeel. It is balanced and delicious! This food-friendly wine pairs well with grilled or roasted red meat, and charcuterie, hearty vegetarian fare, or great on its own.
JEFF CARREL LES DARONS ROUGE (Languedoc): Coming from the southwest of France, this is another delicious blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Carignan. It is a very accessible wine with aromas of red and dark fruit. With flavors are plum, blackberry, and blueberry, cinnamon, and white pepper, this wine has plenty of spice and minerality with a long finish. This wine is an excellent value every year!
Searching for wines that are good values is always an important goal, but finding good values now seems more important than ever. There are still great wines at reasonable prices. It helps to be open to trying lesser-known wines from more obscure areas.
Please drink responsibly!
