Feeling French? Wines to Savor for a Stylish Experience

Embracing the elegant French lifestyle is easy… open a lovely bottle of wine from this stunning country and enjoy! To enhance the moment, we might include some pâté, fromage or sliced baguettes as we savor the entire experience, whether or not you decide to wear that beret or scarf wrapped around your neck! As we know, any time is the best one to open a lovely bottle or two of French wine. Not too long ago, I discovered three memorable choices sent to me as samples and an exceptional Champagne that I purchased. Whether your upcoming plans include celebrating Bastille Day at a candlelight dinner party, opening a good book on your sunny porch or boat, or creating a special dinner with your loved one under the stars, the wines reviewed below will satisfy in style.

Domaine de Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidem 2016 (around $27) is produced by the iconic Michel Chapoutier. Of Syrah, Grenache and Carignan grown on soils of gneiss, schist and limestone in 60 year-old vineyards, this wine is a beauty from Côtes du Roussillon Villages Latour de France, Languedoc-Roussillon. It was as rich and broad as I expected; rightly so, the name “Occultum Lapidem” means “hidden gem” in Latin. On the nose, a bouquet of bright red cherries, cassis, licorice, blackberries and pepper was intense. Flavors of cinnamon, cloves, ripe red raspberries, crushed black cherries, lead pencil shavings, vanilla extract and minerality were enveloped with vibrant acidity and on-point tannins… leading to a lingering finish. The Domaine de Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidem 2016 has the ability to age 5-10 years, but frankly, you’ll want to fire up the grill and sizzle your favorite red meat for pairing as you have your first few sips of this dazzling wine.

A premium quality sweet wine of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Muscadelle,  Château Filhot Sauternes 2009 ($40) boasted ripe and flavorful notes of apricot, oak, hazelnut, honey and crystallized orange and sugar while retaining its food friendly acidity. The wine grapes were cultivated at Château Filhot in Sauternes, a small region located on the left bank of the Garonne River, 40 kilometers southeast of Bordeaux. The Château was founded in 1709 by Romain de Filhot and is now owned and operated by one of his descendants, Count Henri de Vaucelles. Rich and complex, you may want to sip this stunning Sauternes with dessert, but don’t forget to have a glass with your cheese and charcuterie plate, pâté or as a welcome aperitif.

Peyrassol Cuvee de la Commanderie Rosé 2018 ($20) was a delicious surprise. I shared a few glasses with a friend who admittedly prefers anything but rosé – until she had her first sip of this casually chic wine of Provence. Light and refreshing, the blend of Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah, Rolle (Vermentino), Mourvedre, Cabernet and Carignan cultivated on triassic clay and limestone with a high gravel content was what she was craving all along. Vinified and aged in stainless steel vats, I discovered aromas of rose petals, pink grapefruit, freshly picked strawberries, and raspberry sorbet. The palate, balanced, soft and simply charming, offered mouthwatering acidity and notes of citrus, lemon peel, lime juice, mint leaves and roses that led to a lingering finish. Plan on a bottle or two of this classic Provence rosé as an aperitif or with any fare tucked inside your picnic basket.

As I meandered the streets of London’s South Kensington neighborhood this past spring, I happened upon Handford Wines, a wine shop that has been offering en primeur wines and more to wine newbies and connoisseurs since 1989. After tasting several wines, I purchased Louis Brochet 1881 Champagne Brut Premier Cru ($50), a selection that is only found at Handford Wines… no other shop in the UK has it. And what a wine it was! Of mostly Pinot Noir,  Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier, delicate, fine bubbles danced in the glass while I enjoyed aromas of yellow apples, green pears, white flowers, hint of vanilla and beeswax. Light yet broad and ever so balanced with lively acidity, I discovered notes of mint, citrus and anise on the palate. Domaine Louis Brochet is located in the village of Ecueil, at the foot of Montagne de Reims, since the 1800s. Born in 1881, Louis Brochet exuded passion for the vine and inspiration for continued hard work on the part of his family. His descendants, Hélène and Louis Brochet have honored him by naming the brand after this family’s iconic figure in 2011, his 100^th birthday.

Cheers! ~ Cindy