Irish supermarket chain SuperValu has an extensive range of French wines at keen prices, which are even keener during their French Wine Sale. Here are a few which will make their way into my shopping trolley:
Château Moulin Lafitte Bordeaux 2012 (12.5%, €18.99 down to €14.00 or 2 for €20.00 at SuperValu)
This is much how Bordeaux wines tasted before Robert “Bob” Parker started leading vignerons astray with his flattery. A blend of 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc, it has both red and black fruit characters, with a touch of spice. It’s lighter and fresher than many, and would go well with BBQ pork / blue cheese or raspberry tart – whichever takes your fancy!
Château Lacombe Cadiot Bordeaux Superieur 2011 (13.5%, €16.99 down to €13.00 or 2 for €20.00 at SuperValu)
A blend of classic Bordeaux varieties, with Merlot providing the plum and Cabernet Sauvignon the blackberry. There’s also a savoury note, whether it’s black olive or black liquorice I can’t decide, plus pencil shavings which mark it out as a proper Claret.
Château La Baronnerie Grand Vin Bordeaux 2010 (14.0%, €15.99 down to €12.00, 2 for €20.00 at SuperValu)
When I began my adventure into wine it was in France where Bordeaux reds were freely available. At that time it was not unusual to see Claret at 12.0% or even 11.5% – so this 14.0% is a far cry from the weedy reds of 20 years ago. Like most wine made in France, Bordeaux shines best at the table, but this doesn’t need food – it has voluptuous, but powerful fruit with a lick of vanilla. If I could only buy one wine from this selection then Château La Baronnerie takes the prize!
Saint Auriol Chatelaine Corbières Blanc 2015 (12.5%, €14.99 down to €10.00 at SuperValu)
I tried this wine for the first time recently and was very impressed – not just by how nice it tasted but also by its potential for ageing, a rare trait in inexpensive white wines. See here for my full review.
Domaine de Terres Blanches Coteaux du Giennois AOC 2015 (12.5%, €14.99 down to €12.00 at SuperValu)
I tasted the 2014 of this wine last year and was blown away by its freshness and intensity of flavour for the price. It is absolutely a Loire style Savvy, but a very approachable and enjoyable one.
great sale!