France On Tour

Known more as a cutting-edge cider maker, Eric Bordelet was a top sommelier at Arpege in Paris, before returning home to Normandy in 1992 to take over the family business. He biodynamically grows more than 20 apple varieties and 15 pear varieties. JASON WILSON, Vinous

Eric Bordelet approaches Cider-making with the same intensity as a passionate oenologist brings to winemaking. Bordelet worked as sommelier in the leading 3 star Parisian restaurant, ‘Arpege’ where he became deeply familiar with the top winemakers and wineries of France. In 1992 he took over the tiny patch of family farmed orchards in Charchigné, in the heart of Normandy’s premium Cider producing area. Since then he has set about rescuing the ancient ‘heirloom’ varieties of pears and apples that produce tiny quantities and amazing flavour.

In France Bordelet offers a Demi Sec bottling of apple, but for our market the wine is called Brut Tendre, having 25-35 grams of sugar per litre.  The acidity of the apples is relatively high and so is balanced by a little residual sugar so that the finish tastes dry to most palates.

Third generation vignerons, the Pinons have 25 hectares in Vernou-sur-Brenne. 50% of their production is sparkling and 50% still wine with nothing sold off to the négoce.

We have long loved the wines of Damien Pinon and when we first tried this little number we were pretty stoked. Great sparkling Loire is such a treat. It captures all that zingy, racy, pure goodness of chenin blanc while bringing the added dimension of bubbles into the equation. They seem like a perfect partnership and we absolutely love this wine.

Quince and granny smith, talcum powder, quartyz spice and a gently honeysuckle, floral element that floats deliciously around in the background. Its pure and precise but fills out across the palate with each sip. Sometimes, Loire Sparkling is a little too lean  but this deliver plenty of fruit at the same time to balance of the fine, minerally acidity.

Stephane's family has been wheeling and dealing in Beaujolais for generations. Based in Fleurie, his father owned an oenological laboratory and worked as a wine broker where, after completing his studies, Stephane returned to work in the family business as a wine consultant and a winemaker in Chénas. His experience there and history in the region brings a depth of knowledge and intimate detail of the terroirs he now works. That, when combined with Stephane's obvious talent makes for a formidable combination.

Black cherry and bright raspberry with a hit of heady, whole peppercorn spice, touch of cola and lovely burst of five spice that drives the inviting nose home. Super crunchy, raspberry fruit layered in with fine slippery tannins. Bursting with red fruit flavour, bright and bouncy. It's fine and tight with a lovely core of fruit that feels light and airy and at once concentrated and precise in its delivery. A fine Villages.

For those new to this producer, the wines come from the Anjou-based, micro-négoce started by Philippe Germain with his brother, Thierry Germain (of Roches Neuves fame) acting as a consultant. Thierry is no longer involved with the project, though the wines have not missed a beat.

This 100% Cabernet Franc is hand-harvested from organically tended vines on gravelly shale soils in western Anjou, just across the river from Savennières. The fruit is fully destemmed before spontaneous fermentation. It is raised in stainless steel for just six months, with no sulphur added until bottling.

This is bright and aromatic, bursting with pretty floral notes, summer berries and complexing notes of woodsy herbs and earth. It zips through the palate with vibrancy, crunch and gently rasping tannic grip. If vibrant, balanced, well-priced, medium-weight reds are your thing, look no further.

More product information will be added here soon! In the meantime, if you do have any questions at all about this product or others in our store, you can contact us by phone or email. Our friendly and experienced team are always happy to assist - we love drinking, selling, talking about and being in and around wine!

More product information will be added here soon! In the meantime, if you do have any questions at all about this product or others in our store, you can contact us by phone or email. Our friendly and experienced team are always happy to assist - we love drinking, selling, talking about and being in and around wine!

More product information will be added here soon! In the meantime, if you do have any questions at all about this product or others in our store, you can contact us by phone or email. Our friendly and experienced team are always happy to assist - we love drinking, selling, talking about and being in and around wine!