“Truth in Wine”. Indeed. This is what is printed on the label of our most recent acquisitions – a half-case of red we found at the “Foire de Printemps” in Brantôme yesterday (see below). We polished off one of the bottles last night, which has reminded me that we are well overdue an update on our quest to find the perfect red.
6 months into the quest, and I am beginning to feel that we aren’t going to end up with one clear winner – we keep stumbling across wines of such incredible quality that there is just no way to say which is better… Still, at the end of this, we will still have compiled a comprehensive list of some of France’s best offerings. Not bad for a year’s work! Here are the main highlights since the last entry:
Beaulort (Bordeaux). Score: 8/10
(12.5% ABV, €4.40)
Comments: Fantabulous wine! Another random supermarket purchase and a truly great price for a wine of this quality. A typical Bordeaux, it combines smoothness, with a rich, full body. It doesn’t need to breathe: it is fab from the outset. I am tempted to give it a 9, but I think the next two may just have the edge… All the same, we will be getting more of this!
Domaine de Ferrant 2007 (Côtes de Duras). Score: 9/10
(12.5% ABV, €5.30)
Comments: This was from the first vineyard that Sharon, Matt and I visited back in late November last year. The place was a small, family-run business, and Monsieur Ferrant was a lovely man. His wines have won various awards – and let’s face it, the competition out here is pretty hot, so that is saying something. I am now torn: I can’t decide if I prefer this one, or the Chateau Berticot, mentioned in the last red wine entry. This wine has been aged in oak, has a smoky, smooth taste and is just great.
Clos Maisières 2006 (Côtes de Castillion). Score: 9/10
(12.5% ABV, €4.00)
Comments: As mentioned above, we recently visited the lovely “Spring Fair” in Brantôme. On sale was a bizarre, but very French, assortment of items – chickens, pigeons, champagne, wooden furniture, meats, and (of course) red wine. One taste of this one resulted in an immediate purchase of half a case – a very wise investment. The stall vendors were also the wine’s producers, so it was very satisfying to be able to compliment them personally on their skills. This is a fantastic Bordeaux – rich, slightly oaky and smoother than a baby’s bottom. We definitely have a tie.
On with the quest!