Accueil / Bordeaux Echos / Flo’s favourites
April 2015

Flo’s favourites
April 2015

Every month, Florence Varaine offers you her selection of new discoveries and pairings. In Bordeaux and elsewhere, there are diamonds to discover (and rediscover) among the vines.

Serious, structured, with an ephemeral quality

One of the bright lights of the Tain l’Hermitage and part of the Crozes-Hermitage appellation. Identified simply by two letters « MC », referring to the villages of Mercurol and Chanos-Curson, a sign of its origins on ancient stony terraces. A drastic selection of Syrah, grown on an exceptional terroir by a team of expert winegrowers, this 2012 vintage offers the aroma of juicy dark fruits, spices, and toasted notes. Fleshy mouth-feel, well structured, with rounded tannins. Defined by strength, sophistication and balance. Vintage after vintage, depending on the selections and harvest, these are tailor-made wines worth keeping an eye on.
Pairings : Duck fillet with spices, or try it with blue cheeses!
Tel. +33 (0) 4 75 08 20 87 – contact@cavedetain.com – www.cavedetain.com
Cellar price : €12.20

A claret with a Celtic feel

Cilorn de Claymore, a Bordeaux wine, rooted in the vineyard’s history and traditions. Its name comes from the Celtic legend that tells the tale of the dragon Cilorn, who having been tamed by the fairy Viviane, becomes the guardian of the mysterious island of Avalon. Cilorn, a Bordeaux claret, is harvested and vinified at Château La Claymore, not too far from the monastic centre of Saint-Emilion. This delightful 100% merlot has a deep cherry colour. Breathe in its delicate aromas of raspberry, cherry, blueberry, lemon balm and aniseed. Taste its charm, generosity and structure. It pairs beautifully with slices Noir de Bigorre pork, paella, or Spanish coca…

Tél : +33 (0)5 57 74 67 48 – contact@laclaymore.fr – www.laclaymore.fr
Cellar price : €5.10

Wild yet controlled

Feel the sun and the gentle breeze caressing your skin, the lazy calm provided by the vivid colours of the Ardèche. This is the fresh taste of an Ardèche IGP made with Cinsault and Grenache grown on patchwork soil and surrounded by fig trees, maritime pines, chestnut trees, olive trees and lavender. These multiple influences, alongside stone fruits and vine peaches, combine to create a truly charming rosé. Excellent mouth-feel with a pleasantly bitter aftertaste. A sociable wine, perfect for sharing.
Pairings: Corsican cold cuts,  mixed grill with Sauce Diable
Domaine de Vigier – Galets D’Ibis 2014 – IGP Ardèche (07 Lagorce)
Tel. +33 (0)4 75 88 01 18 – duprefils@wanadoo.fr  – www.domaine-de-vigier.com
Cellar price : €3.10

Florence Varaine is a journalist (SommelierS International, Gault&Millau, Vin Magazine…) and instructor specialised in Bordeaux wine. She has travelled extensively through her work, covering International Competitions (Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, Michelangelo Wine Award), meeting many winegrowers, and tasting numerous famous and lesser-known wines. Florence Varaine has 15 years of experience in the field. Here, she shares with you a few of her special favourites.

 Translation by Com’ By AVM