Touring pack: French wine for the table

Repas sans vin, repas chagrin – A meal without wine is a sad meal.

Taking our lead from the French—who better to follow for matters of degustation—here we have six wines primed for the dining table. Gamay, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Melon de Bourgogne, Merlot and Duras, from France’s under exposed southwest, traversing such historical wine regions as Burgundy, Loire Valley, Bordeaux and Gaillac. As we all know—and the French know more than most—wine is better with food and food is better with wine. This selection offers some of the most versatile and food-friendly wines we offer.

Vins de la Madone I.G.P. Les Rougeots du Clos 2021

A single vineyard Gamay raised on volcanic soils near the source of the Loire River. It’s a vibrant, perfumed and crunchy reds, and just needs a baguette and some saucisson.

Aladame Bourgogne ‘Mon Blanc’ 2020

Chardonnay from a south-facing plot in the little village of Saint-Clément-sur-Guye in Burgundy’s Côte Chalonnaise. It’s complex, layered and deeply textural with a splash of minerality—perfect with fish en papillote.

Clos de l'Écotard Saumur Blanc Le Haie Nardin 2018

Saumur Blanc is one of France’s ‘It’ wines, and this organic Chenin Blanc from 50-year-old on the limestone soils of Courchamps, explains why. It’s expressive and open in flavour, a splendidly controlled and taut white laden with layers of minerality, salinity and a hint of spice.

Domaine Plageoles Gaillac Contre Pied 2019

This organic Duras comes from one of France’s most respected pioneers and is fermented as whole bunches, much like in Beaujolais. Expect crunchy acidity and thirst-quenching satisfaction, with red fruits and a nip of spice to the fore. In short, a super delicious and unique red from a Gaillac superstar.

Jo Landron Muscadet Sèvre et Maine La Louvetrie 2020

This biodynamic Melon de Bourgogne is the calling card of Muscadet terroirist Jo Landron. Cropped from low yields and naturally fermented, it is a touchstone example of Muscadet, and is packed with mouth-watering juicy fruit and vibrant Atlantic zing. Shuck some oysters and grab a glass.

Château Peybonhomme-Les-Tours Côtes de Blaye 2019

Who says Bordeaux can’t do artisanal? From the limestone and clay soils of the Premières Côtes de Blaye this biodynamic and wild-fermented red is raised without any masking of extraction or new oak. The result is a delicious and vivid wine, packed with opulent dark fruit, spice and minerality. Perfect with lamb chops from the grill.