There are wines and then there are some wines. And when these wines can trace their provenance to France, and to some of the most well-known appellations of the world, then you know that you are on to something really special!

The fourth edition of ‘Tastin’ France India 2020’ was an event curated by Business France under the aegis of the French Ministry of Agriculture and Food. It was held across the country recently in Delhi, Bengaluru and Mumbai.

The event aims to celebrate French wines and spirits around the world, bringing together passionate producers and professionals from all corners of the industry. In 2020, ‘Tastin’ France’ gathered hundreds of professionals in 30 countries.

The participants were taken on a virtual tour through several wine regions of France – such as Bordeaux, Alsace, Provence, the Rhone Valley and Languedoc – while physically savouring several types of red, white and rosé wines, still and sparkling, along with Champagnes and Cognacs.

Eight French wine and spirits producers from the main wine regions showcased more than 45 wines and spirits during these professional tasting sessions.

Champagne André Heucq

Covering the chalk plains and hills of eastern France, between Paris and Lorraine, the Champagne region is home to the most famous sparkling wines in the world. Champagne André Heucq is the story of four generations that have worked to cultivate 5.7 hectares of vines over 34 plots.

André Heucq Champagne has been certified organic since 2018 and aims to be biodynamic as of 2021. Its products include the Héritage Blanc de Meunier Champagne; the Héritage Assemblage Champagne (40% Chardonnay, 30% Meunier, 30% Pinot Noir).

For further information check out www.champagne-heucq.com/fr/ or write to fanny.heucq@gmail.com

Domaine Edmond Rentz

Alsace is a historical region in north-eastern France on the Rhine River plain. Bordering Germany and Switzerland, it has alternated between German and French control over the centuries and reflects a mix of those cultures.

The Edmond Rentz domain dates back to 1785, with different varieties, Grands Crus, Vendanges Tardives, Sélections de Grains Nobles and Crémants. Among its products are the Domaine Edmond Rentz Riesling Les Comtes 2018; Domaine Edmond Rentz Pinot Blanc 2019; Domaine Edmond Rentz Pinot Gris 2019; and Domaine Edmond Rentz Gewurztraminer Rotenburg 2018.

For further information check out www.edmondrentz.com or write to wine@chateaujuliette.com

Château La Coste

Provence, a region in south-eastern France bordering Italy and the Mediterranean Sea, is known for its diverse landscapes. Château La Coste stands in a 130-hectare Provence vineyard between debonair Aix en Provence and the lavish Luberon nature park.

The vineyard grows Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Vermentino, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Among its products are the Lisa Rosé (IGP Méditerranée) 2019; Rosé d’une Nuit (AOP Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence) 2019; Grand Vin Rosé (AOP Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence) 2019; Le Rouge (AOP Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence) 2017the Grand Vin Rouge 2016; Le Blanc 2019; and Grand Vin Blanc 2019.

For further information check out www.chateau-la-coste.com  or write to pierre.sechiari@chateau-la-coste.com

Mas De Daumas Gassac

Languedoc-Roussillon in the south of France stretches from the Rhône Valley in the east to the Spanish border in the south-west. It is dominated by 3,00,000 hectares of vineyards, making it France’s largest wine producing region.

Mas de Daumas Gassac’s red wine has been praised as and won many awards in the 40 years of its establishment.

More than 40 different grape varieties flourish in the unique soil and cool micro-climate, and the wine making is inspired by the great oenologist, Professor Emile Peynaud.

Among its products are Pont de Gassac Rouge 2018; Guilhem Rouge 2019; Merlot-Languedoc Red 2019; Cabernet Sauvignon Red 2019; and the Sauvignon-Languedoc White 2019.

For further information check out www.daumas-gassac.com.

Terre Des 2 Sources

Terre des 2 Sources is located at the southern tip of the Cevennes Mountains, in the premium appellation of Terrasses du Larzac, well known for its expressive red wines and increasingly recognised for white wine production.

Its IGP Pays d’Oc range, Amourettes are fresh, fruity and delightfully drinkable. The Empreintes range (AOP Languedoc) is made of fuller, more complex wines with some wood aging and cellaring potential. The IGP Saint Guilhem le Desert range is top-level wines. Each of these ranges is available in white, rose and red wines.

Among the products offered by Terre des 2 Sources are the Amourettes Rouge Red 2017; Amourettes Rosé 2019; Amourettes Blanc 2019; Accords Rosé 2018; Château La Deveze Monnier Blanc 2018; and Caprices Red 2017.

For further information check out www.terredes2sources.com or write to htaillefer@terredes2sources.com.

Boissonneau Wines

Bordeaux is located close to the European Atlantic coast and in the north of the Aquitaine region. In 1839, Pierre Boissonneau created the family estate of 55 hectares that is 100% certified organic.

The family also owns a wine merchant company, attached to the family vineyard, founded in 1990. It now sells 95% of the wines to the export markets, with wines from Bordeaux as well as other regions.

Among the products on offer are Château de la Vieille Tour Bordeaux Supérieur Red 2016; Château de la Vieille Tour Bordeaux White 2019; Château Moulin de Ferrand Bordeaux Supérieur Red 2016; Château Moulin de Ferrand Entre-Deux-Mers White 2019; Château Les Septs Chênes Bordeaux Red 2018; Château Le Roc Bordeaux Red 2018; Château Vallon des Brumes Bordeaux Supérieur Red 2017; Maison Boissonneau Bordeaux Red 2018; and Maison Boissonneau Aude Red 2018.

For further information check out www.boissonneau.fr or write to anvay.sawant@boissonneau.fr.

ABK6 Cognac

ABK6 Cognac’s philosophy reads: ‘Single Estate Cognac’. From its 370 hectares of vines located on the best Cognac terroir, the Abécassis family has put together a truly remarkable collection of estates brands: ABK6, Leyrat, Reviseur and Grands Domaines. Its products include ABK6 XO Renaissance, ABK6 VSOP, ABK6 Artist Reserve, ABK6 Ice, ABK6 Orange Cinnamon, and Grands Domaines Organic Gin.

For further information check out www.abecassis-cognac.com/en or write to arnaud@abk6-cognac.com.