EXVAC No-Dig Live 24 Competition

Philippe Vincens makes his wines from vineyards on a beautiful hill top estate near Cahors surrounded by forests, wild boar and Menhir; real Asterix country! Philippe encourages biodiversity and green harvests to maintain low yields and this care is evident in the wild beauty and concentration of this wine. Feisty and powerful, it is almost black in colour. There is a lot of sweet dark fruit, cinnamon and spice on the nose. It has a rich, ripe mid-palate of black cherries and blackberries underpinned by firm tannins. This is a wine that will age well but is drinking beautifully now.

Château du Breuil, located in Anjou, in the Loire Valley, has a rich history dating back to the 19th century. Today, it focuses on organic farming methods to produce fine wines that express the region’s terroir.

The estate’s 30 hectares of vineyards are primarily planted with Chenin Blanc, along with other grape varieties like Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc and Grolleau Noir, a grape only grown in the Loire. However, it is a varietal that is gaining increasing critical recognition.

Le Grolleau presents as a fleshy, fruity, and flavourful red wine, showcasing a deep ruby colour. Aromas of spices, white pepper, and red fruits captivate the senses, promising a delightful tasting experience. Gorgeous hint of sweet white fruit.

Michel Regaud of Château la Tuilerie du Puy never fails to impress with his Bordeaux Supérieur. His focus on quality is second to none and this impressive blend of Bordeaux varietals, Carmenere, Petit Verdot and Malbec will not fail to impress. Heady notes of ripe black fruits on the nose unfold into a silky, soft delight on the palate.

White Bordeaux is an undervalued treat. This blend of 65% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Semillon, 10% Muscadelle, and 5% Sauvignon Gris is simply delightful.

On the nose there are ripe exotic fruits and in the mouth, the wine is fruity and zesty with notes of pineapple, grapefruit and apricot. The finish is long and well-lifted by a light acidity.

This is a traditional Châteauneuf-du-Pape, with ripe black fruit aromas balanced by lightly herbal, oaky notes. The palate is generous with dark plum and black berry characters, and plump textured tannins, full-bodied but expertly balanced.

Italian Pinot Grigio roll over and make way for this rounded unctuous example of the varietal from French Alsace.

This delightfully aromatic and beautifully balanced Pinot Gris from what is regarded one of the best co-operatives around: anywhere!

On the nose it entices you in with hints of acacia honey, quince and delicate warm spice. Weighty and rich on the palate, it is balanced with well-judged acidity on the pithy finish.

This delicious wine is a beautiful example of the French catching up with New World innovation.

Zingy, incense-smoked and glorious, this is loud and proud Gros Manseng. This makes for a mega apéritif, otherwise try with stinky cheeses and aromatic middle-eastern and eastern cuisines.

Classic Vouvray from the Loire Vally. This Chenin Blanc is off dry and delicious with any food; amazing with Thai cuisine.

A Côtes Du Rhône Villages with panache!

The nose is explosive, plush and opulent, layered with suggestions of exotic spices (cinnamon, galangal, tumeric), cracked black pepper and, of course, streaked with vanilla. The palate is instantly appealing, polished and smooth on entry but steeped in depth and texture as the flavours swirl around, lengthen and delight. The lasting impression is satisfying; a big and opulent Grenache-driven wine with obvious oak quality, great structure, length and finish

There is a reason why Sancerre has the reputation of being among the world’s finest Sauvignon Blancs and this is a classic example.

It is produced from the Roblin family’s 19 hectares of vines growing in ‘terres blanches’ – chalky clay – soil. Vineyards are worked sustainably and organically where possible. It was cool-fermented in stainless steel and aged upon its lees for 5 months.

On the nose there are vibrant aromas of green apple and citrus. The palate is complex with ripe citrus and pear fruit, pithy grapefruit notes and an appealing stony edge to the long finish.

Made with a once forgotten indigenous grape variety, Terret Bourret, this vivacious wine is light, fruity and fresh with characteristics of green apple and pear. Another great example of French wine makers embracing change!

It’s crisp and citrussy, and very versatile – a real foodie’s wine!

Beautiful, lush Beaujolais! This slow fermented Gamay from 50 year-old vines has been specially selected for its gorgeous fruit character. Deep and beetroot-stained, the palate is reminiscent of ripe Victoria plums; plush with a gorgeous velvety texture, pleasantly cleansing tannins and an uplifting, smooth finish.