News

Vin de France releases competition results

07 February 2012 By Patrick Schmitt

The results of the third annual Vin de France competition have been released, revealing a record number of gold medals.

Among the highest scoring wines from the new French wine classification were labels from Castel, Gabriel Meffre, Les Grands Chais de France and the UK’s Direct Wines.

Valérie Pajotin, director of ANIVIN de France, told the drinks business that she was “very happy” with this year’s competition, which saw 12 gold, 32 silver and 29 bronze medals awarded to the 242 entries.

She said that 54 companies had entered samples, with a higher number of rosés than in previous competitions, and a roughly even split between reds and whites, while as many as 37 different producers had gained medals.

She added that the medal-winning wines would be “ambassadors for Vin de France”, with tastings planned at ProWein and the SIAL China wine exhibition in Shanghai.

Among the UK-based judges in the annual competition, which was held in Paris last Friday, were wine writer Anthony Rose, Waitrose wine buyer Ken Mackay MW, Direct Wines wine buyer Cat Lomax, Thierry’s buying director Dominic Vrigneau and db editor Patrick Schmitt.

A full report on the competition and the growing importance of the Vin de France category will appear in an upcoming edition of the drinks business.

See below for the gold-medal winning wines.

Whites:

Groupe UCCOAR, Brise de France, 2011, Chardonnay

La Compagnie Rhodanienne, Jean Berteau, 2011, Chardonnay

Rotkäppchen-Mumm, Sektkellerein, non-vintage, Chardonnay

Les Grands Chais de France, Kiwi Cuvée, 2011, Sauvignon Blanc

Rosé:

Société des Vins de France, Vieux Papes, non-vintage, Grenache/Merlot

Reds:

Badet Clement, La Belle Angèle, 2011, Merlot

Direct Wines, Le Chai au Quai, Le Secret des Etoiles, 2010, Pinot Noir

Castel Frères, Cambras, 2011, Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon