Best value Vin de France 2016: the results

Anivin de France, the organisation responsible for promoting Vin de France wines, has revealed its Vin de France ambassador wines for 2016, all of which achieved a gold or silver medal in its best value tasting.

Some of the Vin de France medal winners from this year’s competition

A total of 394 wines were entered into his year’s competition, representing a 6% increase in entries compared to last year with 74 French companies taking part.

The competition, now in its seventh year, is organised by French trade organisation ANIVIN DE FRANCE, to pick out the best quality examples of the Vin de France classification, with the top performers awarded a Gold or Silver medal to display on their label.

Judged during the Best Value Vin de France Selection Tasting earlier this month, 118 wines achieved a gold or silver medal and named ambassador wines.

Overall, 17 gold and 111 silver medals were awarded, judged by a panel of 45 international wine experts from 10 countries. The British judging contingent included Marcia Waters MW (Oxford Wine Company); Alastair Pyatt (Bibendum); Nathalie Estribeau (IPL); Jessica Hutchinson (Vindependents) and Charlotte Lemoine (Tesco).

The competition is organised by French trade organisation ANIVIN DE FRANCE

Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc overwhelmingly dominated the whites, along with a smattering of Viognier, while Merlot, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon dominated the reds. There was also a healthy showing of varieties including Tannat, Cinsault and Malbec.

“Vin de France is very relevant”, said Jessica Hutchinson, buyer at Vindependent, UK. “The wines are simple to understand with a good quality to price ratio and there is volume available.”

Marcia Waters MW, buyer at The Oxford Wine Company, said she felt the standard of wines on offer meant that Vin de France Wines could now “compete in the global market”.

“We tasted an impressive selection of fresh, clean whites that were all pretty good value”, she said.

Olivier Kielwasser, buyer at Giant Eagle, USA, added: “The wines over-delivered and in terms of taste profile Vin de France is extremely relevant. They integrate a French touch with their winemaking that differentiates them from other international wines.”

Of the wines awarded a gold or silver medal, 43% were white (compared to 44% in 2015); 10% rosé (20% in 2015); and 47% red (36% in 2015).

“The continuing increase in entries for this annual tasting is encouraging, as it proves that the Vin de France category is maintaining its momentum”, said Valérie Pajotin, director of ANIVIN de FRANCE. “It was great to welcome Scandinavian judges into the folds of the panel this year, and their specific market intelligence added to the cosmopolitan discussions that are a feature on each panel table during the blind tasting.”

All 118 award-winning wines will be showcased at Prowein in March: Hall 11/Stand A 93. 

Click here to see the full PDF of award-winning wines.