1. A control in the fridge and the wine cellar and GRRRR. The bottles are BIG!
2. I want a glass of wine (maybe a little more) – but definitely not a bottle. What to do?
3. Mix up a gin and tonic or a scotch on the rocks, or settle for a diet Coke (never a viable alternative)?

For almost two years, I have been locked in a space that seems to be shrinking, minute by minute. My computer clock seems to be running very slowly and it takes forever to reach the time to officially stop. Finally, it’s 5 p.m., a suitable time to close and open a bottle of French wine.

Images of French wines

There are several levels of pleasures associated with the thought of French wine: the beautiful old châteaux, the verdant vineyards; the vines hanging from grapes brimming with potential; fresh, sweet and tangy air resplendent with organic fertilization; the buzz of bees collecting nectar to feed their workers.

And then there is the wine itself. French wines are rarely subtle – you love what hits your nose, coats your tongue, lingers briefly in your mouth, and leaves a memory that briefly visits then slowly fades away … allowing for a perfect moment to raise the glass in anticipation of the next one. sip. … Or you don’t.

Challenges

For centuries, the wines of France have been a drink coveted, cherished and savored around the world. The French notion of ‘terroir’ includes everything from the temperature of the area to the acidity of the soil – all of which have a significant impact and influence on the quality, taste, smell and flavor of the grapes used to produce the wine. wine.

Throughout history, environmental factors have influenced wines, from global warming to industrialization, population movements, and a myriad of other fortuitous and uncontrollable events. Currently, the challenges facing French wine growers include tariffs, shipping delays, container shortages, late arrivals, currency fluctuations and the ‘elephant in the room’, COVID-19. With all the problems facing the French wine sector, an industry that employs around 558,000 workers (2017), people fear that many small family vineyards will not be able to withstand the current onslaught of challenges and close or sell to larger wine producers.

The reality of a shock on the French wine market was a surprise as the fine wine market was dominated by France, Bordeaux and Burgundy representing respectively nearly 50% and 20% of the trading activity in 2019. (Live-ex. Com). Fortunately, there is good news – in the first half of 2021, France exported 7.3 million hectoliters of wine valued at 5.1 billion euros, up 15% in volume and 40% in value compared to the first six months of 2020, during containment. . French wine exports exceed those of the first wave of COVID and regain growth rates higher than pre-COVID performance.

The American market is buying French wine again since the suspension of the Trump / Airbus taxes on still wines, not to mention the record shipments of sparkling wines, including Champagnes. In April 2021, France exported 221,000 hectoliters of wine worth 208 euros, which equates to a staggering 90% volume and a 131% increase in value from April 2020 (vitisphere.com) .

Benefits of drinking wine

It is wonderfully reassuring to know that sipping a glass of French wine is good for my health because grapes are the source of so many health benefits. Wine provides manganese, potassium, iron, phosphorus and vitamin B6. It also contains magnesium, a mineral that can help lower blood pressure and blood sugar, reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. The antioxidants in wine fight the cellular damage in our body caused by aging and environmental factors such as pollution and lifestyle. By preventing and reversing this cell damage, eating a diet rich in antioxidants can reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases, including cancer.

French wines are a treat for dieters, as there are only 121 calories in 150 milliliters of white wine and moderate sips can promote kidney health and protect against Alzheimer’s disease. Red wine (with 127 calories) has a higher content of vitamins and minerals and contains almost 10 times more polyphenols (plant compounds that have antioxidant properties) than white wine.

Size matters

So – there is the news and the good news. French wines are available in the USA and not only do they taste good, they are also good for my health.

However, I still have the dilemma of the size of the bottle. A bottle containing 25 fluid ounces is now widely accepted as a standard for wine. Recently, smaller bottles have become widely available. The impact of small bottles on consumption is unknown, although the smaller bottle has the potential to reduce consumption by increasing the effort required to open and consume more than one bottle. Smaller bottles can also increase consumption by reducing barriers and therefore increase the frequency of episodes of alcohol consumption. The amount of wine contained in smaller bottles may be perceived as too small. Studies suggest that visual exposure to larger portions may adjust perceptions of what constitutes a “normal” sized portion. If smaller bottles are perceived to be too small, it could inadvertently lead to overconsumption of wine, as additional bottles are opened and consumed during a drinking event.

Found the answer

The good news is that LGV wines are available in thin 6.3-ounce plastic cylinders (8 inches high, a diameter of just over 1 inch with a screw cap), offering just a little more than ‘an average amount poured into a wineglass for the perfect sip as I sit alone in front of my computer screen, trying to stay awake during a Zoom meeting.

While this individual size prompts me to keep a stock of red wines and LGV wines in my wine cellar and chilled in the fridge, I want to drink wines as good or better than anything available in a larger size.

More good news. LGV has partnered with many wineries run or co-run by women, including Elisabeth Prataviera (Domaine de Menard & Haut-Marin), Ines Andrieu (Domaine de Caylus) and Martine Nadal (Domaine Nadal Hainaut) – all partners to organic vineyards practicing sustainable agriculture.

With smaller plastic bottles, the wines are the perfect size, encouraging experimentation and exploration of red, white and rosé wines from boutique wine producers.

1. Inès Andrieu. Domaine Caylus Rose Blend 2020. A blend of organic grapes made from Syrah (60 percent) and Grenache (40 percent).

From the south of France (Pays d’Heralult – part of the greater Languedoc-Roussillon region), this is the love to the first light coral pink wine (I can imagine a summer dress of this coral / pale pink and frail). The aroma makes my nose happy because it delivers notes of strawberry and citrus. The palate is satisfied with suggestions of apples, pineapple and a trace of spices. Perfect for sipping by the pool at sunset and swimmers retire to cook dinner.

2. Gérard Damidot. Château Val d’Arenc Bandol 2020. A blend of Mourvèdre (80%), Grenache (10%) with Consault (10%).

Located in Provence (mountain pass, Quartier Val d’Arenc), the estate is managed by the winemaker Gérald Damidot (from Burgundy) who transformed the vineyard into organic farming practices (2015) and this process has a positive impact on the quality of the grapes. The soil of the vineyard is composed of limestone, fossils, sandy marl, marly clays and sandstone rocks without any pesticides or chemicals; pruning and harvesting tasks are done by hand. Bandol is considered the best rose in France regularly ranked above 90 points.

Bandol presents a pinkish beige color to the eye, delivering vibrations of white peach, pink grapefruit, strawberry, lemon and lime to the nose, while berries and citrus fruits entertain the palate. Crisp, fresh acidity makes this the perfect BFF for salads, quiches, bouillabaisse, and cold roast chicken picnics.

3. Elisabeth Prataviera. Domaine de Ménard. Sauvignon Blanc (100%) 2020.

The 150 hectares of vines are located in the small village of Gondrin, in the IGP zone of Côte de Gascogne on an ancient terroir where the vines are planted on shallow, stony and fossil-rich soils using only organic fertilizers. The harvest is completed at night or early in the morning.

The visual appeal is almost crystal clear freshwater with golden highlights. Think of flowers and fruits (especially grapefruit, apples and lemons) which deliver a spring aroma to the nose. More flowers than fruit coat the palate with a surprisingly invigorating and slightly tangy finish. Perfect for spring and summer meals with cold water salmon and lobster tails or to be enjoyed on its own.

4. Martine and Jean-Marie Nadal. Martine Nadal. Nadal-Hainaut. Cabernet Sauvignon (100%) 2019.

Jean Marie Nadal is the fifth generation of the estate which has 43 hectares planted with vines in the heart of Languedoc-Roussillon (early 1826). As owner and winemaker, Nadal supports sustainable agriculture and in 2010 converted the farm to organic farming. The grapes are harvested early in the morning and sorted manually before being put into vats. Aged in new French oak barrels.

If a deep dark purple catches your eye and the aroma of ripe black cherries and damp wood (deep in the forest), dried blackberries, plums and dark red berries entertain your palate, delivering bold tannins… is your idea of ​​a delicious wine, you will be a happy camper with this taste experience. Enjoy with rare roast beef, veal or pasta.

5. Laurence and Stéphane Dupuch. Peyredon Crus Bourgeois Haut-Médoc 2019. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (63%), Merlot (37%).

Crus Bourgeois is a classification of wines from Bordeaux, France, which was launched in 1932 and took over on February 20, 2020. It exclusively covers red wines produced in eight appellations in the left bank region of the Medoc that were not not associated with the classification of wines of 1855, but are currently considered “excellent”. This classification is renewed every five years.

The 24 hectare vineyard is located in Poujeaux. Garnet reflections reward the eye while the nose is amused by stone fruits, fresh toast and sweet spices. The estate produces wines aged in French oak barrels with classic cassis notes as well as hints of vanilla, tobacco, blackberry, plum and leather. Delicious with beef, pork and grilled meats.

© Dr Elinor Garely. This copyright article, including photos, may not be reproduced without written permission from the author.