I had high hopes for the new Vin de France designation when it first burst enthusiastically onto the scene like a newborn puppy four years ago. A new rule letting producers blend wine from different regions and put the grape variety and vintage on the label gave French producers a chance to say goodbye to plonk and compete with New World brands. According to Valérie Pajotin, who organizes the awards competition, ‘Vin de France should be viewed as the classification to bring new drinkers into French wine’. Does it do what it says on the tin?

This year’s competition took place in Paris with 88 wines out of 292 awarded medals by an international jury of trade and press. The star performer for me was sauvignon blanc. The 2012 La Belle Saison Sauvignon Blanc, £7.99, Laithwaites, stood out for its intensely juicy character in which flavours of gooseberry mingled with herbal undertones, As did François Lurton’s 2012 Le Fumé Blanc Sauvignon Blanc, £8.20 - £9.50, Bouquet Wines, Winebear.com, Butlers Winecellar, a pungently elderfloral style with a refreshing spritz and lively nettley fruit.

One of the few grower’s wines in the competition, Noel Bougrier’s Loire Valley 2012 Les Abbesses Sauvignon Blanc, £7.99, or £6.99 bottle/case, Laithwaites, was refreshingly zesty and Spring-like in its crispness. In contrast, the 2012 Kiwi Cuvée Sauvignon Blanc, £5.99 - 6.16, Tesco, Morrisons, Asda, emulated New Zealand with herbal, grapefruity flavours and zingy dry aftertaste. Also palatable were the tropical citrus, pineappley 2012 Mongravet Chardonnay, £5.29, Waitrose, softened by a smidgeon of oak, and Hervé Sabadeuil’s black cherryish Chante-Clair blend, £6.49, or £5.49 bottle / case, Laithwaites.

It’s a pity though to see good growers like Katie Jones, whose Domaine Jones won a gold medal three years ago, dropping out. Why? ‘I’m not allowed to say my wine comes from the village of Maury in the Roussillon and, unlike IGP Pays d’Oc producers, I get no promotional support from Sud de France’. Her 2011 Domaine Jones Fitou by Mademoiselle Jones incidentally, £12.99, Majestic, is worth seeking out for its sumptuous spice and garrigue-infused blackberry fruit.

Far-sighted French merchants like Jean-Claude Mas and François Lurton are well aware of the benefits that Vin de France can bring. If the wine is good value, the Vin de France name coupled with an idea of quality (vintage) and style (grape variety) has some meaning. ‘Vin de France is a potential stepping stone for producers to raise their game’ says Jean-Claude Mas. For it to become a force that can really compete with the New World however, producers need to aspire to better quality wines and to help them do so, less politics and greater incentives for producers, small growers in particular, would help.

Something For The Weekend

Something For the Weekend 18 May 2013

Night In

2012 Sauvignon Blanc, Vin de Pays du Val de Loire

This is a classic Loire Valley Sauvignon blanc, an aromatic summery dry white whose herb and nettles scents are supported by a zesty, refreshing quality of green pepper and gooseberry fruit.
£6.49, Marks & Spencer

Dinner Party

2011 Zind Humbrecht Reserve Pinot Gris

A big wine from the giant Alsatian winemaker Olivier Humbrecht MW, this exclusive parcel is intensely spicy and full-bodied with a refreshing spritz balancing a richness of honey-flecked apple and peach flavours.
£14.99, buy 2 = £12.99, Majestic

Splash Out

2011 Conterno Fantino Langhe Nebbiolo Ginestrino, Langhe

From the Langhe hills of Piemonte, this ‘mini-barolo’ shows the classic floral fragrance of the nebbiolo grape with deliciously juicy spice-tinged cherry and plum fruit and a bright refreshing finish. £17.49, Great Western Wine, Bath (01225 322810).

VIN de FRANCE

BEST VALUE VIN DE FRANCE INTERNATIONAL SELECTION 2013

Or / Gold VINDIVIN LA BELLE SAISON Sauvignon blanc 2012 Blanc
Or / Gold WINEFORCES LES ALLIÉS Sauvignon blanc 2012 Blanc
Or / Gold LES GRANDS CHAIS DE FRANCE KIWI CUVÉE Sauvignon blanc 2012 Blanc
Or / Gold DOMAINES PAUL MAS MAS DE MAS Pinot blanc 2012 Blanc
Or / Gold LGI WINES MONTGRAVET Chardonnay 2012 Blanc
Or / Gold LIONEL OSMIN ET CIE VILLA GRAND CAP Colombard-Sauvignon-Gros Manseng 2012 Blanc
Or / Gold DOMAINE BASSAC ARMONIA Blend Bio N.M. Blanc
Or / Gold UCCOAR BRISE DE FRANCE Muscat medium sweet 2012 Blanc
Or / Gold EARL MEILLAN - PAGES CAPRICE Blend 2012 Blanc
Or / Gold LGI WINES ANCIENS TEMPS Sauvignon-Chardonnay 2012 Blanc
Or / Gold LIONEL OSMIN ET CIE VILLA CHAMBRE D'AMOUR Gros Manseng-Sauvignon blanc 2012 Blanc
Or / Gold LES GRANDS CHAIS DE FRANCE JP CHENET RESERVE Pinot Noir 2012 Rouge
Or / Gold WINEFORCES TUSSOCK JUMPER Pinot Noir 2012 Rouge
Or / Gold VAL D'ORBIEU SO PARISIAN ! Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Rouge
Or / Gold ABBOTS & DELAUNAY ALTO STRATUS Carignan 2011 Rouge
Or / Gold VINDIVIN CHANTECLAIR Blend N.M. Rouge
Argent / Silver SA SAGET LA PERRIERE LA PETITE PERRIERE Sauvignon blanc 2012 Blanc
Argent / Silver FRANÇOIS LURTON SA FUMÉES BLANCHES Sauvignon blanc 2012 Blanc
Argent / Silver BADET CLEMENT & CO LA BELLE ANGÈLE Sauvignon blanc 2012 Blanc
Argent / Silver BOUGRIER SA ABBESSE Sauvignon blanc 2012 Blanc
Argent / Silver VAL D'ORBIEU FRENCH CLICHÉ Sauvignon blanc 2012 Blanc
Argent / Silver LES DOMAINES AURIOL SAS LES RIVAGES Sauvignon blanc 2012 Blanc
Argent / Silver BOUGRIER SA DOUCE FRANCE Sauvignon blanc 2012 Blanc
Argent / Silver LIONEL OSMIN ET CIE LA RÉSERVE Sauvignon blanc 2012 Blanc
Argent / Silver VAL D'ORBIEU PLAISIR DE FRANCE Sauvignon blanc 2012 Blanc
Argent / Silver WINEFORCES TUSSOCK JUMPER Chardonnay 2012 Blanc
Argent / Silver UNION DES VIGNERONS DES CÔTES DU RHÔNE ROCHER DE LA GARDE Chardonnay 2012 Blanc
Argent / Silver ANTHONY AMIANT ANTHONY AMIANT Chardonnay N.M. Blanc
Argent / Silver UCCOAR BRISE DE FRANCE Chardonnay 2012 Blanc
Argent / Silver LES DOMAINES AURIOL SAS LES RIVAGES Chardonnay 2012 Blanc
Argent / Silver CASTEL FRERES SAS MONTMIREL Chardonnay N.M. Blanc
Argent / Silver KRESSMANN KRESSMANN SELECTION Chardonnay 2012 Blanc
Argent / Silver CASTEL FRERES SAS FAMILLE CASTEL Chardonnay 2012 Blanc
Argent / Silver PATRIARCHE PATRIARCHE Chardonnay 2012 Blanc
Argent / Silver LES GRANDS CHAIS DE FRANCE GRAND SUD Chardonnay 2012 Blanc
Argent / Silver VAL D'ORBIEU PLAISIR DE FRANCE Chardonnay 2012 Blanc
Argent / Silver LES DOMAINES AURIOL SAS WERELDWIJN Chardonnay N.M. Blanc
Argent / Silver GABRIEL MEFFRE LA CHÂSSE Chardonnay-Viognier 2012 Blanc
Argent / Silver LES GRANDS CHAIS DE FRANCE JP CHENET Colombard-Sauvignon 2012 Blanc
Argent / Silver CASTEL FRERES SAS MONTMIREL Colombard-Sauvignon N.M. Blanc
Argent / Silver LES GRANDS CHAIS DE FRANCE JP CHENET Colombard-Chardonnay 2012 Blanc
Argent / Silver GABRIEL MEFFRE LE CIRQUE Sauvignon-Muscat 2012 Blanc
Argent / Silver BADET CLEMENT & CO PÂTISSERIE Chardonnay-Muscat 2012 Blanc
Argent / Silver GABRIEL MEFFRE LE CIRQUE Chardonnay-Gros manseng 2012 Blanc
Argent / Silver GABRIEL MEFFRE LA CHÂSSE Sauvignon-Grenache 2012 Blanc
Argent / Silver LGI WINES CUVÉE PÊCHEUR Blend 2012 Blanc
Argent / Silver VIGNERONS CATALANS CELLIER DES VICOMTES Blend N.M. Blanc
Argent / Silver MAISON GINESTET SA DAME DE FRANCE Blend N.M. Blanc
Argent / Silver VINDIVIN CHANTECLAIR Blend N.M. Blanc
Argent / Silver TRAMIER ET FILS RONCIER Blend N.M. Blanc
Argent / Silver SCV LES VIGNERONS DU CAP LEUCATE TREILLES Muscat sec 2012 Blanc
Argent / Silver LIONEL OSMIN ET CIE VILLA LA VIE EN ROSE Négrette 2012 Rosé
Argent / Silver FRANÇOIS LURTON SA FUMÉES BLANCHES Blend 2012 Rosé
Argent / Silver UNION DES VIGNERONS DES CÔTES DU RHÔNE ROCHER DE LA GARDE Syrah 2012 Rosé
Argent / Silver CASTEL FRERES SAS FAMILLE CASTEL Syrah 2012 Rosé
Argent / Silver GABRIEL MEFFRE LE CIRQUE Blend 2012 Rosé
Argent / Silver BADET CLEMENT & CO LA BELLE ANGÈLE Syrah 2012 Rosé
Argent / Silver LA COMPAGNIE RHODANIENNE DAMSELFLY Merlot 2011 Rouge
Argent / Silver CASTEL FRERES SAS FAMILLE CASTEL Merlot 2012 Rouge
Argent / Silver FDL SA FRENCH STAR Merlot N.M. Rouge
Argent / Silver LA COMPAGNIE RHODANIENNE VOITURETTE Merlot 2012 Rouge
Argent / Silver CASTEL FRERES SAS MONTMIREL Merlot N.M. Rouge
Argent / Silver LA COMPAGNIE RHODANIENNE L'ORIGINAL FRENCH KISS Merlot N.M. Rouge
Argent / Silver FDL SA VIN DE FRANCE Merlot N.M. Rouge
Argent / Silver VIGNOBLE GUILLAUME G'M Merlot 2011 Rouge
Argent / Silver UNION DES VIGNERONS DES CÔTES DU RHÔNE NICOLAS NAPOLEON Merlot 2012 Rouge
Argent / Silver LES GRANDS CHAIS DE FRANCE VIGNOBLES ROUSSELET Pinot Noir N.M. Rouge
Argent / Silver LA COMPAGNIE RHODANIENNE L'ORIGINAL FRENCH KISS Pinot Noir N.M. Rouge
Argent / Silver LES GRANDS CHAIS DE FRANCE KIWI CUVÉE Pinot Noir 2011 Rouge
Argent / Silver GABRIEL MEFFRE LE CIRQUE Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Rouge
Argent / Silver WINEFORCES LES ALLIÉS Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Rouge
Argent / Silver PATRIARCHE PATRIARCHE Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Rouge
Argent / Silver FDL SA FRENCH STAR Cabernet Sauvignon N.M. Rouge
Argent / Silver LA COMPAGNIE RHODANIENNE VALE Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Rouge
Argent / Silver CASTEL FRERES SAS FAMILLE CASTEL Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Rouge
Argent / Silver VAL D'ORBIEU FRENCH CLICHÉ Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Rouge
Argent / Silver FDL SA VIN DE FRANCE Cabernet Sauvignon N.M. Rouge
Argent / Silver FDL SA VIEILLE CAVE Cabernet Sauvignon-Syrah N.M. Rouge
Argent / Silver GABRIEL MEFFRE LA CHÂSSE Syrah 2012 Rouge
Argent / Silver VAL D'ORBIEU MONTPIERRE Syrah 2012 Rouge
Argent / Silver DIRECT WINES LE CHAI AU QUAI KEEP CALM AND CARIGNAN Carignan 2011 Rouge
Argent / Silver VIGNOBLES GILLES LOUVET MON PRÉ CARRÉ Carignan Vieilles Vignes 2012 Rouge
Argent / Silver CASTEL FRERES SAS GRENACHE FULL STOP Grenache 2012 Rouge
Argent / Silver UNION DES VIGNERONS DES CÔTES DU RHÔNE NICOLAS NAPOLÉON Grenache 2011 Rouge
Argent / Silver MAISON GINISTET SA COUR DE MANDELOTTE Blend N.M. Rouge
Argent / Silver CASTEL FRERES SAS VIEUX PAPES Blend N.M. Rouge
Argent / Silver DOMAINE GRANGE DE LOUISET PAROLE D'HOMME Blend N.M. Rouge
Argent / Silver VINS DESCOMBE NICOLAS DE LA SIRVENTIE Blend N.M. Rouge

VIN de FRANCE
(the way it sees itself)

France
France : worldwide recognition,
synonymous with glamour and a
chic lifestyle.

Taste criteria : varietals
Grape variety is the leading criterion among consumers and can be indicated on the label.
Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon... all are taste benchmarks for
consumers.

Brand criteria
Brands are a major recognition trigger.
A brand's reputation and image
simplify consumer choice.

QUALITY

Taste

The taste of the wine is adapted to
consumers' expectations thanks to greater
flexibility in the blending process - for
example allowing grapes to be blended
from different French wine regions.

Award-winning quality Best Value Vin de France International Selection
A Best Value Vin de France International Selection's medal is a sign of quality that consumers can trust and has a positive impact on visibility and sales.

Consistent quality

All of France's wine regions
grouped together form a
vast supply source, thereby
guaranteeing stable quality and
taste.

COMMUNICATION

www.vindefrance-cepages.org
Vin de France's website is attractive, practical and
fun. It gives a modern image to French wines and
makes them easier to undestand.

Tasting events

In-store tastings, shows, events, press relations...
an effective range of communication tools to help
consumers discover the quality of Vin de France
brands.

ANIVIN DE FRANCE :

Three national wine unions asked ANIVIN DE FRANCE to take charge of this wine category :

• CCVF : Confédération des Coopératives Vinicoles de France
• VIF : Vignerons Indépendants de France
• UMVIN : Union des Maisons & Marques de Vin

ANIVIN de FRANCE’s role focuses entirely on developing the VIN DE FRANCE category (wines without regional geographical indication) on a worldwide basis. The organisation promotes Vin deFrance brands via a wide range of communications activities such as our annual International Best Value Selection tasting; trade exhibitions; press relations; advertising; and in-store promotions.

For any further requests, please contact:
Valérie Pajotin, Director Anivin de France - 12 rue Sainte Anne - 75001 PARIS
Tel: +33 (0)1 47 03 45 44 - Fax: +33 (0)1 47 03 97 99 - E-mail: anivin@anivin.org - wwwvindefrance-cepages.org