When it comes to wine, there is no way of avoiding France. As a nation it stands out because of the abundance of its wine-growing regions such as Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Loire, Rhône Valley, Provence and Languedoc-Roussillon. Pretty much every type of wine imaginable is made here in various styles ranging from modern to very traditional. The French have very strict controls on the varietals used in any wine under their “Appellation d’origine protégée” system (Protected Designation of Origin). This classification system was developed as a means of certifying geographical indications of wine. The AOC system is based on the concept of “terroir” (land), with the idea that each agricultural product should reflect the unique geography and climate of its land. This means that the unique properties of the soil of a wine-growing region and its specific climate are reflected in the end product.
The 2016 vintage: Bordeaux and Côtes du Rhône
This year, much has been written about Bordeaux wines because if one region in France was blessed in 2016, it was Bordeaux which triumphed with wines that are quite simply grandiose. And yet the worst was predicted when 2016 got off to an icy start with heavy rain. But then followed a wonderful summer and marvellous late autumn. These favourable climatic conditions coupled with expertise passed on through the generations meant that everything was in place to produce this great vintage, lauded by the experts, who can’t find enough superlatives. It is said that these 2016 Bordeaux wines compete with those of 2010, the best vintage since 1982, to say the least! Wines from the Rhône, like those from Bordeaux have also produced a grandiose 2016 which follows on from a very fine 2015. The seasons brought what was expected of them: a mild winter, a spring with heavy rainfall, a very hot summer and exceptional conditions at the end of the summer period.
As happens each year, there will be many owners and representatives to share their passion for wine in the shopping mall in the La Belle Etoile Shopping Center. A great opportunity to discover and taste the very best of what France produces. Running until Saturday 27 October, Cactus invites you to its 2018 Great Wines of France Festival at the La Belle Etoile Shopping Center.
Discover the Cactus wine selection for the 2018 Great Wines of France Festival.