I am mostly aware of Calvet for their Bordeaux wines, including a very agreeable Cremant. I was pleased to be sent this selection of wines demonstrating that Calvet is striving to produce France’s regional styles at entry-level prices, and in a sustainably conscious way.

It is fascinating thatCalvetis part of the Grands Chais de France (GCF) Group, which are responsible for 20% of all French wine exports - that is HUGE! With 2500 employees the company has committed to working across the company to reduce water usage and scope 3 emissions. It is always fabulous when big players start to take action. It sends a signal that the industry is serious.Muscadet (Melon) is a wine for those who love anything-but-fruity wines. They are lean, green, and have a fascinating almost saline-like quality to the taste. In fact, the Muscadet vineyards closer to the sea receive more of this salty note due to salty sea breezes! It is common to see these wines aged on the lees ( labeled “sur lie”) which is a process of aging wines on suspended dead yeast particles (called lees). Lees-aged Muscadet attain an almost lager-like taste with a creamy texture and yeasty flavor. The longer on lees, the richer the texture; many producers will age their best wines 2–3 years in this fashion. You will find a touch of fruit in these wines in the form of almost pithy citrus flavors and subtle unripe apple or pear notes. Expect to Spend Chefs such as Joël Philipps from Le Cerf in Marlenheim, Alsace (1 Michelin star), and Olivier Schell and Edouard Sanchez who trained with French culinary star, Guy Savoy before going on to open their own restaurant, Ose in Paris. Calvet, the UK’s favourite French wine brand, is opening the Calvet Kitchen for food and wine lovers everywhere to learn about the wine regions of France and the richness of French for a serious Muscadet Sèvre et Maine with extended lees aging (2–3 years) with aromas of fresh bread and preserved lemon.

A blend of Grenache, Syrah, Carignan and Mourvèdre, this is an impressive wine with a burst of spices from the Rhône Valley. Impressive wine representing excellent value, and especially perfect for the Autumnal season. Not yet available in the UK, but here’s a sneak preview as it soon will be! A very pretty pale pink rosé in an attractive cut glass style bottle, made in Provence, the home of rosé. A blend of Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault and Mourvèdre, coming together to give a range of subtly pleasing flavours that include pear, raspberries, and herbs. A perfect crowd pleaser.Chablis is made from 100% Chardonnay grapes grown in an area in northern Burgundy. This one from the Calvet range has flavours of grapefruit, lemon zest, crushed shell, and firm acidity. Perfectly matched here with local fish and chips from a Dorset chippy. Muscadet ≠ Muscat Muscadet is a dry white wine and is not related to Muscat, Moscatel or Moscato. Guide to Tasting and Pairing Muscadet Wine Made in the Loire Valley from Melon de Bourgogne grapes this is a great example of how classic Muscadet should taste – fresh, fruity and zesty with hints of tropical fruits. We tasted this in company and our guests all voiced their approval. Perfect for evening picnics on the beach. Queen Elizabeth II by Andy Warhol - view the QE@ collection at Tanya Baxter Contemporary. If you like Muscadet (Melon) you’ll find it tastes similar to Pinot Blanc, Aligoté, Auxerrois, Piquepoul, Sylvaner and even unoaked cool-climate Chardonnay such as Chablis.

Each post in the Calvet Kitchen will be full of interesting experts providing their knowledge and expertise of French food and wine. They will include some of France’s hottest young chefs sharing their recipes and giving virtual cooking demonstrations direct from their kitchens. The prestige range is named after the prestigious Diplôme du Presitge de la France received by Maison Calvet in 1958. A very typical village wine from this region that continues to set a global standard. Rich and pleasurable and perfect with darker game meats or roasted vegetables.Contrary to what most people think, Calvet was in fact first established in the Rhône Valley in Tain l’Hermitage in 1818. This classic wine is a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre aged on the lees and then part of it in oak. Rich and complex with aromas of fig and sweet spices with flavours of damson and candied fruit. Dark and alluring. We served with gourmet pizzas and it was good to see people pause and comment on the quality of this deserving Chateauneuf.

Details Category: Wine Tasting Notebook Wine Tasting Notebook Published: 15 September 2022 15 September 2022 And finally, the real stars of the show, Calvet’s regional winemakers who will share their passion and first- hand experience of creating the wines that make up the Calvet range.

Guide to Tasting and Pairing Muscadet Wine