“Make wine more accessible, easier to buy, and easier to enjoy”, the maxim of Le Petit Ballon (which sells wine “without bullshit”) applies to its co-founder in person. The entire career of master sommelier Jean-Michel Deluc shows that he is committed to transmitting simply. From teaching students at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, to serving clients at the Ritz for ten years.
Can you really do business at wine fairs ?
Of course, but you have to be curious. Take an interest in the lesser-known appellations of our major wine regions. In Bordeaux, for example, you have to dare the coasts of bourg Or Sainte-Foy-Bordeaux, extra and often overlooked. In the Rhone Valley, there are excellent Generic Côtes-du-Rhônetraders and/or owners.
Wines from owners, merchants… Who can you trust?
We know that there are bad harvesters and good traders. We also know thatwe can trust the merchant wines of the big owners, because they know how to make wine. On the label, if it says “bottled at the estate”, it is a good indicator, it means that the grapes come from the place. On the other hand, if it is written “bottled by…”, we don’t know where the grapes or musts come from. On the capsules, locate the letters R for harvester, E for breedera merchant who buys wine and raises it, or even Nthe trader who buys grapes or musts and blends them.
Any advice on how not to be fooled?
If you don’t know which wine you like, buy just one bottle first day. Even if the wines are offered in boxes, the law is on your side. Taste the wine, and come back the next day to continue shopping.
What about the brand’s favourites?
Why not, as long as you prepare a little, in particular by consulting the catalogs of the brands. On site, ask the head of the department or the wine merchant for advice, giving him a budget. Chances are it will offer you the best within that budget.
Should we trust the medal-winning wines of the Agricultural Competition?
There is something very good in these medals, but they give so much that you can be disappointed too. Then, you should know that it is the winegrowers who judge their wines themselves. On the other hand, we can trust the Vinalies : the medal-winning wines have been tasted by oenologists, it’s very serious.
What is the ideal cellar?
Ideally, there should be three! or composed of three types of wine. One for ready-to-drink winesone second for more occasional pleasure tastingsa last of beautiful bottles to enjoy in small groups or for large celebrations. You can start with 72 bottles (i.e. 12 boxes of 6 bottles), enough to share “sure values”, a few nuggets, and discovery wines.
Read also :
⋙ Labels and logos: everything you need to know to choose the right wine
⋙ Organic, biodynamic or natural: zoom on the wines that have it all
⋙ 6 unusual facts about grapes, the fruit of the vine