Two French Wines From Majestic

*Jura fizz and Languedoc rosé from Majestic*

It’s not often that I buy French wines in the UK, given that we can easily fill up the boot much more cheaply on the way back from a driving holiday.

However, these wines were needed for Mum’s wake and I had significantly over-catered, so there was plenty left over.

With Dad’s funeral a few weeks ago, it seemed apposite to drink these up and remember what had been.

I had picked wines that I thought would appeal both to a general audience but also to anyone interested enough to pay attention; easy-drinkers with a bit of sophistication, in other words.

Marcel Cabelier Crémant du Jura Brut (£15 / £10 MixSix)

They say:

Marcel Jacquier, a proud Jurassian, founded the Marcel Cabelier winery in 1995 , and it’s gone from strength to strength ever since. Their vineyards lie in the Franche-Comté area between Burgundy and Switzerland, where chalky-clay soils are ideal for the production of sparkling wine grapes. The wine is aged on its lees for at least a year, allowing plenty of time for complex flavours and texture to develop. Expect floral notes, ripe citrus flavour and toasty brioche.

I say:

Well-priced, elegant fizz — more Champenois than Jurassian.

Chardonnay with Pinot Noir, Trousseau, Poulsard

11.5%, NV

pale sandy yellow; green apple, white flowers and citrus; orchard fruit, bruised Bramley apple, savoury yeasty brioche, creamy Brazil nut and white pepper spice; saline and mineral, fine mousse.

Thoroughly pleasant.

Drinks nicely on first opening, opens up with aeration and can be cellared for greater complexity.

Serve as an aperitif or match with pastry starters, such as vol-au-vents, goat’s cheese tarte or quiche.

Abbotts & Delaunay Jardin Rosé 2022

They say:

Laurent Delaunay is a talented winemaker and a fifth-generation Burgundy wine producer. In 1995, he set off to the promising Languedoc region in southern France, with an ambition to produce wines that could compete with the world’s best.

The winery has become synonymous with distinctive, high-quality wines made with passion. The grapes for this rosé come from two terroirs — the Hérault plain which lends richness and roundness, and the Aude area which gives character and freshness.

I say:

Adept and good value southern French rosé

12.5%

pale onionskin pink; delicate red fruits; fresh with orchard fruits, wild strawberry, white stone fruits, white pepper, citrus and zippy lime; complex and saline with good savoury underpinnings.

Thoroughly pleasant+.

Drinks nicely on first opening; opens up with some aeration.

Match with picnic-style foods; quiche, cold cuts or poached salmon.

Others say:

Wine Uncorked: Abbotts and Delaunay Les Fleurs Sauvages Jardin Rosé 2022 review — WineUncorked: Wine Reviews and Tips

Pete Turner: Majestic wine recommendations summer autumn 22 — YouTube