There’s something about the French approach to dining. It feels like they work carefully on every meal, making it something worth savoring. That’s how Julien and I envisioned your latest French collection.
Eight months ago, we sat down to taste our way through France. We tried about 100 wines, debated their virtues, and chose the few that we felt truly captured France. We thought about how we’d share these wines if you were here at the table with us.
A tip — open your wines ahead of time. Let them breathe. (Except the Champagne — chill that one for a couple of hours and pop it when the time feels right.)
The Beginning: A Light Welcome
Champagne Allouchery-Deguerne ‘Sélection’ Premier Cru
I’m not French, but even Hollywood got it right: a good dinner starts with Champagne. This bottle is like an invitation — crisp, bright, with notes of lemon and brioche. It sets the tone, telling all of us to settle in because something special is about to begin.
We’d start with oysters, fresh from the cooler months. The brininess of oysters and the sharp bubbles of Champagne have danced together for centuries, each making the other taste more alive. And if oysters aren’t your thing, a little crusty bread with creamy cheese will do the trick just as well. Simple, no fuss, but everything feels elevated.
(Champagne region: 1.5 hours by train from Paris, cool and often misty.)
Domaine de Noiré ‘Caractère’ 2018, Chinon
Now we’re moving to Chinon, in the Loire Valley. This cabernet franc has a bit of an edge — floral, herbal, a touch of cured meat. It’s the kind of wine that feels like a walk through a French market on an autumn morning — everything is just a little rustic, a little wild.
By this point, we’re getting comfortable. The charcuterie board is in the middle of the table, and we’re all helping ourselves. Spanish ham, a selection of French cheeses, maybe some fig jam. There’s nothing better than seeing friends lean over, reach for another slice, pour another glass. This wine loves those rich, salty flavors — it cuts through them, balances them, keeps the conversation going.
(Loire Valley, Chinon: 2 hours from Paris, mild and temperate.)
For the Main Course: Bold Flavors
Château Romanin ‘Grand Vin’ 2018, Provence
From Provence, this wine brings warmth — cedar wood, ripe berries, a hint of tobacco. It’s the kind of depth that makes you feel like you’re somewhere sunnier, somewhere with rocky hillsides and lavender fields. This wine isn’t here to be shy — it wants a dish that can match its depth.
Peppercorn steak is the answer. Picture the steak searing, the peppercorns cracking under heat, that unmistakable sizzle. By now, we’re relaxed, leaning back in our chairs, the conversation flowing in different directions. The richness of the steak brings out the fruit in the wine, and the peppercorns play off the subtle spice in the glass. This is what wine is for — to complement the food, to bring everything together.
(Provence: 3 hours from Paris, warm Mediterranean climate.)
Domaine des Florets ‘Alliance’ 2022, Gigondas
Next, we move to the Rhône Valley — Gigondas, to be specific. This grenache-syrah blend has that unmistakable Rhône character — dark chocolate, black currant, a touch of wood smoke. It’s rich, but there’s a refinement there, like it’s trying to remind us to take our time.
We’d serve it with Bolognese pasta. A big pot in the middle of the table, the kind of sauce that’s been simmering for hours, filling the house with the scent of tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. This isn’t about fancy plating — just generous servings, all of us digging in. The fruitiness of the wine lifts the depth of the sauce, each bite enhanced by a sip. Comfort, warmth, nothing overdone — just good food shared with people we care about.
(Rhône Valley: 2.5 hours from Paris, Mediterranean weather.)
To Close the Meal: Earthy Comforts
Sylvain Paturaux ‘La Presle’ 2022, Fleurie
Beaujolais has always been about charm. This Fleurie is no different — bright berries, fresh herbs, a crispness that lifts everything up. By this point in the evening, we’re feeling content but not quite ready to call it a night. The main course is over, but there’s still more to be enjoyed.
A mushroom risotto is perfect here. It’s mushroom season, after all — earthy, creamy, just a touch decadent. The wine’s acidity cuts through the richness of the risotto, refreshing our palates, readying us for the next bite. This part of the meal is slower. We’re lingering, savoring the conversation, the flavors, the company.
(Beaujolais: 4 hours from Paris, mild, brisk evenings.)
Château Tasta ‘T de Tasta’ 2019, Canon-Fronsac
And then, we end with Bordeaux. This is a soulful wine — dark cherry, roasted hazelnut, a touch of coffee. It’s the kind of wine we pour slowly, something that feels right as the night winds down.
For a perfect ending, roasted lamb would be ideal. There’s something ceremonial about roasting lamb — the way the aromas fill the kitchen, the tenderness when it’s done just right. But if lamb isn’t in the cards, duck works beautifully too — anything that’s rich, something that lets this Bordeaux shine in all its depth. By this time, we’re leaning in closer, the evening winding down in the best way possible.
(Canon-Fronsac, Bordeaux: 2.5 hours from Paris, moderate with golden autumn days.)
So there you have it — our vision of this collection as if you were here, sitting at our table. Now it’s your turn to bring these bottles to life. Open them over a few weeks or gather friends for an extended dinner, and let me know how you enjoyed them.
Drop me a line at explorers@bonnerprivatewines.
À votre santé,
Diego
