French wine recommendations

[etx]

Wondering what are some good go-tos for wine down on the island? We are mostly red drinkers here, my wife prefers bolder cabs, super tuscans, etc. I like those too but also enjoy red blends quite a bit, Chianti Classico, and zin. We've charged a good friend of ours here in Texas who has passed his level 1 WSET exam to educate us more on French wines as we really don't drink them much and haven't really found anything we know we love. So would love to hear some suggestions from the crew who have a few more wine-drinking years under their belts

 

[cassidain]

Are you looking for French wines that resemble new world Cabernet Sauvignon and such ? Or French wines made in more traditional styles and manners ?

 

[etx]

I'm just looking for something we'll enjoy. I know wine preferences are highly personal but just looking for some good starting points. If nothing else, a place for folks to post their favorite wines, French or not!

 

[JEK]

I'm just looking for something we'll enjoy. I know wine preferences are highly personal but just looking for some good starting points. If nothing else, a place for folks to post their favorite wines, French or not!

Well, a good place to start is with the grapes and regions. This guide might be helpful to get you started!

French Wine 101 Cheat Sheet (#Winophiles)

Consider this your quick reference guide for the "need to know" basics on France's most famous wine regions.

www.sommstable.com

 

[cassidain]

I'm just looking for something we'll enjoy. I know wine preferences are highly personal but just looking for some good starting points. If nothing else, a place for folks to post their favorite wines, French or not!

To the extent that you’re looking for something to enjoy at the villa or carry along for un pique-nique, you could put yourself in the hands of the very able personnel at either La Cave du Port Franc in Public or La Cave du Gouverneur in town.
They both have wonderful selections of French wine. Especially the much larger Port Franc.

 

[cassidain]

Here is the current list of offerings from La Cave du Port Franc. It's like a candy store for wine lovers. Just tell the personnel what you'll be having with the wine, what your taste preferences are, and your budget parameters.

 

[JEK]

Another thought is trying wines by the glass at an appropriate restaurant. Seems like a Bordeaux red would be to your liking.

 

[JEK]

This is the ultimate wine by the glass place!

Le Papillon Ivre | Restaurant à St Barth | Dîner | Réservations 24/7, Menu, Prix, Téléphone

ll➤ Le Papillon Ivre | RESERVEZ VOTRE TABLE ✅ Réservation en direct avec le restaurant ⚡ Menu en ligne, vidéos, photos, plan et info pratiques : ✉ Adresse ☎ Téléphone ⌚ Horaires

www.access.sb

 

[pascaleschmidt]

Start with a Bordeaux red as JEK suggested.... St Emilion

 

[elgreaux]

You might also try the Cotes du Rhone, and the Burgundies from La Côte de Beaune.. nice additions to your Bordeaux selections.

 

[cassidain]

Agree with Rhône rouge (Southern Rhône) reco for you, as most today are made in very big, high alcohol style. Also with Bordeaux rouge, as many (most really) are made in Parkerized “international” style.
Burgundies are mostly still made in traditional style.

 

[Dennis]

Also, with Bordeaux, right bank is generally more "merlot" style while Left bank is more "Cab" style. Generally speaking.

 

[JoR]

My husband knew French wines and buying them here was a highlight. I know nothing and now just go to Cave du Port, describe what I like, say I’m a little bit adventurous and am honest about my price range (~20E). Never disappointed. BTW, they[re offering an amazing St. Emilion now at an unbelievable price.

 

[KevinS]

In addition to the warehouse and store in Public, La Cave du Port Franc also has a new-this-season storefront in Gustavia called 19 52. It is located on Rue Bord de La Mer between BNP Paribas and La Cantina.

 

[JEK]

Also, with Bordeaux, right bank is generally more "merlot" style while Left bank is more "Cab" style. Generally speaking.

Left and Right Bank Bordeaux: What is the difference? - Decanter

We explain the key differences between the Left and Right Bank of Bordeaux wine, from grape varieties to classification systems...

www.decanter.com

 

[cassidain]

Provençal rosé is de rigueur on island. I'll try to recall a few notable ones that you'll encounter:

Ch Minuty Rose et Or
Domaines Ott Château de Selle
Domaines Ott Château Romassan
Château d'Esclans Rock Angel (et al)

 

[etx]

This is awesome, you guys are the best

 

[Jim Kelly-Evans]

You might also try the Cotes du Rhone, and the Burgundies from La Côte de Beaune.. nice additions to your Bordeaux selections.

We particularly enjoyed wines from the Hermitage area during our last visit to Southern France.

 

[cassidain]

We particularly enjoyed wines from the Hermitage area during our last visit to Southern France.

Jim, our OP could do very well choosing from these selections (available at Cave du Port Franc) of Northern Rhône ("Hermitage area") wines from the iconic Domaine Jamet:

The 100% Syrah Côte-Rôties and Côtes du Rhône, the 100% Viognier Condrieu, or the Marsanne-Viognier-Roussanne-Grenache Blanc Côtes du Rhône blanc.

 

[elgreaux]

and not forgetting the Cote du Rhone Crozes-Hermitage....