FRANCE: White Rhône
2019 GOLD: 3 SILVER: 5 BRONZE: 2 COMMENDED: 6
2018 GOLD: 2 SILVER: 3 BRONZE: 0 COMMENDED: 0
Weirdly, given that it remains quite a niched part of most wine lists, the White Rhône section has established itself down the years as one of the best – and most consistently good – parts of this competition.
At the heart of its success is its ability to make good cheap wines that can act as well-priced workhorses, as well as superlatively beautiful wines for those who aren’t counting the zeroes too closely. Driven by the 2017 vintage, our tasters this year found elegance, purity and structure – though sadly no Golds under £10 for once.
FROM THE TASTING TEAMS
‘These started to get interesting above £13 or £15, where they were very well made, and good value for money.’ Immacolata Cannavo, Hakkasan Mayfair
‘I really liked these. There was a good selection, and good value for money. All of these were a good example of what the Rhône is about, and what it can deliver. There were both simple styles and complex wines, to satisfy every kind of palate.’ Melania Battiston, 28-50 Wine Workshop & Kitchen
‘A really good flight, with no bad wines, and lots of pretty aromatics that just got richer and oilier as you went on.’ Jade Koch, team leader
‘I really enjoyed the floral character of the younger ones here – they were elegant, with white peach and floral notes balanced by nice acidity. The price point was amazing, and they don’t need a lot of age. They’re easy to sell as an aperitif or with fish dishes, or oysters. They were really showing the grape well, as well as the region.’ Antonio Federico Moccia, 67 Pall Mall
‘This was an interesting flight, and really something for sommeliers to push. They could be fresher and easy to drink at the entry level, and then had more intensity, body, oiliness and alcohol at higher price points.’ Julien Sahut, Sexy Fish