Roussillon wines impress at Sommelier Edit Awards

Wines of Roussillon were the focus of a Sommelier Edit Awards ‘Special Guest Category’ tasting recently; an opportunity for the region to showcase its wines to top UK sommeliers. A total of 79 wines were assessed with an impressive 65% achieving scores of 90+ points. A variety of styles were represented from across 11 appellations: from dry red, white, rosé and orange to fortified sweet wines (Vins Doux Naturels).

The 13-strong judging panel, chaired by Sarah Jane Evans MW, was impressed by three key factors: the variety of styles from Roussillon, the overall quality of the wines presented and their incredible value for money. Some of the wines were recognised further, with 5 ‘Best’ categories awarded by the judges.

Maria Boumpa, Wine Director, Da Terra Restaurant explains:

“It was really interesting to taste the wines today because we could see a wide range of styles across different price points. The biggest surprises came from the lowest price points so there is definite high quality in there, a region to be explored.”

Whilst a majority of red wines (53) had entered the tasting, compared to 15 whites, 2 rosés, 1 orange and 8 fortified wines, it is interesting to note that all styles were recognised with a 90+ score as well as with a ‘Best’ category gong, awarded at the judges’ discretion –  testament to both the level of quality but also the diversity of Roussillon’s wines.

“The Wines of Roussillon were amazing and showed some unexpected complexity sometimes as well as some really fresh examples.”

Christopher Frayling Cork, Head Sommelier, The Chancery Rosewood

“Great wines, great sweet wines, some interesting whites. It was nice to see a region which needs to move into the forefront now.”

Michael Fiducia, Sommelier, St George’s Hill LTC

The varietals that came on top were Grenache (in all its colours, black, grey and white), Syrah and Carignan.

“It was a pleasure tasting today. We had a great selection, I was very glad to have an orange wine, only one but it was right up there at the top. Grenache, the wines really spoke of the region they came from, some of the top wines came from the Côtes Catalanes…you know where you are. And then Carignan is a variety I particularly like. There were wines there which I could see on any wine list, and I was very excited to see when people voted for the Best Overall.”

Sarah Jane Evan MW, Head Judge

“I loved the Grenache Gris flight; it was very refreshing and had a very approachable style and great value.”

Joanna Nerantzi, Head Sommelier, Raffles London at the OWO

Although Vins Doux Naturels (fortified sweet wines) no longer solely define Roussillon in terms of style, they are still strongly identified with the region and are always a key highlight in a tasting. This was reflected in their strong performance in the Sommelier Edit Awards.

“Really enjoyed the judging today, specifically the dessert wines, which are a little bit more towards my personal palate than what we serve at lot at work, nice to see representation of different styles, sweetness, oxidisation, very interesting to compare them.”

Harry Cooper, Restaurant Manager & Sommelier, Counter 71

What really resonated with the judges was the value to be found in Roussillon. In a challenging economic climate, Roussillon offers many opportunities for consumers to experiment and trade up.

“In general, the whole tasting had great value wines, there were fantastic wines under £10 which is something that we are really looking for.”

Joanna Nerantzi, Head Sommelier, Raffles London at the OWO

 

You can view the full scores and tasting notes here and an article by Chair Judge, Sarah Jane Evans MW here.

The 11 Roussillon appellations represented were:

AOP Côtes du Roussillon

AOP Côtes du Roussillon Villages

AOP Côtes du Roussillon Villages Caramany

AOP Côtes du Roussillon Villages Latour de France

AOP Côtes du Roussillon Villages Les Aspres

AOP Côtes du Roussillon Villages Tautavel

AOP Maury sec

IGP Côtes Catalanes

AOP Muscat de Rivesaltes

AOP Rivesaltes

AOP Maury doux

The special recognition categories were:

‘Best by the glass’, awarded to 17 wines

‘Best for group dining’, awarded to 15 wines

‘Best value’, awarded to 12 wines

‘Best for preservation system’, awarded to 3 wines

‘Best overall’, awarded to 1 wine