The Top 100 Vins de Pays competition was launched in 2004 to raise profile of the Vins de Pays category and help sustain sales in the UK. Enthusiasm from producers and trade alike has been gaining momentum over the years. From the start there have been many success stories, with numerous listings gained and recognition achieved for winning producers.
The 2008 selection will be showcased alongside a selection of AC wines on the Fast-Track to France stand (H40/2) at the LIWF. The stand will give time-pressured visitors a snapshot of the entire French offer. This strategic approach unites the diversity of France’s wine offering under one single banner.
This year wines were again unanimously acclaimed by the 19-strong panel which gathers the great and the good of the UK wine trade.
Tim Atkin MW, Chairman, sums it up : « I’am biased, but I think this is the best line-up of Trophies we have ever selected. Most of the wines are inexpensive and represent great value for money. At a time when France is finally mounting a comeback in the off-trade, its Vins de Pays deserve a wider and more serious audience. »
Chris Hardy, Majestic, adds : All in all the quality of the Top 100 is impressively high. Majestic has enjoyed great success in selling many wines from the Top 100 Vins de Pays over the years and this is great news for those who make the wines. The Top 100 seems to be having more impact as each year passes. Our staff and customers now definitely know what the Top 100 represents and see it as a sign of quality. »
The Top 100 Vins de Pays does indeed have a very positive impact on sales. Being selected by such a respected panel lends credibiltiy to a new brand and is a great introduction for estates new to the UK. Noël Bougrier, President of ANIVIT, the organisation responsible for the competition comments :
« Buyers have many opportunities to meet the main producers at fairs and trade tastings, but the Top 100 gives them the chance to find new gems and undiscovered talents from all over France in a quick and time-saving tasting.»
To mark the fifth anniversary, 2008 also sees the launch of official Top 100 Vins de Pays Gold Medal bottle stickers, an initiative which should reinforce the commercial impact aspect of the competition.
We are looking forward to seeing you on stand H40/2 over the next few days.
Notes
1 - Trophy Presentation and Seminars at the LIWF
2 - Trophy winners
3 - 2008 Jury
1- Trophy Presentation and Seminars at the LIWF
Tuesday 20 May
3.00pm Trophy Presentation by Tim Atkin MW, Wine Editor at Large, Off Licence News
4.00pm Trophy Tasting by Tim Atkin MW
Wednesday 21 May
12.00am Trophy Tasting by Anthony Rose, The Independent
2- Trophy winners
Chardonnay Trophy
White, Vin de Pays de Franche-Comté, Chardonnay Collection Réservée 2004, Vignoble Guillaume
Gros Manseng Trophy
White, Vin de Pays des Côtes de Gascogne, Fleur de Givre Florenbelle 2007
Producteurs Vignoble de Gascogne
Sauvignon Blanc Trophy.
White,Vin de Pays du Val de Loire, Domaine de la Coche Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Sweet Wine Trophy
White, Vin de Pays du Comté Tolosan, Moelleux du Clos Vin de Lune 2005, Clos Triguedina
Best Sweet
White, Vin de Pays des Côtes de Gascogne, Petit Manseng 2006, Domaine Les Acacias
Best White & Grenache Blanc Trophy
White, Vin de Pays d’Oc, M&S Grenache Blanc 2007, Vindivin
Best Rosé
Rosé, Vin de Pays du Val de Loire, Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé 2007, Domaine de la Tourlaudière
Merlot Trophy
Red, Vin de Pays d’Oc, Merlot 2007, Domaine Py
Cabernet Sauvignon Trophy
Red, Vin de Pays d’Oc, La Forge Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Les Domaines Paul Mas
Syrah Trophy
Red, Vin de Pays d’Oc, Camplazens Syrah 2007, Domaine Camplazens
Carignan Trophy
Red, Vin de Pays du Mont Baudile, Le Carignan de Familongue 2007, Domaine de Familongue
Braucol Trophy
Red, Vin de Pays des Côtes du Tarn, Les Coquelicots, Braucol 2007, Chaumet Lagrange
Red Blend Trophy
Red, Vin de Pays d’Oc, Vieilles Vignes 2006, Domaine de La Jasse
Best Red of Show
Red, Vin de Pays d’Oc, Miratus 2005, Domaine Philippe Nusswitz
3- 2008 Jury
· Tim Atkin MW, Wine Writer & OLN Wine Editor at large, Co-chairman of the International Wine Challenge (IWC)
· Jonathan Butt, Head of Global Sourcing, Wine Rack
· Oz Clarke, Author and Broadcaster
· Simon Field MW, Buyer, Berry Bros & Rudd
· Rosemary George MW, Wine Writer, Author
· Claire Graham, Buyer Oddbins
· Chris Hardy, Buyer, Majestic
· Sam Harrop MW, Wine Industry Consultant, Co-chairman of the IWC
· Abigail Hirshfeld, Head of Wine - International, Direct Wines
· Justin Howard-Sneyd MW, Director of wine buying, Waitrose
· Alex Hunt, Group Wine Buyer, Berkmann Wine Cellars
· Laura Jewell MW, Agency Director HWCG
· Graham Nash, Product Development Manager, Tesco
· Christine Parkinson, Group Wine Buyer, Hakkasan and Proprietor Cocovino
· Anthony Rose, Wine Correspondent, The Independent
· Joanna Simon, Wine Writer, The Sunday Times
· Dominique Vrigneau, Buying Director, Thierry’s
· Joe Wadsack, Wine Consultant, Author & TV Presenter
· Simon Woods, Wine Writer
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