LAST weekend we wrapped a week of exciting Salut! wine activities with a festive and very lively affair at the Nirvanna Indian Fusion Cuisine restaurant. One of my new wine discoveries, the Apothic White wine, paired flawlessly with the formidable Indian fusion spread.

Uncorked ‘Selected’ French

The Salut! French-themed wine-tasting soirée at Uncorked Wine bar in partnership with Select Brands unveiled a few new wines on the market. Barton & Guestier, which has over three centuries of history in the Bordeaux region, is now back on the market in Jamaica as part of the Select Brands portfolio.

French wines have been getting a bad rap recently for a range of reasons and I was very happy that Debra Taylor, trade development manager for Select Brands, poured a selection of French wines. Included in the tasting was the refined fruit-forward Whispering Angel Rosé from Provence; the fresh aromatic Chateau de Fontenille Entre- deux-Mers from Bordeaux; the rich, elegant Thomas Barton Reserve Margaux from Bordeaux; and from Champagne, guests enjoyed the complex Perrier Jouët Grand Brut.

My wine discoveries —

New for me was the B&G Thomas Barton line of wines. This range of wines pays homage to Thomas Barton, who went to Bordeaux from Ireland in 1725. He quickly became the most important wine merchant in Bordeaux, having built a solid reputation among prestigious customers all over Europe. The spirit of Thomas Barton has been perpetuated in this unique and prestigious range of carefully selected wines from the heart of the Bordeaux region’s greatest appellations. These wines are the epitome of classic Bordeaux: rich, fruity and elegantly oaked, the modern equivalent of the great wines of the 18th century, those that Thomas Barton might have enjoyed and chosen himself. So far I have tasted the Margaux and the Sauternes. When I do try the Thomas Barton St Emilion, I will be sure to share my findings.

B&G Thomas Barton Margaux — On the nose this wine shows ripe cherry fruit with hints of chocolate; on the palate the wine is round and elegant with the signature Bordeaux earthiness. It is produced with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grown in the vineyards in the Margaux appellation.

B&G Thomas Barton Sauternes — This is a sweet white wine with the signature sauternes flavours of apricots, honey, peaches and a nutty note. The wine is made from a blend of two grape varieties — Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon — grown in the vineyards of Sauternes. Sauternes are some of longest-lived wines, with premium examples from exceptional vintages properly kept having the potential to age well even beyond 100 years.

A number of other new wines have entered the market, so keep reading and we will share tasting notes and recommendations during the Christmas season.