COMMERCIAL PARTNERSHIP
As leading organic wine, beer and spirits exhibition Millésime BIO approaches, Drinks Retailing sits down with importers and retailers to get to grips with Occitanie’s organic white wines
There is an appetite among UK consumers to think more about provenance and ingredients, creating an opportunity for both organic wine producers and retailers.
The Occitanie region in the south of France features 58,808 hectares of vines farmed organically, or in the process of converting, making it France’s leading organic wine region. If it were a country, Occitanie would be the third largest organic wine producer globally.
While the region is well-known for its reds, every style of wine is made here. White wine accounts for around 10% of production and it’s an exciting and growing part of Occitanie, with powerhouses such as AOP Picpoul de Pinet, IGP Côtes de Gascogne and IGP Pays d’Oc leading the charge.
“Ours is an ancient wine producing region,” says Jeanne Fabre, who is not only president of Millésime BIO but also has family winery Famille Fabre. “However, producers can have fun with white wines as there isn’t a long tradition with them.”
She says Occitanie offers good value organic wine driven by the region’s many producers. “Retailers can always find what they are looking for,” she adds. “Ours is a very dry region, so we see quality over quantity and very little disease.”
The recent tasting in London saw retailers and importers enjoy a snapshot of both what the region has to offer – and what the trade can expect at Millésime BIO.
TASTE TEST
The overarching view is that Occitanie offers great, fruit-forward, approachable wines that will work well in the UK market. But there is also a need for clearer communication of varieties, regions and taste profiles.
“There are some interesting wines that I think have good potential,” says Jeremy Lithgow MW, head of wine at retailer and distributor Amathus. “They’re all wines of a type, but that type is maybe not hugely distinct at the moment. Maybe that is the nature of the region – it’s a big region with lots of varieties.”
Albert Moore from importer Taste Union – which specialises in organic and biodynamic wines from the south of France – highlights the varied terroir, adding that there is potential for winemakers to communicate the specifics of their sub-region to retailers.
Consultant David Cartwright, who has been importing wines into the UK for 34 years, adds: “I think the varieties from this region are quite sexy,” adding that UK consumers enjoy discovery. And Lithgow flags the success of Picpoul, adding that there is “a real opportunity”.
Kateryna Yushenko, who is a wine merchant, wine judge and educator, believes the approachable style of these wines have a broad appeal.
However, the group agrees that while there is an appetite to discover new grape varieties, producers that succeed will be the ones that communicate clearly.
“The fact these wines are organic is fantastic for consumers,” says Cartwright, “but I found myself occasionally wanting more information than was on the bottle.”
Moore singles out a label he believes works particularly well – Mr Paul Grenache, which clearly states the grape variety and has the organic certification mark on the front label.
Both Lithgow and Moore agree that the trend towards organic wine in the UK is centred around urban areas such as London, Manchester and Bristol, and Moore believes organic wine by the glass in bars and restaurants is a good way for producers to spread the word.
Chris Wawak, who sells organic French boxed wines at Bobo Wines, adds: “I’m at a lot of farmers markets, they probably care a little bit more about organic farming, and they listen a bit more when I talk about it.” Though he warns there is confusion about natural versus organic, versus biodynamic.
Cartwright states that, unlike food, many consumers believe wine to be organic already. Therefore, there is an opportunity for retailers and producers to talk about organic credentials in a simple and meaningful way.
“This all comes down communication at the end of the day,” says Lithgow. “How do you communicate to the end consumer what they’re buying? And that’s got to start with the winery.
“Anyone who imports wine will know that you get countless emails from people asking to import their wine and quite often they tell you nothing. They say, “I’ve got a great familial domain in the south of France with some very soulful wines’ and that’s it. So, if that’s the message they’re expecting you to give to the consumer, then they’re going to struggle.”
The group expressed that back labels need to be in English for the UK market.
“The successful labels are striking, and they also make the grape variety and food pairing clear,” explains Cartwright, while Yushenko emphasises the importance of knowing your audience and communicating the most important thing about your wine, whether it be “approachable, or organic, or for a specific occasion”.
The UK is a competitive and price sensitive market, and wines from this region can offer great value. They also align to trends around provenance and wellbeing, as well as consumer desire for discovery. The wines that succeed will be the ones that work to understand their audience and communicate their key credentials in a clear and original way.
Overall, the tasting provided a great snapshot of organic whites from Occitanie – and a sneak preview of what’s on offer at Millésime BIO 2025.
TOP 35 WINES
Coup de Foudre, Domaine de Cazaban
Interesting flavours of dried fruits and some minerality. Elegant and well balanced with creamy notes from the malolactic fermentation. A medium finish with the fruit continuing on the palate.
Cuvée Prestige, Artisans Partisans
Complex nose of dried stone fruit, peach and some vanilla oak from the ageing, which contributes to a rich, full and creamy mid palate. The acidity and balance are great – an impressive wine.
L’Orfraie, La Chouette du Chai
A well-made wine with a lovely mineral character running through it. There are notes of fresh flowers, herbs and apples. An excellent aperitif wine that is ready to drink.
Tinte Clochette, Domaine de Saint Cels
The nose offers melon and white peach with citrus acidity coming through on the palate. This is an easy drinking wine that is well balanced with medium complexity.
Le Saint Festin, Calmel & Joseph
Light yellow colour with a defined and attractive nose. This wine offers fresh acidity and the blend of Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Vermentino and Viognier gives a real sense of what Occitanie whites can do.
La Reine des Bois, Domaine de la Mordorée
A medium weight, silky wine with notes of white fruits, edging towards tropical notes of melon. An elegant and well-made wine that offers a rich fruit character and would work well with food.
L’In, Domaine Mas Conscience
This is a very approachable wine with aromas of white flowers, ripe white fruits and ripe limes as well as a mineral character that adds balance and structure to the wine.
Mademoiselle Jeanne, Maison Blanc Senthille
Chamomile, orchard fruits, nuts and toast on the nose, with a lovely acidity and good complexity from the lees ageing. Pleasant, long finish.
Chardonnay Fût, Mas du Novi
A wonderful shade of golden yellow. This wine is rich and creamy with notes of nectarine, nuts and toast. A smooth, full body. A great example of Chardonnay from this region.
Seigneur de Leuze, Mas de Figuier
Distinct notes of honey, dried and fresh peaches and some top notes of elderflower. The acidity is subtle, giving way to a rich fruit without being heavy on the palate.
Fleur Sauvage, Les Vignerons du Sommiérois
Aromas of apples, pears, melon and honey with some savoury herbal notes. This is a medium bodied wine with a good amount of acidity and a medium length. Rounded finish.
Petit Pierre, Domaine Petit Pierre
Pale and lightly floral with pear and melon notes. The acidity is high but well balanced. A fresh and approachable wine that would make a great aperitif or pair well with light seafood dishes.
Terrasses du Couchant, Château Guilhem
A blend of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, this wine has a lovely nose of white fruits, toast and smoke. There is a creaminess to the palate while the taste also retains some minerality.
Des Si Et Des Mi, Mas Combarèla
This is an appealing wine with interesting minerality and medium weight. Crisp stone fruits and some dried fruits balance well with medium acidity.
Lux de Luc, Famille Fabre
Pale in colour with a grapefruit freshness on the nose and some candid orange flavours. This is a well-made wine with good balance between fruit and acidity.
Nereda Blanc, Domaine Lafage
Lovely fresh fruit aromas with citrus acidity and a mineral character. This is a fairly complex and intense wine that would work well with seafood.
Allegro, Domaine Ollier Taillefer
This is an elegant wine with a developed character of pear and a slight savoury note. There’s also a hint of more tropical fruits and the wine finishes with good hit of fresh acidity.
Le Grand Pan, L’Estabel
Apple, pear, lemon and lime meet on the nose and palate, along with hints of elderflower and aniseed. Well balanced and appealing.
Le Penchant, Calmel & Joseph
Appealing yellow/straw colour with crisp mineral notes and fresh, fruit notes. The wine has a well-balanced, harmonious finish.
Lovelie, Domaine de la Sapinière
Bright yellow gold colour with a zingy, fresh nose of peaches. This is a very aromatic wine that could stand up to strong food flavours – especially cheese.
Code 255, Lauraire des Lys
This is a bright and well packaged wine with well-balanced acidity and berry fruit aromas. It is best served well chilled.
Prélude, Domaine de Montahuc
A pale yellow colour with intense aromas of white flowers and lychee. The palate has a blood orange and grapefruit acidity. A well balanced and generous wine.
Hic et Nunc, Domaine de Sauzet
An approachable wine with notes of apricot and white stone fruits, honey and good citrus acidity. The wine is well balanced and of medium intensity.
Baux Blond, Mas Baux
Very floral, perfumed and exotic nose of lychee and citrus as well as some pineapple. This is a well-made wine with generous aromas.
L’Égrisée, La Jasse Castel
This is a fruit-forward wine with notes of apple, pear, lime, lemon and grapefruit. It is well balanced and approachable with a satisfying finish.
Château La Roque, Château La Roque
Pale orange in colour with grassy, apple notes as well as white flowers. Balanced acidity and a medium finish make this wine great for light dishes.
In Ventis, Roc de la Rivière
Very expressive and powerful wine with aromas of ripe white stone fruits such as peach, and white flowers. This is a great expression of Viognier, with well-balanced acidity.
Les Pièces Blanches, Domaine La Rouviole
Pale in colour, this wine offers delicate peach notes, beautifully expressed and balanced with the acidity. The wine has a creaminess to the finish.
Mr Paul, Vignerons Propriétés Associés
Fantastic packaging. This wine has an expressive floral nose along with white fruits. The acidity is lively and balanced, leading to an elegant finish.
Galets Roulés, Domaine DeCalage
Aromas of fresh white fruit, some elderflower and chamomile notes and hint of more tropical fruits. A well-made wine that is balanced and appealing.
Une et Mille Nuits Blanc, Domaine Canet Valette
A lovely example of what can be done with Picpoul, with floral, grapefruit, stone fruit and tropical notes. There’s a creaminess to the wine, thanks to the malolactic fermentation.
Valiant Hill, Earl Domaine Coste Moynier
Pale yellow with a green hue. Vibrant and fresh aromas of lime, lemon and grapefruit with floral top notes and a hint of spice on the palate. Smooth mouthfeel.
Cazot Blanc, Les Vins Alexander Krossa – Vallée des Aigles
Fresh citrus and tropical aromas with ripe lime, oranges and pineapple. Medium-bodied with a creamy mouthfeel and plenty of fruit to balance the acid.
Domaine de la Patience Chardonnay, Domaine de la Patience
Fresh meadow flowers with plenty of white stone fruits – peach and pear come to the fore. This is a well-rounded and pleasant Chardonnay with wide appeal.
Arrivant Blanc, Domaine La Grange
Pale, bright and dry with tart acidity and clean fruit flavours of blossom and lemon citrus. There is a richness to the palate that works very well with the acidity. Approachable.
WHAT TO EXPECT at Millésime BIO 2025
January 27-29, Montpellier Exhibition Center
1,500 exhibitors from all French winemaking regions as well as international producers from 20 different countries.
Three 100%-organic dedicated areas: Beer&Bio, Cider&Bio and Spirit&Bio.
Masterclasses and conferences to understand, question and discuss challenges and opportunities with organic beer, wines and spirits.
A hall dedicated to free tasting to discover more than 1000 references, organised by country, appellation and colour.
“La Biodiversité, c’est mon domaine!” A competition to reward winegrowers committed to biodiversity.
Image credit: Mindprod
