French do not know their wine

AS France prepares to go on a wine-buying spree with the opening of the foires aux vins this month, it has been revealed that seven out of 10 French people know nothing about their national drink.

And despite the Senate voting to include wine in France’s “gastronomic heritage” – a move welcomed by 78% of those polled – the survey by wine magazine Terre et Vins found only 3% of people said that they were knowledgeable about wine.

The survey showed that 85% of the 18-25 age group did not know their wines and the magazine said that this could not continue, especially with the rise in “binge drinking”. It is to launch a campaign for young people to be taught about wine from the age of 17.

Although some outlets have already started their Foire aux Vin the major retailers are preparing to launch in the next few days, and discount store Lidl started this morning.

It has more than 150 different wines – all French – and is pushing its range up-market for the four-day event, which lasts until September 6.

It includes a Saint-Emilion La Tour du Pin Figeac 2009 at €25.99; Lussac-Saint-Emilion 2012, from Château La Claymore, at €9.79; a 2013 Alsace white, Tête à Tête (riesling and pinot gris), at €6.99 and a 2012 Corbières, Jean-Claude Mas, at €5.99.

Lidl sticks with French wines as does Franprix with some special Burgundies, such as Beaune Premier Cru, Pommard et Mercurey, while Leclerc has more than 1,200 wines tasted and approved by “world’s best sommelier” Andreas Larsson.

Dates for the start of the Foires aux Vins: Casino Sept 8-20; Auchan Sept 9-21; Intermarché/Leader Price Sept 10-21; Carrefour Sept 10-22; Monoprix Sept 10-28; Nicolas Sept 10-Oct 7; Franprix Sept 11-21; Carrefour Market Sept 19-Oct 5; Hyper U (and other U shops) Sept 23-Oct 11.

Today also sees the launch of this year’s Guide Hachette des Vins 2015 which lists tasting notes for 8,000 bottles and best buys (Hachette Vins, €29.90).
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