From 27 to 29 January 2025, the grand event Millésime BIO, the world’s largest trade fair for organic wines and spirits, will kick off the wine industry’s professional trade show season. Featuring exhibitors from 16 countries, 1,500 participants will present their vintages to an audience of restaurateurs, sommeliers, wine merchants, and importers. This is important because what is tasted at Millésime BIO””held annually in Montpellier in the south of France””eventually makes its way to our tables!
At Kachen, we’ve taken the initiative by selecting 4 wines that will be showcased at Millésime BIO! Organic wines are available at all price ranges, including more affordable options.
But before making your mouth water, here are three things to bear in mind about organic wines:
- The organic farming label is an official mark of quality, defined by European regulations that prohibit the use of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, which are responsible for biodiversity loss and pollution of water and soil. Organic wines represent a farming approach that genuinely respects the environment.
- Organic wines are on the rise. In France, nearly 22% of vineyards are cultivated according to organic farming principles. The figure is 18% in Spain and Italy. In these three countries, which are the world’s leading producers of organic wine, the organic vineyard area has tripled over the past ten years.
- We’re drinking more and more of it. This is partly because there’s more of it available and, often, we drink it without even realising it unless we check the back label. Moreover, consumers are increasingly prioritising organic products, especially when it comes to wine””a product chosen for its taste, story, and the winemaker’s ethos.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, here’s our selection from a tasting session with the Kachen team and sommelier Jun Ruan, a member of the Luxembourgish Sommelier Union:
Château Tour de l’Évêque
Cuvée Pétale de Rose, 2024
Rosé, AOP Côtes de Provence
- Average Price: €19
- What we loved: The lovely citrus notes and the lightness on the palate.
- Jun’s Opinion: “A delightful rosé for summer, with excellent value for money.”
- Verdict: The team appreciated its fruity profile and light pink colour, emblematic of Provence rosés.
Château la Canorgue
Cuvée Château la Canorgue, 2023
White, AOP Luberon (Rhône Valley)
- Average Price: €12.50
- What we loved: Its floral aroma and roundness on the palate, revealing pleasant bitterness and hints of iodine.
- Jun’s Opinion: “A success. Serve chilled””ideal with a cheese platter or cheese-based dishes like raclette.”
- Verdict: A unanimous favourite among the team for its floral and rounded profile. Excellent value for money.
Château Les Vignals
Cuvée La Fauvette Noire, 2022
Red, AOP Gaillac (Southwest France)
- Average Price: €23
- What we loved: The deep black colour with violet reflections and the concentrated palate, which reveals notes of blackberry, vanilla, and brioche.
- Jun’s Opinion: “A rich and indulgent wine. Perfect with slow-cooked game meat.”
- Verdict: A wine that does not disappoint! Tip: Decant before serving… or age it in your cellar for a few years.
Château de Chambert
Cuvée Château de Chambert, 2017
Red, AOP Cahors (Southwest France)
- Average Price: €24
- What we loved: Some appreciated the fruity and violet notes, while others enjoyed the cedar or pine hints.
- Jun’s Opinion: “On the palate, there are evolved notes with beautiful mushroom aromas. Yet, it still retains its youthful floral characteristics!”
- Verdict: A unanimous favourite, even more so considering its exceptional value for money.
Why not organise your own organic wine tasting?
For the ultimate experience:
- Ask your favourite wine merchant to select bottles for a blind tasting so the region and label don’t influence your opinion.
- For an even better experience, invite an independent sommelier to guide the tasting and provide expert advice.
Keep in mind:
- Provide enough glasses so that guests can switch between wines if they wish.
- Offer spittoons for everyone, as the goal of a tasting is not to finish every bottle but to savour them.
- Prepare a notebook and pen for each guest to jot down impressions and remember their favourites.
Partner Content
