Looking to discover unique wines produced by small vineyards and family-owned wineries? These recommendations for French wine from Bakus Cellars will transport you to the heart of the French countryside!
Do you love all things French? If your answer is “Oui!”, then you are going to love the French wine from Bakus Cellars. Launched in Hong Kong in 2020 by a member of a third-generation French wine-making family, Bakus Cellars specialises in importing and distributing wine produced by small vineyards and family-owned wineries from some of the best wine regions in France. Named for the Roman god of wine, their goal is to introduce Hong Kong wine lovers to simple, authentic and quality wine at a very fair price. Looking to discover the best of French wine from the comfort of your own home in Hong Kong? You’re off to a good start with these top picks for French wine from Bakus Cellars.
Explore French wine from Backus Cellars
1. Provence: Domaine De Canta Rainette
Passed down through generations, the Canta Rainette winery has been in the same family since 1958. In 1990, Edouard and Denise Castellino followed the family tradition, but brought in profound transformations and modernisations. Today, joined by their son Mathieu, they run a domaine that covers 30 hectares and produces rosé, white and red Provence wines.
Try Origines Rosé – AOP Côtes de Provence from Domaine de Canta Rainette
This rosé is characterized by a rose petal color, elegant aromas, and remarkable finesse. It’s full of the light and tenacity that typifies the Provence terroir. Fresh, fruity and light… the perfect wine for a junk boat party or barbecue!
2. Savoy: Domaine Philippe Ravier
Wine has been a Ravier family tradition for generations, passed down from father to son. Today, the Ravier vineyard, 35 hectare estate, is run by Philippe and Sylvain Ravier, a proud father and son partnership who work their vines with love and whose roots run deep in the heart of Savoie.
Try Chardonnay (white) – AOP Vin de Savoie from Domaine Philippe Ravier
This Chardonnay is fresh and light with a nice minerality. The nose reveals the richness of the fruit, with some flowers and spices hints: flinty notes of iris, mango and pineapple. A dry white wine that will complement with cheese and seafood.
3. Rhone Valley: Domaine Chaboud-Cellier
The story begins in 1798, in Saint-Péray, when Louis-Alexandre Faure creates the winery. Famous for inventing the Saint-Péray sparkling, the Domaine kept developing along the decades. In 2020, Stéphan Chaboud—a sixth generation winemaker—met Charlène Cellier, oenologist. The duo decided to partner and start a new chapter of the family winery, which now covers 13 hectares.
Try Cornas (red) – AOP Cornas from Domaine Chaboud-Cellier
This Rhône Valley wine has a nice ruby red colour with purple hints. The nose opens up on dark fruit aromas (blackberry, blackcurrant) with some spicy notes. Round tannins and a soft oaky touch that delivers finesse. The perfect pair for a Sunday roast or beef stew.
4. Alsace: Domaine Aimé Stentz
In 1919 Jacob Stentz purchased his first vine plots and decided to produce his own wine in the village of Wettolsheim in Alsace. Year after year, generations of the Stentz family have continued to develop and modernise the estate. The winery is now run by Marc Stentz, the fifth génération, and his family. In 2010, the winery was certified to produce organic wine.
Try Organic Riesling (white) – AOP Vin d’Alsace from Domaine Aimé Stentz
The nose reveals subtle citrus and floral notes. Very fresh with a balanced structure. This dry and minerally Riesling will go perfectly with most dim sum dishes and Asian cuisine. Whether it’s spicy, sweet, fatty or tangy, Riesling easily handles all of those flavours.
5. Bordeaux: Château Haut Peyrat
Built in the 16th century, Château Haut Peyrat overlooks a magnificent 40 hectare terroir—including vines, woods and meadows—in the heart of the famous “Bordelaise Tuscany”. Driven by their passion for wine, Isabelle and Didier Gil acquired the almost abandoned château in 2014 to renovate and restructure the vineyard, resulting in a wonderful range of Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux wines.
Try Ténor (red) – AOC Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux from Château Haut Peyrat
A very elegant and fruity Bordeaux wine. Ténor reveals intense fruity notes of strawberry and cherry, as well as spicy and powdery aromas. On the palate, it is characterized by its liveliness and velvety tannins. The match is perfect with cold meats as well as with chicken dishes with sauce.
6. Champagne: Maison Monmarthe
The Monmarthe family have lived in Ludes since 1737. In 1930, Ernest Monmarthe decided to launch his own champagne and founded the Maison. Generation after generation, Champagne Monmarthe has continued to offer top quality champagnes. Today the house is run by Jean-Guy Monmarthe, the sixth generation.
Try Blanc de Blancs (white) – Champagne from Maison Monmarthe
A very elegant, structured and subtle Blanc de Blancs. This Blanc de Blancs is made with grapes from the two oldest vine plots of Maison Montmartre. The bubbles are very fine and delicate, which contrasts with the structure and freshness of this champagne. The pairing is perfect with white fish and desserts… or by its own for festive occasions. This bottle comes in a gift box, perfect for Mid-Autumn celebrations!
7. Loire Valley: Domaine De Noiré
Odile and Jean-Max Manceau bought Domaine de Noiré in 2001. Since then they have devoted themselves to returning the vineyard to its former glory. Involved with wine for over three generations, their shared passion continues to guide their daily lives. Domaine de Noiré is situated at Noiré, the first Chinon production area to be classified at the beginning of the 20th century.
Try Soif de Tendresse (red) – Organic AOC Chinon from Domaine de Noiré
This organic Chinon has a deep ruby color. It is well-balanced and fruity, with discreet tannins. An easy-drinking wine to be enjoyed young, with white meat, red meats and most cheeses.
8. Beaujolais: Pardon & Fils
Pardon & Fils celebrated its 200th birthday in 2020! The winery was created by Antoine Joseph Pardon in 1820. It quickly became very popular in the Beaujolais area and the family started to sell its wines across France and Europe. Over the years, the winery grew and developed to cover different appellations. Pardon & Fils is now run by the fifth and sixth generations of the family.
Try Juliénas (red) – AOC Julienas from Pardon & Fils
Grapes from very old vines are used to create this wine. This Juliénas has a dark and intense color. A fresh, rich and powerful fruity wine that will go very well with barbecue and roasts.
Order French wine from Bakus Cellars now
With so much to enjoy and explore, wine delivery from Bakus Cellars couldn’t be easier or more simple. Delivery can start at just one bottle, and delivery is free of charge with an order of six bottles or more. Still not sure what to try—or just a fan of surprises? Be sure to sign up for the Bakus Box for a curated selection of best wines to try. You may just discover your new favourite!
Honeycombers readers can enjoy 10% off their first order of French wine from Bakus Cellars when they enter the code HONEYCOMBERS10 (expires 30 November 2021).
Looking for more new wines to discover? Follow Bakus Cellars on Instagram and Facebook as they are constantly adding to their range with new wines from other famous French wine regions. Santé!
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This post is sponsored by Bakus Cellars.
