Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/221505
Winery Exchange Importers Kathleen Burns, Suzanne Bergstrom and winemaker Laurent Delaunay. Without the restrictions of an A.O.C., Syrah can be grown in Bordeaux, Grenache can be bottled as a varietal on its own and proprietary names can be used for unique blends—their common ground: the country of France. Consisting of both growers, producers and négociants, the 30-board members of ANIVIN DE FRANCE have decades of experience among them. The group represents both large and small companies, both highend and value wineries, all making distinctive varietals and cuvées with freedom they've never had before. "Each company is quality-controlled and audited," Wines like Pâtisserie 2012, a Vin de France blend of Grenache, Syrah and Merlot, from Badet Clément & Co. and imported by Winery Exchange Inc., retails for about $10. It is pleasantly ripe and fruit-driven, drawing from the flavors of the traditional French cherry cake, the clafoutis. Blend No. 8, from worldrenowned French producer Sacha Lichine (see page 44), combines Grenache, Syrah and Merlot under the Vin de France label. Lichine has developed a line of New World wines from France: Sacha Lichine–Vins Sans Frontières, which consists of a selection of growers and wines crafted throughout the region of France. His wines are imported by Shaw-Ross International. How to Create a Vin de France n Grow grapes in France. n Register with FranceAgriMer, a branch of the French Ministry of Agriculture that ensures the quality and authenticity of French food and beverage products. n Upon registering, a certification number will be issued, completing the ANIVIN DE FRANCE membership application process and subjecting the wines to all FranceAgriMer control measures. A selection of Vin de France releases at a recent tasting in San Francisco. december 2013 / the tasting panel / 57 TP1213_034-63.indd 57 11/23/13 8:27 PM