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Majestic Guides: Buyers Recommend –The pick of England & France
A showdown for the ages, between two countries with a huge amount of shared heritage in food and, of course, wine.
Both England and France have a rich and diverse history when it comes to drinks, with so much to discover and enjoy. The French have a history of wine which dates back to the sixth century BC, whilst England, a resurgent grower, has more and more vines being planted across the country than ever before.
So we asked our award-winning Buying Team to provide their top French and English picks. With hundreds of different options to choose from across Majestic’s diverse range, here are their top picks.
Award-Winning Chardonnay Selected by Elizabeth Kelly MW – Burgundy Buyer
"Chardonnay is a grape which does brilliantly on both sides of the channel. For me, the ultimate expression is Burgundy – so I've gone for our own label Definition White Burgundy as my French pick. It’s zingy yet creamy from being aged in barrels for eight months. Perfect when matched with a buttery roast chicken. In 2022, this wine won an IWC award for the 2020 vintage.” Definition White Burgundy
Essex and Chardonnay might not be an obvious connection, but this area has warm growing seasons and light rainfall making it a great spot for making fantastic wines. The 2020 vintage is also an IWC award winner – making it a brilliant play-off contender.”
"For France, I’ve chosen the excellent Sassy Cidre Brut. Made from super secret recipes which took years to create, it’s a blend of 22 hand picked Normandy apple varieties. It shows just how good cider from across the channel can be.”
“For England, I’ve gone right the way back to the 18th Century and one of the most renowned names in apples. From only the finest orchards, this is lightly sparkling dry and delicious. Almost 300 years on, Aspall continue to pioneer a new standard for British fine cyder.”
“I had to go Champagne for my French pick, and a superb Majestic classic at that. The Devaux 'Oeil de Perdrix' Rosé Champagne. Winemaker Michel is all about maximum flavour. Pinot Noir grapes are picked late in the harvest for as much aromatic flavour as possible. Michel then uses only the first press of the grapes, guaranteeing freshness.”
“The English Sparkling Wine scene is as exciting as it is varied, and I love this one from the team at Balfour. It’s traditional method with grapes grown from the Hush Heath estate in Kent. Delicate, vibrant and great value at this price point. A real English winner.”
Rival Spirits Selected by John Storm –Trading Director
France and England both have their own iconic spirits, so I’ve chosen two which really encapsulate the regions they were created in
“For France, it had to be Calvados. Made using traditional methods and traditional apple varieties this is a real taste of the French countryside made for the 21st Century. This Calvados brandy is distilled from this cider and aged for at least two years in oak for a complex and sophisticated finish. It's something truly special.”
"And for England, it of course had to be a gin. But not just any gin, the Cotswolds Dry Gin. This multi-gold-award-winning spirit is a lushly aromatic yet dry style of gin. It’s made with nine Cotswolds-sourced botanicals including lavender, lime peel and grapefruit zest.”