Antoine Frachon's Wine List
What am I drinking these days
For reasons I cannot really explain, I have been drinking a lot of Viognier over the last six months. I do love the big obvious aromas of stone fruits and apricot that you find in this variety from the northern Rhone Valley, but the freshness of the floral notes of the 2023 Cinerino from Piedmont is sensational and has been a lovely apéritif during the long winter months. Another white I consistently reach for is the 2022 Pouilly Fuissé Les Châtaigniers from Domaine Barraud. A fine nose of white peach and a rich bouquet showing some mirabelle and ripe pear aromas. Domaine Barraud has brought this part of Burgundy to a whole other level of sophistication and this is reflected in all his cuvées, I’m a big fan here! And with Spring at the door, it is time to gently get back to rosé. The 2023 Ramato from Visintini is the perfect companion for that. Delicately pink and so much to express, this is very fine juice and very well priced.
Among the many Italian reds we have on our shelves, 2022 Bolgheri Rosso Le Macchiole amazes me every single year when the new vintage lands. Mostly Merlot with some Cabernet Sauvignon, it has this little splash of Syrah which spices it up - this is definitely in my top 5 in the L&S range! And the wine rack should never be without 2020 'Rippon' Mature Vine Pinot Noir, an authentic “vin de terroir”. Supple with red cherry and black fruit notes with a long gentle finish, a great achievement by Nicks Mills and his team.
There is always a bottle of champagne in my fridge. No need to be fancy or pricey but we are ready to sparkle anytime in la casa Frachon. True story. And it is a bottle of Gonet Medeville Blancs de Noirs which is currently waiting to be free. A gentle ‘blush’ colour with a vivid acidity, flavours of cooked apple and freshly baked biscuit on the palate. If you like intensity and richness in your bubbles, you are in for a treat!
Antoine Frachon
