These Friday and Saturday 25 and 26 November 2022 took place the Grand Tasting, in Paris, at the Carrousel du Louvre.
The now very famous end-of-year event of the Festival des Grands Vins, starring the inevitable Thierry Desseauve and Michel Bettane, has once again kept its promises.
JUSTFOCUS went on site for the 2nd consecutive year, enough to provide richer feedback from this last edition of the Grand Tasting 2022.
Even more discoveries, even more people
A crazy world. That's what all the stands told us. From day one. Most could not help but "tap" in the reserve of Saturday wines, as this Friday, November 25 was full of people. Much more than last year.
Victim of its success, the event attracts more and more curious people, some of whom come to taste wines that you drink only once in your life. It seemed to us to see the young clientele even more represented than the previous edition. This bodes well, while the younger generations show little interest in the culture of French wines and champagnes.
More than 300 exhibitors, spread over 3 rooms of the sublime Carrousel. Always 30 € the place for the day, 40 € for the 2 days. A Riedel glass as a deposit, which we tend to want to keep, for the souvenir. Smiling stands, friendly as possible, until closing. A pedagogical and fun approach, focused on sharing and transmission.
The (6) Grand Tasting favorites 2022
You couldn't be there this time? Don't panic. Back on the favorites of the editor, by a small overview by colors (non-exhaustive list and not classified by preference):
THE REDS present at the Grand tasting
Château QUINAULT L'ENCLOS
Saint Émilion Grand Cru – 2018
A jewel, designed by experts at CHEVAL BLANC, no less. A wine that does not suffer from expectations or excessive pressures, and yet has notes of very great wines. It is unctuous, gullible and generous. A quality ratio probably unbeatable, for a bottle of pleasure worthy of great restaurants.
DOMAINE COLOMBO- TERRES BRULÉES
CORNAS – 2019 Jean Luc Colombo
The furious madness of the Rhone Valley in the mouth… smoked, powerful, aromatic. The leather is very exhilarating, the secondary aromas are generously scattered in the mouth, it lasts a long time. We always stay close to the fruit, even with the pepper berries present all along. Excellent aging potential. For a very interesting price!
PLURAL OF BLANC
Château DOISY-DAËNE
GRAND CRU CLASSÉ 2016 BARSAC
A complex and subtle Sauternes. Delicate palate, with an acidity that counterbalances well the sweetness of the sweet. Pineapple and tropical, it is a dangerous nectar as it is drunk with disconcerting ease. Always at an affordable festive price for a joyful event, from aperitif to dessert.
DOMAINE HUET – VOUVRAY
THE HIGH PLACE DEMI SEC 2020
A very balanced, fresh and floral wine. Jasmine, white flowers and citrus. It is thirst-quenching and greedy. Honey and sweetness brighten up the aromas in the mid-palate. Beautiful pale yellow dress, we come back with joy.
CHAMPAGNES
BESSERAT DE BELLEFON
Vintage 2008
69% Chardonnay
21% Pinot Noir
10% Miller
Very low use of draw liquor, light and aerial foaming. The bubbles are on average 30% finer than a classic champagne. It does not undergo Malolactic fermentation (2nd fermentation), the dosage seems ideal (7g). This is our great favorite of the Grand Tasting: exceptional mouth, intoxicating nose. Fine, green apple and rum cake. A fireworks display that does not leave indifferent. A daydream.
CHARLES HEIDSIECK
GROSS RESERVE
Proportion of unheard-of reserve wines: 40%… 10 years old on average. Ultra demanding maturation criteria (up to 5 times longer than Champagne standards). A classic brut cuvée can equal prestigious cuvées from neighbouring houses. Beautiful roasted notes, we have sensations of pure buttery brioches in the mouth. A very open champagne, it accompanies the whole meal. The foam is pleasant, it persists and leaves a creamy memory.
See you next year to follow the evolution of the most beautiful wine and champagne event of the year!
