WWF Easter French Classic Mixed

A cuvée made from 85% young-vine malbec with a little merlot, raised for a short time in old oak barrels and offering a fresh, fruity style of Cahors for opening and enjoying young. We are delighted to name Clos Triguedina a Wine Society Pioneer for their longstanding approach to sustainable production. Their efforts in water conservation are impressive, they use no synthetic chemicals (preferring sexual confusion pheromones to deter pests, and work hard on soil regeneration and graze sheep to graze nitrogen-fixing cover crops while adding a little fertiliser of their own. Biodiversity is a key pillar too, helping to create a balanced ecosystem, with bat and bird nesting boxes and local beekeepers involved. And In the local community, Agathe Jonquères d'Oriola is a member of ‘Vin de Femmes’, a local association of 12 women wine producers who run an annual event that attracts big crowds and provides income for local associations supporting ill women and children.

Expressive and intense oaked Bordeaux Blanc from Château Closiot, a property located in Barsac, purchased by Jean-Marie Guffens of Burgundy fame and his distinctive reductive, oaked style is clear in this new venture. Aromas of struck match, cedar and grapefruit pith on the nose are complemented by a racy yet hugely concentrated palate. Bottled under screwcap so best decanted for 20 minutes before drinking.

A crisp, delicately floral white from the small appellation of Gaillac in south-west France. The wine is made predominantly from the local loin de l'oeil grape with 15% sauvignon blanc. They’re a small producer but they have big ideas about their sustainable credentials and that’s why we have named them a Wine Society Pioneer. From reducing the weight of their bottles and using water soluble labels to encouraging biodiversity the domaine is working hard, introducing more energy and water-efficient equipment and cleaning regimes, dry farming wherever possible, and encouraging biodiversity by planting trees, working with bird protection organisations and allowing some land to grow wild. As part of the local co-operation association, they share equipment and knowledge, particularly about organic farming.

An elegant, moderate-bodied, polished merlot-based Bordeaux red from the satellite Saint-Emilion commune of Lussac that often provide wines of great approachability. The sandier soils here did well in the relatively cool, wet 2021 vintage and it displays soft tannins and a long blueberry and chocolate finish.

Vibrant and crunchy gamay from the volcanic foothills up the upper Loire Valley. Roughly an hour's drive from Beaujolais, on similar bedrock of granite, this is still gamay country and well capable of producing top-quality examples of the grape. 2024 was a cooler vintage and this lends itself brilliantly to this crushable red that's bright and translucent in the glass, with aromas of crushed strawberry, wild cherry, and white pepper and a pure, energetic palate with light tannins, light body and refreshing finish. The ideal candidate for the current chillable reds trend, this comes from a long-standing Wine Society favourite, Domaine Sérol, who are organic and biodynamic certified.

A precise and delicate Vouvray from Clos des Aumones, situated in Rochecorbon, just outside the town of Tours produced by third generation, passionate winemaker Benoit Coulon. White flowers, with mineral hints and a very refreshing profile. A great match for white fish, seafood or goat's cheese.