 I was really impressed by the quality of the Top 100 Vins de Pays competition winners, and the trophy winners in particular. I listed two of them at Sainsbury's, and have used the subsequent publicity to help sell them through quickly. The Rodet Syrah was exclusive to us, and written up by several wine journalists in the following months in the national press. The Chasse du Pape Chardonnay Viognier has featured in two wine festivals and is likely to be a permanent listing in the Spring. I am looking forward to being more involved in this year's tasting and finding some great wines.
Laura Jewell MW, Wine Buyer, Sainsburys
|
|
We were delighted to be awarded the trophy and the extra exposure has had a very positive effect on sales.
Jean-Claude Mas,
Owner and Chief Winemaker of Domaines Paul Mas and Domaine Astruc. Best Merlot Trophy for La Forge Merlot 2003
|
|
More than anything, the tasting confirmed that the Vins de Pays sector has come of age.
Tim Atkin MW, Wine Editor-at-Large, OLN
|
|
The competition was organised and managed superbly. Having a tight group of very experienced judges means that the results are very fair.
Sam Harrop MW, wine consultant.
|
|
|
Vins de Pays is alive and well, and the best are distinctly better than AOC. This is the inescapable conclusion after an interesting two days spent tasting over 600 Vins de Pays.
Charles Metcalfe, Wine International.
|
 |
 The final trophy-winning group was not only outstanding, but displayed one of the most important characteristics of Vins de Pays: that in a world increasingly dominated by standard, albeit reliable brands from the New World, it is refreshing to know that consumers can still make a voyage of genuine discovery closer to home if they're prepared to make the extra effort. All in all, this was a thoroughly well-organised and worthwhile event.
Anthony Rose,
wine writer and columnist for The Independent.
|
|
The final 100 wines prove that this category is both improving and impressive.
Lynne Sherriff MW, wine consultant. |
|
My over-riding impression of the two days' tasting was one of real enjoyment. I think we came up with a fantastic Top 100, and the Trophy winners are especially brilliant.
Simon Thorpe MW,
wine buyer for Waitrose.
|
|
Winning the Trophy for our Vermentino was not only prestigious, it was commercially positive too - it sold out!
Anne & Jonathan James Domaine Saint Hilaire
Trophy for Vermentino 2003
|
We were overjoyed to win this competition and would be glad to participate in the 2005 event. Thanks to this award we succeeded in promoting Rodet Syrah to our main customers.
Patricia Génie Fontaine, Antonin Rodet. Trophy for Best Red Wine end Best Syrah (Rodet Syrah 2002)
|
 |
|
