France’s commitment to the Indian wine market has been unwavering, and Tastin’ France is perhaps the clearest reflection of that dedication. What began as an annual fixture in 2021 by Business France India, has evolved into a robust platform, with a broader lineup of wines and spirits and a strategically aligned schedule alongside ProWine Mumbai for back-to-back showings in Mumbai and New Delhi. This year, as in previous years, I joined the New Delhi leg of the event.
A Renewed French Resolve
The charm of Tastin’ France lies in the familiar faces that come year after year—winemakers who have invested their time, energy, and hopes into India. Their presence signals belief: India is no longer an emerging curiosity but an emerging opportunity.
This year’s lineup—14 producers representing Champagne, the Rhône, Provence, Languedoc, Bordeaux, and more—offered a powerful sweep of French terroir. And more importantly, it showed a unified intention.
Northern Rhône: Character from the Slopes
The Northern Rhône remains one of France’s most compelling wine regions—steep terraces, limited volumes, and wines that combine intensity with purity. Tastin’ France offered a rare chance to taste several of its top appellations side-by-side.
BOTT GRAEME & JULIE
Domaine BOTT Graeme & Julie is the story of a dynamic husband-and-wife team who have rapidly become one of the Northern Rhône’s most admired young estates. Graeme Bott, originally from New Zealand, was himself present at the tasting, hence the wines felt even more personal—each cuvée reflecting the couple’s shared commitment to the fine pedigree of wines that they produce.
Condrieu 2023 – AOP Condrieu
A fine, aromatic Viognier with gentle notes of stone fruits and white flowers. Condrieu’s reputation comes from its ability to deliver richness without heaviness, and this wine captured that balance with ease.
Crozes-Hermitage 2023 – AOP Crozes-Hermitage
Smooth, supple Syrah—friendly yet recognisably Northern Rhône. It offers a glimpse of Hermitage’s personality in a more accessible form.
Côte-Rôtie 2022 – AOP Côte-Rôtie
Here, the pedigree is unmistakable. Silky texture, lifted aromatics, and a savoury, gently smoky thread that defines the appellation. Côte-Rôtie’s famed “roasted slopes” often yield wines with both perfume and depth, and this example delivered that duality beautifully.
Cornas 2022 – AOP Cornas
Cornas is known as the powerhouse of the Northern Rhône, and this bottle lived up to that heritage—dark-toned, brooding Syrah carried by firm but composed structure. Still, there was a freshness beneath the intensity, hinting at graceful ageing ahead.
Sun-lit Expressions from Provence & Languedoc
Maison Saint Aix (Provence)
Maison Saint Aix stands among Provence’s most recognisable rosé producers, crafting wines from vineyards set at one of the highest elevations in the region. With its sun-drenched slopes and cool nights, the estate captures the classic charm of Provence in a fresh, contemporary style.
Aix Rosé – AOP Coteaux d’Aix – 2024
A well- balanced premium rosé with a beautiful salmon pink colour. The wine is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault and expresses a fresh and fragrant nose, with a sophisticated palate of fresh red fruits and peach. The wine is already imported in India by Wine Park.
Aix White – AOP Coteaux d’Aix – 2024
A bright, refreshing white with gentle citrus and orchard-fruit notes supported by a soft herbal lift. The blend of Vermentino, Grenache, and Sauvignon Blanc brings a crisp, balanced palate with a lightly Mediterranean character
PAUL MAS
Domaines Paul Mas brings a bold, contemporary flair to Languedoc winemaking, underpinned by a deep respect for the region’s heritage. Their range at the tasting highlighted the vibrant, sun-lit spirit of the Mediterranean south.
Astelia “Grand Occitan” Tannes 122 – IGP Pays d’Oc – 2022
Structured yet smooth—a polished Languedoc Cabernet.
Arrogant Frog Red Velvet – IGP Pays d’Oc – 2023
Friendly, fruit-forward, and uncomplicated. A dependable everyday red.
Jardin des Roses – IGP Pays d’Oc – 2024
Bright, fresh, and charming—a rosé with easy drinkability.
Saint-Émilion: Where Pedigree Meets Personality
CHÂTEAU CHAUVIN
Château Chauvin- a St Émilion Grand Cru Classé – represents the elegance of northern Saint-Émilion, with vineyards positioned between Cheval Blanc and the Pomerol border.
The estate was represented at the tasting by none else than Sylvie Cazes, one of Bordeaux’s most respected wine leaders.
Château Chauvin 2019 – Grand Cru Classé
A poised, expressive Saint-Émilion—plush Merlot fruit interwoven with gentle spice, elegant oak, and refined tannins. The wine shows the balance that Grand Cru Classé estates are known for: richness without excess, and an approachable structure.
Château Chauvin 2011 – Grand Cru Classé
Gracefully matured, offering softened edges and savoury complexity. A reminder of how outstanding Right Bank wines age. The 2011 vintage sported their old label with an uncanny resemblance to the famed Château Cheval Blanc from the same region.
Folie de Chauvin 2021 – Grand Cru
“Folie” is French for “craziness”. True to its name, the wine had a youthful exuberance while still retaining its complexity emanating from its pedigree . The wine had red berry tones and a mineral touch reminiscent of Saint-Émilion’s terroir.
Médoc Heritage & the Cru Bourgeois Tradition
DOMAINES CGR
Domaines CGR takes its name from the three historic Médoc estates that anchor the group: Château La Cardonne (C), Château Grivière (G), and Château Ramafort (R). These neighbouring properties share a long lineage dating back to the 17th century
Château La Cardonne 2017 – Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel
Balanced, refined, and very classically Médoc. A wine with quiet confidence, showing why this estate sits at the top of the Cru Bourgeois ladder.
The Cru Bourgeois classification remains one of Bordeaux’s most reliable quality markers in the Médoc—positioned just below the Grand Cru Classé estates yet offering a more accessible, rigorously evaluated tier. At its summit, Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel highlights properties whose consistency and terroir expression approach Grand Cru standards without the formality or price tag.
Château Grivière 2015 – Cru Bourgeois
Rounded and accessible, with the warmth of the vintage shining through.
Vin 2010 – AOC Médoc
Released after extended cellaring—smooth, savoury, and showing the layered nuances that come with bottle age.
Bordeaux’s Contemporary Side
CHÂTEAU HAUT MEILLAC
Château Haut Meillac stands out for its regenerative farming philosophy, integrating biodiversity and traditional methods into its vineyard work. The estate’s approach yields wines that are honest, clean, and expressive of their Right Bank origins. Their rosé and Merlot-based cuvées offered a refreshing, contemporary perspective on Bordeaux.
Lalande-de-Pomerol 2024
Soft, pleasing, and gently structured—a youthful Merlot with easy charm.
C’est Chouette Rosé (Pet Nat)– 2024
A delightful pétillant naturel (pet nat) wine with a fresh and lively character. Enjoyable on its own or with sea food, fresh salads, puffed pastry etc. Andrada told me that the illustration on the label is actually drawn from her picture in the vineyards.
La Débutante Rosé 2024
A floral and delicate wine with a crisp finish. The cuvée comprises of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and a touch of Sauvignon Blanc.
Sparkling Touches
LES PRODUCTEURS RÉUNIS
Les Producteurs Réunis are a trading company that offers an eclectic, international-leaning collection of wines and spirits. Their range includes sparkling wines, Scotch whiskies, and tequilas—an accessible lineup suited to diverse markets. Their “charmat method ” sparkling trio added a lively, easy-drinking element to the tasting.
LVDOVICVS XIV Brut – NV
Crisp and refreshing—an uncomplicated sparkling for all occasions.
LVDOVICVS XIV Rosé – NV
Soft berry lift with a festive character.
LVDOVICVS XIV Demi-Sec – NV
A slightly sweeter style that works nicely with appetisers or celebrations.
Closing Thoughts
Tastin’ France 2025 stood out not only for its wines but for its sense of intent. By framing the event around ProWine Mumbai, Business France ensured exposure at scale while facilitating intimate exchanges between producers and Indian professionals. The event reminded us of something simple yet vital: wine is about connection—between people, cultures, and stories. And in that sense, this year’s edition was a success poured one glass at a time.
