The New Beaujolais is not Nouveau – 11 November 2008
On 20 November, we will see the arrival of Beaujolais Nouveau in France and across the world. But this year, Beaujolais winemakers are asking British wine drinkers to take a new – not Nouveau – look at Beaujolais to discover that there is more to the region than these primeur wines. Beaujolais runs and Nouveau parties were once the height of fashion but the trendy wine to have in your glass this winter is one of the Beaujolais Crus.
Autumn Optimism at French Trade Fair - 15 October 2008
The annual Autumn Exclusive French Wines Fair which took place at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, London on Wednesday 8 October 2008, was clear evidence of the vitality of French Wines. The event, themed around the strategic segment of wines retailing at £6+, attracted 43 exhibitors and was extremely busy with attendance up by 14% on last year. Nearly 400 wines were shown from over 80 producers from all French regions.
Chapman Lamb’s Lettuce Champ – 25 September 2008
The title of ‘UK Mâche Master 2008’ was awarded to House of Commons Sous Chef, Nick Chapman at the International Mâche Match UK final held in the Houses of Parliament kitchens on Tuesday 23 September.
Chapman will represent the UK in the international final to be held in the Loire Valley, France in November where he will compete against his French and Spanish counterparts for title of International Mâche Master 2008 and a prize of £1000.
Côtes Du Rhône Wines Launches New Advertising Campaign - 23 September 2008
The new Côtes du Rhône UK advertising campaign will break on 25 September 2008. In a move away from the cartoon hedgehog and hippo concept, the new campaign shows a touch of grown-up sophistication, whilst still emphasising the strap-line “Think Red, Think Côtes du Rhône Wines” and maintaining the originality which has become the trademark for this generic wine brand.
Le Crunch Packs a Punch - 11 September 2008
Le Crunch is getting the French apple season off to a strong start this month unveiling a UK marketing campaign to include a national schools programme, a heavy-weight trade event and in-store promotions spanning the entire season.
The schools programme begins this month spreading healthy eating messages among 6,000 primary school members using ‘Le Crunch Crew Playtime Club’ apple characters designed especially to appeal to children.
Grab a Broom and Get over to The Rhône Halloween Quiz Night - 10 September 2008
Brace yourselves for the return of the Côtes du Rhône Halloween Quiz Night. Bigger, badder and more popular than ever, the Halloween theme has been reincarnated for 2008 so it’s time to start planning your grisly comeback.
Full House for France at the National Theatre - 8 September 2008
To coincide with French Wines’ sponsorship of in-i at the National Theatre this autumn, the Mezzanine restaurant at the venue is offering a fully French menu to go with its exclusively French wine list. Wine recommendations to match the dishes have been suggested by wine expert Jancis Robinson MW, such as a steely Chablis with the Dorade (sea bream) and an earthy Cahors with the Cassoulet de Toulouse.
New Love for French Goat's Cheese - 13 August 2008
Sales volume of French goat’s cheese is up 30 per cent from 2007 due to new category buyers, according to research out today by the French Goat’s Cheese campaign.
The research carried out by TNS shows that French varieties account for one third of the goat’s cheese category at a value of £5.5m, making the total French volume sold 522,000kgs against 400,000kgs the year before. This year’s volumes also saw a 2.5 per cent growth from 2006.
See the Royalty of French Wines at the Queen Elizabeth Hall - 11 August 2008
The annual Autumn Exclusive French Wines Fair will take up residence at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, London on Wednesday 8 October 2008 (Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer, 10.30am to 5pm).
The Fair, themed around a strategic segment of the UK market, will host some 40 exhibitors showcasing over 400 of the best of French wines retailing at £6+.
National Theatre Goes French - August 2008
French Wines has launched a high profile sponsorship programme with the National Theatre in London this autumn, sponsoring the London premiere of a new work of dance theatre entitled in-i, created by Oscar-winning actress Juliette Binoche and one of the world’s leading dancer/choreographers, Akram Khan. For eleven weeks around the run, all 48 wines available in the bars, cafés and restaurants will be French.
