Six New French Wines at Our Wine Shop in Wells

Six new French wines have arrived on the shelves at The Pressoir in Wells. It is a varied little line-up: two characterful reds from Bordeaux and Cahors, a fragrant Viognier, a peppery Syrah, a bright south-west French white and a dry Cinsault rosé.

Each one earns its place for a different reason. Some are easy bottles for a midweek supper; others deserve a slower evening, a generous plate of food and a little more attention. Below you will find straightforward tasting notes, food-pairing ideas and a quick guide to choosing the right bottle.

New French wines at a glance

• Château Barre Gentillot L’Orangerie Rouge: a soft, generous Bordeaux red with plum, dark fruit and gentle vanilla notes.
• Le Gouleyant Cahors Malbec: dark-fruited and savoury, with black cherry, spice and polished tannins.
• Domaine Gayda Gayda-Sphère Viognier: aromatic and fresh, with apricot, citrus and a subtly bitter grapefruit finish.
• Domaine Gayda Gayda-Sphère Syrah: blackberry, blackcurrant, violet, pepper and a touch of mocha.
• Les Courtines Grande Réserve: a zesty, floral south-west French white with lime, passion fruit and gooseberry.
• Réserve St Michel Cinsault Rosé: a dry, refreshing rosé with strawberry, raspberry and a gentle herbal note.

Château Barre Gentillot L’Orangerie Rouge

L’Orangerie Rouge comes from Graves de Vayres, on the right bank of the Dordogne in Bordeaux. It is a Merlot-led blend supported by Cabernet Franc, giving it both ripe fruit and a little savoury structure.

What it tastes like: Plum and dark berry fruit lead the way, followed by a gentle touch of vanilla. The palate is round, juicy and smooth rather than stern, making this a particularly welcoming style of Bordeaux.

Try it with: Roast beef, duck, sausages, mushroom dishes or a mature hard cheese. Choose this one when you want a classic Bordeaux red with generous fruit and no need for ceremony.

Le Gouleyant Cahors Malbec

Cahors is the historic French home of Malbec, where the grape tends to show a darker, more savoury side than it does in many warmer regions. Le Gouleyant is a fine introduction to the style: full of character, but not heavy or overworked.

What it tastes like: Ripe black cherry and dark fruit are joined by spice and an earthy, savoury edge. The tannins are fine and polished, giving the wine enough grip for food while keeping the finish elegant.

Try it with: Steak, lamb, slow-cooked beef, rich lentil dishes or aged cheese. It is the bottle for anyone who enjoys Malbec but wants to explore its more traditional French expression.

Domaine Gayda Gayda-Sphère Viognier

Viognier is famous for perfume and texture, but the best examples keep that richness in balance with freshness. Domaine Gayda’s Gayda-Sphère Viognier does exactly that, offering plenty of aroma without becoming broad or sweet.

What it tastes like: Fresh apricot and clementine sit alongside orange and grapefruit. A light citrus bitterness and a subtle liquorice-root note sharpen the finish, leaving the wine fragrant, clean and elegant.

Try it with: Grilled fish, creamy chicken, a mild curry, roasted squash or soft cheese. This is a lovely choice if you want an expressive white with more texture than Sauvignon Blanc.

Domaine Gayda Gayda-Sphère Syrah

From the same producer comes a Syrah that combines southern French ripeness with the grape’s natural lift and spice. It has enough depth for a hearty meal, yet a fresh line keeps it lively at the table.

What it tastes like: Blackberry and blackcurrant are layered with violet, cracked pepper and a hint of coffee or mocha. It is generous and deep, with an elegant structure and a fresh finish.

Try it with: Lamb, steak, charcuterie, grilled vegetables or a mushroom pie. Reach for it when you fancy a dark-fruited red with a distinctly peppery, savoury character.

Les Courtines Grande Réserve

Les Courtines Grande Réserve is an aromatic dry white from south-west France, made from Sauvignon Blanc, Gros Manseng and Colombard. That combination brings together citrus freshness, floral lift and just enough tropical fruit.

What it tastes like: Lime and white flowers come first, followed by passion fruit, gooseberry and a light pear-drop note. Bright acidity keeps everything crisp, and the finish is fresh and gently floral.

Try it with: Goat’s cheese, shellfish, grilled fish, summer salads or asparagus. It is a good alternative for Sauvignon drinkers who want something familiar enough to enjoy immediately, but with a little extra texture and personality.

Réserve St Michel Cinsault Rosé

Cinsault is perfectly at home in the sunny vineyards of the Languedoc, especially when used for pale, dry and easy-drinking rosé. Réserve St Michel is light on its feet and refreshingly uncomplicated.

What it tastes like: Fresh strawberry and raspberry are balanced by refreshing acidity and a delicate note of dried Mediterranean herbs. The overall impression is dry, bright and clean.

Try it with: Charcuterie, tomato salads, grilled fish, light pasta dishes or simply an aperitif in the sunshine. It is an easy bottle to keep chilled for an unplanned lunch or an early evening glass.

Which bottle should you choose?

• For a soft, classic Bordeaux red: L’Orangerie Rouge.
• For dark fruit, savoury depth and polished tannins: Le Gouleyant Cahors Malbec.
• For a fragrant, textured white: Gayda-Sphère Viognier.
• For blackberry fruit and peppery spice: Gayda-Sphère Syrah.
• For a bright, zesty and floral white: Les Courtines Grande Réserve.
• For a dry, refreshing rosé: Réserve St Michel Cinsault Rosé.

Find these new wines at The Pressoir in Wells

All six wines are available from our wine shop in Wells while stocks last. The shelves change regularly, so do ask David what is drinking especially well or what will suit the food you have planned.

If you would rather let us do the choosing, our curated six-bottle selection is built around your tastes and budget. You can also explore our wine bar or see what we are serving on the current menu.