We are off to France early in September and I know that Lidl's wine fair will be on. Presumably others too? We usually bring back boxes for home quaffing, but I would like to bring some good stuff back as well, possibly for Christmas presents. What do people recommend?
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You can see the list of dates for the big retailers here.
We’re going to stock up with fizz for our daughter’s wedding next year. Leclerc at Champfleury just south of Reims has a great selection of Champagne and some good bargains and unusual brands
You could visit some actual producers and bring me back a few bottles of Alsace white wine from the Domaine Pierre Adam at Ammerschwihr or red from Chateau des Tours at Sarrians in the southern Rhône. You won’t find either in supermarkets.
Quote: Originally posted by JoannaLesley on 26/8/2024
We are off to France early in September and I know that Lidl's wine fair will be on. Presumably others too? We usually bring back boxes for home quaffing, but I would like to bring some good stuff back as well, possibly for Christmas presents. What do people recommend?
Hard to tell as none of the supermarkets, even Lidl, have released their catalogues yet. The wines bought in for the wine fairs isn't the same brands as they usually stock all year round.
What they usually sell in the wine fairs are;
Wines being cleared by the producers to make room in the cellars etc.
New blends from established producers testing the market.
Wines specifically produced for wine fairs, often from young vines.
Wines from new producers aiming to establish themselves.
It's handy to get the supermarkets catalogue as the wines will often by "scored" - however the highest scores of ten sell out quickly.
Not going to recommend any particular wine at this time as I know one that has been in Lidl wine fairs for the last few years that SGThomas is rather partial to (me as well) and wouldn't want it to be sold out before he gets his mitt's on a case or several.
ps - an approximate route might be handy as I may be able to point out specific supermarkets and perhaps even the odd producer where I've had good experiences in the past.
Post last edited on 26/08/2024 15:34:48
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Depends what wine you want to buy. If it's French then I would suggest a large Carrefour. If you want non French then I suppose Lidl might be the place to go. With so many supermarkets like Waitrose and Tesco at home doing 25% off deals is it really worth bringing loads of wine from abroad. I am not even sure what the restrictions are now.
Quote: Originally posted by David Klyne on 26/8/2024
Depends what wine you want to buy. If it's French then I would suggest a large Carrefour. If you want non French then I suppose Lidl might be the place to go. With so many supermarkets like Waitrose and Tesco at home doing 25% off deals is it really worth bringing loads of wine from abroad. I am not even sure what the restrictions are now.
David
When I come back to the UK my first reaction to seeing supermarket prices for French wine is "how much"??!! (and that includes any discount). I'd say additional cost in UK between 20 and 50 percent - largely down to excise duty which we don't pay in France,
We will be in Deux Sevres, but taking some days out. Our "local" supermarket is Intermarche, but there are others within striking distance. OH doesn't drink, so wine tasting trips are not on our agenda.
Yes, I prefer French, but have an unfortunate allergy to red. Any red we bring back will be for gifts. Between us (I have all his allowance) we can bring back 36 litres of still wine. We don't bring much fizz, as it's a bore drinking it alone!
I know that Stuart Thomas is keen on Lidl wine fairs and that's one of the reasons why I asked. Also, we are taking my Mercedes convertible this time, rather than the Freelander, so will have less space.
------------- Freedom is a light caravan and an open road.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
We prefervthe sparkling Loire which is better value than champagne. You can visit the caves if which there are plenty around Saumur. You get a tour and some good prices if you buy a few cases. Of course since brexit you can't bring as much back!
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I've just had the catalogue for next weeks in my postbox amd it corresponds to the one in my link above.
The CdR is still 1.99 euro a bottle if you buy 6 Stuart.
We are only in a car and it will be difficult to get 6 cases in.Something has to go. Had the same wife for 67years, so she will have to make room for them. I will miss her.
Quote: Originally posted by JoannaLesley on 26/8/2024
We are off to France early in September and I know that Lidl's wine fair will be on. Presumably others too? We usually bring back boxes for home quaffing, but I would like to bring some good stuff back as well, possibly for Christmas presents. What do people recommend?
You said you wanted some better stuff - and so if you or anyone else happens to be travelling out of Cherbourg or Roscoff seek out the Wine Beer Supermarket which has a branch in both those towns (look for the red bus parked outside). That store really does have a range from cheap to dear - including some quality wines from reputable producers .
Managed to find a couple of belting regional red wines on the last trip - Marcillac AOC; and Coteaux de la Vezère Gamade. May have been local to where we were in the Perigord. Both featured on restaurant wine list, but picked up a couple of bottles from SuperU!
Quote: Originally posted by morepints on 28/8/2024
Managed to find a couple of belting regional red wines on the last trip - Marcillac AOC; and Coteaux de la Vezère Gamade. May have been local to where we were in the Perigord. Both featured on restaurant wine list, but picked up a couple of bottles from SuperU!
Not quite local to Perigord.
Marcillac is from a couple of departments to the east,Aveyron,to the NW of Rodez.
Coteaux de Vezere are a bit nearer home, coming from north of Brive in the Correze, If you take the A20 to or from the Dordogne ,you pass through the western edge of the appelation close to Objat.
Both are very small wine producers so pleased that some people are trying less well known areas.
Bet the restaurant got them from Super U as well and sold them at a hefty mark up.Not an uncommon practice down this end of the country. Fair bit of the wine sold next Weds in the Lidl wine fair will end up on restaurant tables.