Love in Three Bottles – A Romantic Journey Through France
Bonjour! This Valentine's Day, forget the predictable roses and chocolates—say "Je t'aime" with something far more memorable: a hand-selected trio of French wines that captures the romance, passion, and art of living well together.
The Story Behind the Bottles
Each wine in this collection has been personally chosen by me, Léandre, from small French producers who pour their hearts into every vintage. These aren't mass-produced wines you'll find in every bottle shop—they're rare gems from passionate winemakers who believe wine should bring people together.
Baron Jacques Blanc de Blancs NV comes from Burgundy, where a family-run winery has been crafting elegant sparkling wines for generations. Made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes (that's what "Blanc de Blancs" means—white wine from white grapes), this sparkling wine embodies refinement without pretension. The grapes are carefully hand-harvested and undergo traditional méthode traditionnelle, aging on lees to develop those delicate brioche notes and fine, persistent bubbles.
Famille Gras Côtes du Rhône 'Les Vieilles Vignes' is a collaboration with the legendary Santa Duc estate in the Rhône Valley. "Les Vieilles Vignes" translates to "old vines"—some of these grapevines have been growing for 50+ years, their roots deep in the rocky, sun-baked soil, weathering seasons together much like enduring love. The Gras family's dedication to traditional winemaking shines through in every glass. This blend of Grenache and Syrah is hand-harvested, naturally fermented, and aged in a combination of oak and concrete to preserve the fruit's purity while adding complexity.
Mas des Bressades Cuvée Tradition Blanc 2024 hails from the Rhône Valley, where this family estate has been making wine for generations, staying true to their roots while crafting wines that are fresh, vibrant, and utterly delightful. This blend of Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, and Viognier is vinified in stainless steel to preserve the bright, aromatic character of these Mediterranean varieties.
What You'll Discover
Pour yourself a glass of the Baron Jacques Blanc de Blancs and watch the fine, persistent bubbles dance elegantly in pale gold liquid. The nose opens with crisp green apple and citrus zest, followed by hints of brioche and toasted almonds—a hallmark of quality sparkling wine. On the palate? Light and refined with bright acidity, notes of white peach and lemon, finishing clean and refreshing with a touch of minerality that keeps you reaching for another sip.
The Famille Gras Côtes du Rhône reveals itself in deep ruby red with violet reflections. The nose offers intoxicating aromas of dark cherry, blackberry, herbs de Provence, and a whisper of black pepper. On the palate, it's rich and warming with velvety tannins, layers of ripe red fruit, spice, and earthy notes. The finish? Long, satisfying, and utterly romantic.
Pour the Mas des Bressades Blanc and admire its brilliant pale yellow with green highlights. The nose reveals fresh citrus, white peach, delicate white flowers, and a hint of Mediterranean herbs. On the palate, it's beautifully balanced with crisp acidity, flavors of lemon, pear, and subtle minerality that keeps the conversation flowing.
Perfect Pairings
Start your Valentine's evening with the Baron Jacques Blanc de Blancs as an aperitif, or pair it with fresh oysters, smoked salmon canapés, creamy brie, or light seafood dishes. The bubbles and acidity cut through richness beautifully.
The Famille Gras Côtes du Rhône is your romantic dinner wine. Think grilled steak with peppercorn sauce, slow-cooked lamb shanks, coq au vin, or duck confit. It's equally magnificent with a cheese platter featuring aged Comté or Roquefort. This wine is made for hearty, flavourful dishes and intimate conversation by candlelight.
Reach for the Mas des Bressades Blanc with grilled fish, lemon butter prawns, goat cheese salad, roasted chicken with herbs, or creamy pasta dishes. It's also wonderful on its own as the evening winds down and you're simply enjoying each other's company.
Why We Love It
At The French Carousel, we seek out wines that tell real stories and bring people together—and this Valentine's bundle embodies everything we stand for: authenticity, connection, and exceptional value.
These aren't trophy wines meant to impress—they're wines meant to be enjoyed. Each bottle comes from small producers who work with passion and respect for their land, crafting wines that celebrate life's most precious moments. The Baron Jacques offers exceptional value for French sparkling wine—elegant bubbles without the luxury price tag. The Famille Gras represents the soul of the Rhône Valley with its old-vine character and traditional winemaking. And the Mas des Bressades is pure Rhône Valley sunshine in a bottle—fresh, honest, and utterly charming.
Together, they create a complete tasting journey that celebrates love in all its forms: the excitement of new beginnings (sparkling wine), the depth of lasting connection (red wine), and the joy of simple pleasures shared (white wine).
Details
What's Included:
- 1 x Baron Jacques Blanc de Blancs NV (750ml)
- 1 x Famille Gras (Santa Duc) Côtes du Rhône 'Les Vieilles Vignes' (750ml)
- 1 x Mas des Bressades Cuvée Tradition Blanc 2024 (750ml)
Baron Jacques Blanc de Blancs NV:
- Region: Burgundy, France
- Grapes: 100% Chardonnay
- Vintage: Non-Vintage
- Style: Blanc de Blancs, Sparkling Wine (Méthode Traditionnelle)
- Alcohol: ~12%
- Aging: Aged on lees
- Serving Temperature: 6-8°C (well chilled)
Famille Gras Côtes du Rhône 'Les Vieilles Vignes':
- Region: Rhône Valley, France
- Appellation: Côtes du Rhône AOC
- Grapes: Grenache, Syrah blend
- Vintage: 2021
- Vine Age: 50+ years (old vines)
- Alcohol: ~14%
- Aging: Oak and concrete
- Serving Temperature: 16-18°C (slightly cool room temperature)
Mas des Bressades Cuvée Tradition Blanc:
- Region: Rhône Valley, France
- Grapes: Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Viognier blend
- Vintage: 2024
- Style: Fresh, Mediterranean white
- Alcohol: ~13%
- Aging: Stainless steel
- Serving Temperature: 10-12°C (chilled)
Santé! 🥂
