‘Sweet wine is going out of fashion in France’

The wine estate owned by Henri Ramonteu in Monein, France, is known for mainly producing sweet wine wine but in the last couple of years it has started to produce a lot more dry white wine.

Speaking to Pierre Simonet, commercial director, Domaine Cauhapé he said the estate is currently making two thirds of dry wine compared to a third of sweet.

“Sweet white wine in France is going out of fashion​,” he said.

“It’s completely different in regards to exports where we are seeing a high demand for sweet wine but in France people who drink sweet wine are usually between 60 and 70-years-old, or older and the younger generation is drinking dry wine​.

“This is because sweet wine is associated with Foie gras and desserts and dry wine is used for the aperitif, fish, white meat and cheese​.

“The Chant des Vignes is the one we make the most of, it’s a blend of Gros Manseng and Camaralet grapes. Camaralet is an old grape variety with just a few people producing it today​.

“It’s a great wine for apéritif, oysters or shelf fish. It has a passionfruit and grapefruit character, which is enjoyable to drink. We are just about to run out of the 2016 vintage. We just bottled the 2017 bottles this week and we will be exhibiting those at this year’s Vinisud in Montpellier​.”