After two years of forced absence, the organizers of the Réunion Wine and Champagne Fair hoped to welcome four to five thousand visitors for this third edition, the 11, November 12 and 13 at the Cité des arts. It looks neat.
“Vinocité was born from the observation that there was a dynamic wine industry in Reunion and that it was time to unite it and highlight it. The City of Art, place of cultural creation in Reunion, seemed ideal to us to host this show. This is why we named it Vinocité. We want everyone, no matter how much knowledge, feel comfortable to discover, learn and have a good time”, explains Michaël Dionisi, partner at Maestro, co-organizer of Vinocité with gastronomic critic Thierry Kasprowicz. Thirty exhibitors in 2018, 40 the following year, the 2020 edition canceled due to Covid : with 55 exhibitors this year, the concept of Vinocité was expected and has returned to success with professionals and the public. Art, craftsmanship, taste, professionalism, good humor and conviviality are the recipe for this local salon. Seduction arises first from the elegance and brilliance of the bottles and their labels, under the lighting of the two performance halls of the Cité des Art. An intimate setting perfect for showcasing the wine spectacle, champagne and spirits. Between caves, online wine sales, distributors for the CHR network, delicatessen shops, most of the big names in wine distribution in Reunion were there, alongside more confidential and specialized houses, known to enlightened amateurs.
Vinocité has found its style
Vinocité invited you on a trip, from one stand to another, through the France of wine and beyond its borders to discover other terroirs. A Reunion importer presented the products of the little-known Moldovan vineyard in full renaissance. We noted the presence of Covino proud to defend the colors of its two Paille-en-Queue wines, and that of Cilaos wines. Vinocité 2022 was intended to be a springboard for the local launch of a new aperitif, le Chandon Garden Spritz, made from a sparkling wine combined with a bitter orange peel liqueur, herbs and spices. Several brands of champagne, not the best known, attracted attention. Spirits logically gave pride of place to rums and whiskeys, the two star alcohols of the market. Note that beer (including local beers) was also present at the show. Cheeses and delicatessen products completed the overview. In terms of entertainment, practical workshops around wine and a gastronomic tavern atmosphere outside, with an evening music scene. In this festive atmosphere, the students of the Vatel school in Reunion put their rigor and professionalism at the service of visitors.
Reunionese sommelier Réza Nahaboo, godfather of Vinocité
The Association of Sommeliers of Reunion Island (ASR), affiliated with the Union of French Sommellerie, born just a year ago, organized its first competition on Vinocité. The final tests were held on stage. Born in Sainte-Clotilde, Reza Nahaboo, best sommelier in Switzerland, semi-finalist in the Best Sommelier in Europe Competition in 2021, was the sponsor of this third edition of the Réunion wine and champagne fair. Present to accompany the tastings, he refereed, as president of the jury, the Duo Vinocité blind recognition competition and the ASR sommelier competition. Other great professionals were in the spotlight. The breads were provided by Laurent Encatassamy, prize for “best traditional baguette in France 2018”. And Rodolphe Le Meunier, Meilleur Ouvrier de France and Best International Cheesemaker in 2007, fell in love with Reunion in 2019, presented a range of cheeses
from France and Reunion Island and led a wine and cheese pairing workshop
The discovery meetings of 20/Vin
The 20/Vin brand regularly organizes “discovery meetings” with winegrowers whose wines it distributes. In addition to the training of its wine merchants, these meetings are an opportunity for direct contact with customers in store. Beginning of November, 20/Vin received Brigitte Jeanjean, Languedoc winemaker.
The collaboration between the wines of the Jeanjean and 20/Vin estates has been going on for a long time., but it was the first time that Brigitte Jeanjean came in person to Reunion to present her wines. Languedoc wines, once so depreciated, are now popular throughout France and around the world. A revolution has occurred over the last forty years with the reduction by half of the Languedoc vineyards, the renewal of grape varieties and a superb rise in quality. “We operate nine vineyards, all grown organically. We are committed to discovering the taste of fruit in wine”, explained Brigitte Jeanjean while presenting a gray wine from the Camargue sands (My Bohemian – Domaine Le Pive). The Camargue vineyard grows in the sand. A system of streams allows the vines to be flooded with fresh water when the salinity of the soil, impregnated with sea water, becomes too strong. We tasted a second white wine (The Audacious of the Duty of the Lambs) with aromas of fruit and flowers. Boldness is part of this property dedicated for hundreds of years to pastoralism. The Jeanjean family bought the 14th century building, as well as the sheepfold and the grounds (1000 ha on the Aumelas plateau) to transform it into a reference for Languedoc wine. Also discover at 20/Vin, a red from the Causse d’Arboras, The Extreme Terrasses of Larzac, vin rond, aromatic, with an expressive style and strong minerality. It was also an opportunity to discover that white wine and cheese, and red wine and chocolate go very well together.
From producer to consumer
“The discovery meetings that we organize are very appreciated by customers, delighted to be able to discuss with the wine producers they know or are discovering”, testified by Rachel Gury, responsible for caves 20/Vin. The brand organized six to eight meetings per year with suppliers before the health crisis. She started again this year. Brigitte Jeanjean was the fifth guest of the year. Next discovery meeting, from November 29 to December 3 in the 20/Vin cellars and at the Comtesse du Barry boutique, with the Mignon champagne house.
The Vivianne Legros vintage, voted Best Champagne in the Vinocité 2022 competition
The Vivianne Legros vintage, Champagne Boulard Bauquaire, was tasted blind among 11 vintages in the champagne category. She won over the jury of four experts composed of Thierry Kasprowicz, president of the Association of Sommeliers of La Réunion, Reza Nahaboo, best sommelier in Switzerland, Cyril Camillus, director of the small wine school and Stéphanie Quiblier, sommelier and restaurateur of the Epoca restaurant (sommelier of the year 2019 from the Kaspro Guide). A great reward for this emblematic vintage from Caves 20/Vin, specially created and worked for the taste of the Reunionese.
