Michel Lynch introduces a new-look
The great grandson of Michel Lynch wines founder Chevalier Michel Lynch, Jean Charles Cazes (present proprietor of Chateau Lynch Bages and J M Cazes Selection), was in Dublin recently to promote the new-look labels and take the press through the range and this year’s additions. This present lineup now includes a re-named ‘Nature’ line in both red and white which replaces the organic label.
This has been done in order to avoid the difficulties experienced by other wine labels with the authorities in countries like China and the US where a wine has labeled itself ‘organic’, but definitions can vary between countries and trade descriptions may be challenged. The Michel Lynch winery is busy ‘rezoning’ its ‘agriculture’ said Jean Charles, but it still questions the organic methods of viticulture used by other companies to date and the true effectiveness on health of having an organic wine.
“For example” he pointed out, ”dried apricots contain 10 times the sulphur in an ordinary wine.”
The Michel Lynch Prestige Saint-Emillion label has now been introduced to the range which includes Bordeaux White 2015, Bordeaux Rosé 2015, Graves Reserve (good with shellfish), Red 2015 and the fuller-bodied Reserve 2014 (which Jean Charles Cazes describes as “a serious vintage in Bordeaux, a top level wine” which retails for around €20).
Currently distributed in over 80 countries, the Michel Lynch range is “intended for amateurs wanting to immediately enjoy a wine embodying the finesse and richness typical of the region” states the company to which Jean Charles Cazes added, “The range represents a style of wine we make at Michel Lynch that’s approachable though very young”.
Red wine comprises more than 65% of Bordeaux wines with over 60% of growers on the right hand bank of the Garonne producing Merlot while their colleagues on the left bank are better known for producing Cabernet Sauvignon. Here in Ireland, some 60% of Michel Lynch wines sold are red.
Jean Charles reckoned that 2016 would be a good year for Bordeaux.
The new-look range and the additions will be available from distributors Barry& Fitzwilliam this Easter.