On my recent Anguilla Culinary Experience journey, I had the privilege of enjoying an after-lunch/pre-dinner, wine tasting at Anguilla’s leading wine shop, Grands Vins de France, the largest importer of wine and Champagne in Anguilla.

Operating for nearly 30 years and run by a Frenchwoman named Nathalie Le Senechal and you won’t believe it, a beautiful Jamaican girl, now woman, from Clarendon, named Donette, an absolute doll, who left Jamaica over 20 years ago and has now made Anguilla her home. This charming cottage-style shop services the wine enthusiasts of Anguilla.

My ‘Cellar’ posse here in Jamaica would be proud, and I must admit, I wish that they were there to enjoy the experience with me and impart some wisdom on the nose, colour, body and tastes of the wines.

Nathalie has an extensive collection of wines, Champagne and other spirits, but it is evident that wine is her first love. She is excited to share her knowledge, and her wines and we are greeted with enthusiasm for the journey that is to come.

The barrel table is lined with her choices for the day’s tasting, the appropriate stemware and the spittoon that remained empty to the very end.

She starts with Côte Blanche Champagne, Le Brun de Neuville. A pure Blanc de Blancs, which I learned means white wine (Champagne) from white grapes. It has a mildly pungent (for want of a better word) fruity aroma on the nose, while soft and fresh on the palate, with hints of apple and honey, but with a definite taste of cream at the end. Really pleasant, and a great alternative to the known, expensive brands.

She then followed with Dourthe N°1, a Sauvignon Blanc of Bordeaux, This wine was very fresh, crisp and light on the palate. A very pleasant sip on that hot afternoon. Nice to sip, cold, on its own, or with a nice roast chicken dish. Really enjoyed this one.

Then, it was on to a rosé. So far Nathalie was really favouring the land of her birth: France. Still in France, but this time, Provence. Domaine Siouvette, L’exception was poured.

A refined rosé with a nose of red berries but a light earthy scent. It is delicate on the mouth, with a delightful fruity freshness. The finish stretches over the fruitiness.

For the fourth and final pour, we depart France and head south to Argentina, and sip a Malbec. A 2017 Clos de Los Siete (by Michel Rolland). This red is a Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah blend. It is dense, and “fills” my mouth with tastes of dark-berry fruits, with notes of chocolate and spice; an intriguing and delicious wine.

I have enjoyed this discovery and journey into wines at Grands Vins de France … “acclamations”