Reviewed by
Evelyn
Le Petit Ballon is a wine subscription box which is dedicated to sending you the very best niche wines from independent producers, for you to enjoy with your friends and family at home, every month. All of the wines have been carefully hand selected by Jean-Michel Deluc, a master sommelier, formerly of the famous Ritz in London. Over 10,000 bottles of wine are tasted by Le Petit Ballon every year, and out of these only a mere dozen are chosen to be included in the monthly subscription boxes, so you know that you’re getting only the best stuff!
The wines are sent in a protective cardboard box to ensure a safe arrival, and they’re accompanied by The Gazette; a monthly A5 sized magazine which is a really interesting read. In April’s edition, subscribers are treated to a special feature on this month’s theme – World Wine Tour, A Clash of Cultures, and there are interviews with celebrated winemakers and chefs. Underneath The Gazette, I also found the Tasting Notes brochure for this month’s wines to help you to taste them like a true wine connoisseur.
But I know what you’re most interested in – the wine of course! For April’s Le Petit Ballon, I received two bottles; one red and one white.
Las Niñas Mapuche 2015 – Carmenère Cabernet Sauvignon (13.5%)
The packaging of this Chilean red wine is insanely cool – I absolutely love the bold typography and the printed paper wraparound! This in an exclusive wine that’s been specially created for Le Petit Ballon under the guidance of Jean-Michel Deluc, who helped to develop this wine in Chile in the Colchagua Valley with Las Niñas. It features a triple grape blend of Carmenère, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, for a powerfully rich and fruity red wine that you can enjoy with a wide range of meats and cheeses.
The colour of the wine in the glass is a beautiful dark purple, and on the nose, you can smell hints of Black Fruits, Pepper, Chilli, Violets and Liquorice. Taste-wise, it’s initially very strong and juicy, with subtle spicy notes to give it a little pleasant kick for something different. Really lovely!
Sula Vineyards Sauvignon 2016 – Sauvignon Blanc (13%)
I didn’t even know that India produces fine wine until I saw this bottle and I have to say that I’m pleasantly surprised! This is the first Indian Sauvignon Blanc to ever be made and it’s produced by the Sula Vineyards which are located in the Nasik region, an area that’s quickly becoming known as the best wine-producing land in all of India.
The colour of this Sauvignon Blanc is incredibly pale with a light golden hue and it’s a real treat for the nose thanks to its strong fruity and floral aroma. I had no idea what to expect an Indian wine to taste like, let alone an Indian Sauvignon Blanc, and I’m pleased to say that I really enjoyed it. It’s much stronger than a classic French Sauvignon Blanc, and has a really fresh and fruity flavour that goes well with all sorts of foods including meats, cheeses, fish and vegetables like asparagus. It’s the perfect kind of wine to serve at a summer dinner party or barbeque, and needless to say it was an instant hit with my housemates!
As well as receiving the wines every month, Le Petit Ballon subscribers also benefit from a generous 20% discount off future wine purchases from the Le Petit Ballon website, so it’s great way to taste some new wines and stock up at the same time!
By Mary 
