tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84738599508044298102024-03-18T10:42:40.891+00:00Rosemary George MW, Wine Writer in London and the South of France.Rosemary George MW wine writer based in London and the South of France. Discover the new wines of the Languedoc and Roussillon with me.
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger712125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473859950804429810.post-55563810975884622372024-03-14T09:34:00.000+00:002024-03-14T09:34:12.683+00:00 Château Capitoul<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqYQnZ_lIiCVZ1WXMWKBDzT1m1YTg3pcesh8B9qUHKSbQWjzm57ua3iGeMhBMRYzXRTpoZ1SeQrRxq-WkSMhjnocdOpOCL6clNINTxLIoPI40TrIpCdaupkNXCHInk3HJP_DOpXcJPBain_9tLREo-X25WXhG3Bii77A5J3VSms62OB0CmsPKudxV3rlw/s5184/R0010005.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqYQnZ_lIiCVZ1WXMWKBDzT1m1YTg3pcesh8B9qUHKSbQWjzm57ua3iGeMhBMRYzXRTpoZ1SeQrRxq-WkSMhjnocdOpOCL6clNINTxLIoPI40TrIpCdaupkNXCHInk3HJP_DOpXcJPBain_9tLREo-X25WXhG3Bii77A5J3VSms62OB0CmsPKudxV3rlw/w640-h480/R0010005.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;">I recently spent a morning at Chateau Capitoul on the Massif de la Clape. This was my first visit to the estate, and at the suggestion of my friend, Christine Bertoli who works for the owners, the Bonfils family. The château itself is pretty eye-catching. In fact you cannot possibly miss it as you drive towards Gruissan. It was one of the<i> châteaux pinardiers</i> of the Languedoc, a folly dating back to the end of the 19th century, and apparently inspired by the architecture of the Cité de Carcassonne. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;">The property now belongs to the Bonfils family, and is one of seventeen properties that they have in the Languedoc, totalling some 1700 hectares, which makes them the largest vineyard owners of the region. First we went for a walk in the vineyards, with neatly pruned vines in late February. Altogether there are 80 hectares, in production, most of which are in the immediate vicinity of the château, apart from some Carignan about two kilometres away towards Narbonne, and a plot of Syrah up in the <i>garrigues</i>. The vineyards are planted with the usual Languedoc varieties, including a quantity of Bourboulenc, which is the key variety for La Clape. They are also working on Assyrtiko which is in line to become part of the appellation.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;">The soil is very stony, a mixture of clay and limestone. This is the southernmost estate of la Clape. There were views of the Pyrenees in the distance, and you could just see the handsome, but unfinished cathedral of Narbonne. There is a facility for recycling water, which is essential, as the Massif of la Clape is a protected site. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7sioSiWS53XgD3W6iCX-K32EQHQLAXHtRMrANSOtYKVSDaf7GpPYfdQGyE9pzln0gR63gr_e93wLAjqLh2WMOUDlHEMscJOS5or8q7PzmeWZEYZyCEAhAS8S-wtvNRRn3FB6zqJzM0Y8v4suT4n3wkqIHozMUhfbX56wnFGf5FGy_Uxzianx1U9w3Mm8/s5184/R0010011.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7sioSiWS53XgD3W6iCX-K32EQHQLAXHtRMrANSOtYKVSDaf7GpPYfdQGyE9pzln0gR63gr_e93wLAjqLh2WMOUDlHEMscJOS5or8q7PzmeWZEYZyCEAhAS8S-wtvNRRn3FB6zqJzM0Y8v4suT4n3wkqIHozMUhfbX56wnFGf5FGy_Uxzianx1U9w3Mm8/w640-h480/R0010011.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;">The Bonfils family bought the estate, in partnership with Karl and Anita O’Hanlon in 2011 and they opened the eight room hotel in 2021. Oenotourism is very much their focus, as well as wine production. There are several villas adjoining the chateau, with a dry garden designed by Olivier Filippi, a local proponent of dry gardening, and two restaurants, Asado, which is a cheerful brasserie, and Méditerranéo, which provides more gastronomic experience. The vineyards are cultivated according to the precepts of HVE, rather than organic viticulture. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;">A look at the cellar revealed a traditional large Languedoc cellar complete with cement barrels, as well as old barrels, with the concept of Tonnellerie Conduction. Old barrels are renovated, cleaned, with the tartrates removed, and sold again. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH4ZxK2FOV_F4A4odp5Kb73Iych9dq3EGGJiT_lfaAg8eHRolv8I-pG94XBpF3OnTiAC_Xkohz0pYYByHZzHYiiK8muOY7c5faIn1oHn5RYlrWktBCZ36Tc8p96YqEC_donx4h4TYygMnparx9tEZkeLxtI9O_rOPyv0-b0R9_6r4nE2NkSJuhn_BbHgU/s5184/R0010012.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH4ZxK2FOV_F4A4odp5Kb73Iych9dq3EGGJiT_lfaAg8eHRolv8I-pG94XBpF3OnTiAC_Xkohz0pYYByHZzHYiiK8muOY7c5faIn1oHn5RYlrWktBCZ36Tc8p96YqEC_donx4h4TYygMnparx9tEZkeLxtI9O_rOPyv0-b0R9_6r4nE2NkSJuhn_BbHgU/w480-h640/R0010012.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;">The Bonfils family, namely Jean-Michel, who is now 84, plus his parents, left behind 200 hectares of vines in Algeria at the age of 22. He first developed Domaine Lirou near Béziers, and subsequently had three sons, Laurent, Olivier and Jérome. Thomas, the genial son of Laurent, the current CEO, joined us for the tasting. He has studied in Montpellier and Paris, and spent some time in Cognac, but essentially has learnt the business from experience.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="FR" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"><b>2022 Rocaille, La Clape Blanc</b> - 13.00€ <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="FR" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;">A blend of 40% Bourboulenc, 25% Marsanne, 10% Roussanne, 15% Grenache blanc and 5% Viognier. </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;">Fermented and aged in concrete vats. No malo. Kept on the lees with some <i>bâtonnage</i>.</span><span lang="FR" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;">A little colour. The distinct salty nose of La Clape. Firm and salty on the plate. with a slightly bitter finish, a <i>joli amer.</i> Good texture and balancing acidity. Very refreshing finish. I liked this a lot. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"><b>2023 Rocaille</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;">Just about to be bottled. Deeper colour. Quite firm acidity. Quite stony, fresh and elegant with some salty notes. Promises well. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"><b>2019 la Clape Blanc, Cayenne</b> - 17.00€<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;">From a single vineyard. Bourboulenc dominates the blend at 40%, with 25% Grenache Blanc, 20% Marsanne and 15% Roussanne, All fermented and aged for 12 months in barrel, except for the Bourboulenc. A touch of vanilla on the nose, but also some salty notes, which repeat on the palate. More rounded than Rocaille, but still with some salinity. The oak is well integrated, adding weight and texture to the palate. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="FR" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"><b>2020 Les Portes la Clape Blanc</b> - 22€ <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="FR" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;">Another single plot, and a </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;">selection of<i> barriques.</i> Again Bourboulenc is the main variety at 40%, with 30% Grenache Blanc, 25% Roussanne and 5% Viognier. Again all aged in <i>barriques</i>, except the Bourboulenc. A little colour. More oaky, more rounded, textured. A hint of peachiness from the Viognier. For me, Rocaille was the most classic and typical of La Clape, and the wine I chose to drink with lunch!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"><b>2022 Rosé, Languedoc. Ode</b> - 13.00€<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;">La Clape can only be a white or red appellation, not a rosé. A blend of 70% Syrah and 20% Grenache, pressed, and 10% Cinsault, <i>saigné</i>. Pink orange colour. A touch of raspberry on the nose. Satisfyingly structured with fresh acidity, and some dry raspberry fruit, A food rosé<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"><b>2022 Rosé, Languedoc, Rive - 42.00€ <o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;">Presented in what looked like an outsize perfume bottle; in fact an angular spirits bottle. 40% Cinsault, with 30% each of Syrah and Grenache Noir. Fermented and then aged for eighteen months in French oak, in barrels of two, three and four wines. Orange golden colour. Quite firm and structured. Good texture and mouthfeel. Well integrated oak, with satisfying mouthful and dry fruit. Thomas admitted that they were inspired by the wines of Chateau Gassier in Provence. I thought it very successful. 2019 was the first vintage of this cuvée. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmrwnSCVPlcOd_OdEZjv0Q6lOp9epKKVGqyDrPZSBem45HkRwrfpAes779jUqWESWAFbflTEvl2JTbjdkxdt9efTXEQwFDZJil-rPjoe-4ypd7LAvzBZwKG7MpZq48skguA5aJYnu_AQQzpV8MeywRVzQsSCrHnXwW1aRyDdcT0iKGsNzaqh0CS1mtiYg/s5184/R0010015.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmrwnSCVPlcOd_OdEZjv0Q6lOp9epKKVGqyDrPZSBem45HkRwrfpAes779jUqWESWAFbflTEvl2JTbjdkxdt9efTXEQwFDZJil-rPjoe-4ypd7LAvzBZwKG7MpZq48skguA5aJYnu_AQQzpV8MeywRVzQsSCrHnXwW1aRyDdcT0iKGsNzaqh0CS1mtiYg/w480-h640/R0010015.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;">The red wines follow the same pattern as the white cuvées.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"><b>2020 Rocaille La Clape Roug</b>e - 13.00€<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;">A blend of equal parts of Grenache Noir, Syrah, Carignan and Cinsault. They do not have any Mourvèdre in the vineyards. No wood. Mechanically harvested, so destemmed grapes, with a sorting table to control quality. The Carignan undergoes a semi-carbonic maceration in that the berries are still whole, even though they are destemmed, which is necessary to remove any green flavours from the stalks. </span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="caret-color: rgb(33, 33, 33); color: #212121; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="caret-color: rgb(33, 33, 33); color: #212121; font-size: 11pt;">Then the Carignan crop is divided into 3 different vats, with a maceration period lasting from 10 to 12 days for one vat, 15 to 20 days for the second and up to 5 weeks for the third.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(33, 33, 33); color: #212121; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="FR" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Medium colour. spicy fruit on nose and palate. A streak of tannin, but nicely rounded. <i> Garrigues</i> and spice. Medium weight. And very appealing and </span><span style="font-size: 14.666667px;">drinkable. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"><b>2019 Cayenne</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;">Mainly Grenache, with some Syrah and Cinsault. From a plot near the lagoon, which you could see in the distance from the château. Twelve months in wood. Medium colour. Liqueur cherries the nose, with some spice. And on the palate. Nicely<i> gouleyant</i>. Rounded fleshy spice, with supple tannins. Medium weight.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"><b>2019 les Portes</b> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;">From their highest vineyard at all of 60 metres. 70% Syrah with 20% Grenache and 10% Carignan. Aged for 12 months in oak. Deep colour. Rich spice and rounded oak on the nose and palate. Some black peppery fruit and tapenade. Quite firm and tannin, with notes of the<i> garrigues</i>. It should evolve nicely. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"><b>2019 Solstice</b> - 28.00€<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;">From equal parts of Syrah and Grenache noir. Fermented in barrique – a <i>vinification intégrale</i> - and then aged for 12 months. Bad marks for the heavy bottle.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;">Deep colour. Rich tapenade fruit on the nose, and on the palate more black fruit and spice with some oak. Firm tannins. Good depth. Plenty of potential.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"><b>2018 Maelma </b> - 43€<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;">Named after a village in Algeria. The previous owner of Capitoul was also a<i> pied noir</i>, so a nod to the Algerian roots of the estate. Dense colour. Rich and oaky. Quite solid, rounded oak on the palate. Dense and rich with supple tannins. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"><b>2017 Maelma</b> - 45€<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;">A blend of 50% Grenache, 40% Syrah and 10% Carignan. Fermented in barrel and then aged for eighteen months. A selection of the best plots. More subtle oak, more evolved. Supple and subtle. Some cedary notes. Medium weight. More elegant and benefitting from the extra year’s age. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;">And then we finished with two new wines, with a new concept <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"><b>L’Espace, millésime Alph</b>a - ie. the first vintage, namely 2022 - 15.00€<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;">A blend of Cinsault from Capitoul, and Grenache and Carignan - one third each - from Château Vaugelas in the Corbières. Medium colour. Fresh peppery fruit. A tannic streak. And refreshingly no oak. Easy drinking.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"><b>Le Temps</b> - a blend of vintages - 2019 - 2022 and four grape varieties, Grenache Noir, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Carignan, from four estates, Capitoul, Vaugelas, Villerambert in the Minervois and Esparou in the Côtes du Roussillon. Rounded supple spice. A little peppery. Quite fresh, but more evolved than l’Espace. A touch oak and some tannins, and also some appealing spice.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;">And then we adjourned for a convivial lunch at Asado.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://www.bonfilswines.com">www.bonfilswines.com</a></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473859950804429810.post-8981781415471078962024-03-11T11:31:00.004+00:002024-03-11T11:31:53.189+00:00Occitanie in 2023<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhlU5XMUvZlWPQ-EJGk3aFm48E-PQYF0M4Ua6F75CwtPw2XJFWo6iQTldJiHzncW19ysnnafm_obj2dgIJflzgFLuNJSBlEcj3RHbQY0roM7xi2mHcn2ONtkZHQ-QcSFDVFCmJf0dbkOIf8YV_2ioEFnI6BAU8-I8VXYPdwgZ8bFNS3gdJGDJHELeJqFU/s5184/R0010029.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhlU5XMUvZlWPQ-EJGk3aFm48E-PQYF0M4Ua6F75CwtPw2XJFWo6iQTldJiHzncW19ysnnafm_obj2dgIJflzgFLuNJSBlEcj3RHbQY0roM7xi2mHcn2ONtkZHQ-QcSFDVFCmJf0dbkOIf8YV_2ioEFnI6BAU8-I8VXYPdwgZ8bFNS3gdJGDJHELeJqFU/w640-h480/R0010029.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">The annual Occitanie, Sud de France tasting always yields some interesting discoveries and there were several estates, that were either new to me, or that I had not visited for a while, and well worth an update and even another visit. I wrote about a couple of new discoveries in my two previous posts and now I would just like to highlight some other favourites wines. Plans to spend much time in the Languedoc last year were scuppered for various reasons, but this year I intend to be there more often. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><b>Château Coupe-Roses</b> is an estate in the Minervois in the village of la Caunette, which was established in 1987. And it was an estate that I visited in 1997 for The Wines of the South of France. There was an extraordinary variety of different Minervois, with variations of blends – three white, and six reds, with from 45 hectares of vines, with four white varieties and also four red, the classics of the Languedoc, but no Mourvèdre. I must admit I found all the subtle nuances quite confusing. And no one wine stood out. Perhaps most typical was 2021 les Plots, a blend of Syrah and 30% Grenache Noir, made in stainless steel vats. It was quite firm and peppery on the palate, with some sturdy fruit.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><a href="http://www.chateau-coupe-roses.com/" style="color: #954f72;">www.chateau-coupe-roses.com</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><b>The Cave de Saint-Chinian</b> produces an acceptable range of that appellation. 2022 Les Secrets, St Chinian Blanc from Grenache Blanc and 30% Roussanne was lightly floral with a roundedpalate.2019 St Chinian rouge, a blend of Grenache Noir and Syrah with a little Carignan was quite firm and structured, with 12 months in old oak barrels.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><a href="http://www.cave-saintchinian.com/" style="color: #954f72;">www.cave-saintchinian.com</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">The cooperative of<b> Castelmaure</b>, in Embrès-et-Castelmaure, up in the Corbières hills, is one of the leading cooperatives of the Languedoc. I was surprised that they were seeking UK distribution, but it was good to meet the new director, Antoine Robert. I first met the previous director on a visit in the last century and had seen him a few times since, most recently for a blog post. And the wines at the tasting also deserve a separate post. As do the other Corbières at the tasting<b>, Domaine la Cendrillon</b>, which was the very first estate I visited for The Wines of the Languedoc, with some stylish Corbières. <b> Château de Caraguilhe</b>s is another Corbières that I have never quite got round to visiting – my omission and again their wines deserve individual attention.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><b>Domaine de Venus</b> was a new discovery in Roussillon, based in Maury. and an estate I would like to explore further. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><b>Domaine Ortola</b>, as virtually the only estate of the little known area of Quatourze, continues to fight a lone battle against urban encroachment outside Narbonne. Nelson isthme third generation of the Ortola family that I have met, and he continues valiantly to make some very creditable wines. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">Elizabeth Poux from<b> Domaine Pech Menel</b> was showing some older vintages of St. Chinian, 2015 and 2009. The 2009 made a delicious finale. A blend of 60% Syrah, with 23% Grenache Noir and 17% Carignan. The colour was beginning to evolve and the nose had some firm cedary notes, with maturing tertiary notes on the palate, cedar and dry leather. It was evolving beautifully, proving that there is no reason why the wines of the Languedoc cannot age. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473859950804429810.post-62462248688732787872024-01-24T16:26:00.001+00:002024-01-24T16:26:09.233+00:00 Famille Carrière Pradal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaeKPjabNHaUm0p6j86ufnjI6wUfVSJkQ5LComdl7sTnAi3ywvqJMto-wFSpgp7a2ZduBEZY_pQANni5C5Z8znJ5DOjBSdw9bxU95A2KdVHgyLTWUHdSZDO3c5KupmRVVXOxDqducZQCmhUuP6TTYF_lBCPWGpEvmFPQW8LH4ewr3tLuIRs75focf1hbU/s4896/P1010690.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4896" data-original-width="3672" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaeKPjabNHaUm0p6j86ufnjI6wUfVSJkQ5LComdl7sTnAi3ywvqJMto-wFSpgp7a2ZduBEZY_pQANni5C5Z8znJ5DOjBSdw9bxU95A2KdVHgyLTWUHdSZDO3c5KupmRVVXOxDqducZQCmhUuP6TTYF_lBCPWGpEvmFPQW8LH4ewr3tLuIRs75focf1hbU/w480-h640/P1010690.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">This is a new estate to me, based Domaine de la Massole, outside the village of Servian. I talked to Claire Carrière who explained that she is the 7</span><sup style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> generation of a family of vignerons. The vines, some 55 hectares in total, were at the nearby Bassan cooperative and their first vintage as independent wine growers was 2017. We had an animated conversation about agricultural forestry, which is one of the ways to combat climate change and excessive heat. Gérard Gauby in Roussillon is a passionate exponent. And Claire has four kilometres of hedges on the estate. Their vineyards are either registered HVE or are organic.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">The wines were all quite easy and approachable, and this is what I tasted.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><b>2022 Domaine de la Massole Blanc, Pays d’Oc</b>, a blend of Chardonnay with 10% Viognier with a light colour and lightly peachy rounded fruit on both nose and palate. Made for easy drinking. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><b>2022 Les Cousins, Pays d’Oc </b>– A pure Viognier with lightly peachy fruit. Nicely understated, and not too blowsy.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><b> </b></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><b>2019 GCB, Pays d’Oc</b> - A blend of Grenache Blanc, Clairette and Bourboulenc. With six months in new wood, which was a shame as the oak completely overwhelmed any fruit. But the blend was worth exploring. There is very little Bourboulenc in the Languedoc outside la Clape. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="FR"><b>2022 Domaine Saint Louis Sauvignon Blanc, Pays d’Oc - </b></span>From a vineyard outside Béziers. Quite a pithy Sauvignon nose, with rounded varietal character on the palate.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="FR"><b>2022 Domaine de la Massole Rosé, AOP Languedoc -</b> </span>A blend of Syrah with 20% Grenache Noir. Dry and fresh, with some firm raspberry fruit and a rounded finish. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><b>2018 Domaine de la Massole, Rouge, Pays d’Oc - </b>A blend of 70% Syrah, 30% Grenache Noir and just a drop of Cinsaut with some soft rounded spice on the nose and palate and a firm streak of tannin. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><b>2019 Troglodytes, AOP Languedoc - </b>60% Syrah with 40% Grenache Noir. Carbonic maceration for the Syrah and a classic vinification with destemmed grapes for the Grenache Noir. Some fresh peppery fruit and some cherry liqueur. A good mouthful of spicey fruit. Nicely balanced. The alcohol was slightly noticeable at 14.5<span style="font-family: Symbol;">°</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><b>2019 Alicante, Pays d’Oc </b>Pure Alicante Bouschet, planted in 1950. Intense colour, as a teinturier grape. Quite a solid dense firm palate,with a tanninc streak. Youthful. Needs time.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><b>2019 GSM Pays d’Oc</b> - A blend of Syrah, Grenache Noir and Mourvèdre, with some carbonic maceration. Twelve months in wood. Deep colour. Quite a firm nose. And on the palate firm and structured; quite dense with some ripe fruit, quite sturdy and solid. Needs time.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><b>2022 Domaine Saint Louis, Pays d’Oc</b> - A blend of 60% Grenache Noir with 40% Marselan. Bright young colour. Rounded and easy fruit with a tannic streak. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">I will hope to visit before too long so that I can, to find out more about Claire's work with agricultural forestry.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><a href="http://www.carrierepradal.fr/" style="color: #954f72;">www.carrierepradal.fr</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473859950804429810.post-76047603390278887052024-01-17T09:46:00.003+00:002024-01-17T09:46:30.160+00:00Domaine de Favas at the 2023 Occitanie tasting <p><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG_0VdupPZNVKsmd2E1SQr2NhuuacWUNBsE78JkttXFEVE_3EKe_36068m1CX6RTOYlTrODfnHkEpEjrHk2cRjfRHSX1HwDjuTESdKIL4RGUsO8USZ2opz9rxk7_Yt_xmGUPLYcBZJIwobXT8vbFxK_tBNRhIck1FaWSn2SXgno_11UVXipEhawE1_JeA/s4896/P1010702.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG_0VdupPZNVKsmd2E1SQr2NhuuacWUNBsE78JkttXFEVE_3EKe_36068m1CX6RTOYlTrODfnHkEpEjrHk2cRjfRHSX1HwDjuTESdKIL4RGUsO8USZ2opz9rxk7_Yt_xmGUPLYcBZJIwobXT8vbFxK_tBNRhIck1FaWSn2SXgno_11UVXipEhawE1_JeA/w640-h480/P1010702.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div> <p></p><p><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">I tasted the wines from Domaine de Favas at the Occitanie tasting last autumn. The estate is new to me. It is situated in a hamlet by the village of Saint Bauzille de Montmel, to the west of Sommières. Samuel Masse said that his family had been producing wine since 1468, and he was the 22</span><sup style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">nd</sup><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> generation. His father, grandfather and even great-grandfather had been members of the village coop but he and his brother, Geoffrey, had decided to take five hectares out of the coop, including some 90 year old Grenache Blanc vines, and to make their own wine. The vineyards are farmed organically. And they are not just making wine; they also have kunekune pigs. Kunekune in Maori apparently means round and fat! </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">They make a range of five wines, all AOP Languedoc<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><b>2021 Domaine de Favas Blanc</b> – 9.50€<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">A blend of 60% Grenache Blanc and 40% Roussanne.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">Light colour. Nicely rounded on the nose. The palate was textured, with some weight and rounded fruit, with a lightly bitter finish, <i>un joli amer.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><b>2021 Rosé</b> – 8.50€<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">A blend of Grenache Noir, with 20% Syrah. Very pale colour. A firm fresh nose and some dry raspberry fruit on the palate with a fresh finish. 12.5<span style="font-family: Symbol;">°</span>, so not too heavy.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><b>2011 Rouge</b> – 10.50€<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">A blend of 80% Grenache Noir with 20% Syrah. The Grenache Noir comes from 80-year-old vines, and the Syrah 35-year-old vines. Light red colour. Some rounded cherry liqueur fruit, typical of Grenache. Nicely textured with good mouthfeel. Samuel explained that they go through the vineyard three times at harvest, over three weeks. They are looking for ripe fruit with a fresh lift on the finish.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><b>2020 la Réale</b> – 15.50€<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">Another blend of Grenache Noir and Syrah. Some of the Syrah was vinified by carbonic maceration. 80% of the wine is aged in tank, 15% in amphora and 5% in barrel. And the name la Réale or royal, refers to the royal galleys of Louis XIV and a reference to the history of the Huguenots who came to the south. Two of Samuel’s ancestors were sent to work in the galleys. The wine has more depth and weight than the previous wine, with some appealing spice and fruit on the nose and palate. Nicely balanced and drinking beautifully. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><b>2019 Origine</b> – 23.50€<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">A blend of Grenache Noir and Syrah, with 24 months ageing, 40% in new oak barrels and 40% in amphora. The colour is fairly light, typical of Grenache, but there is more depth of the palate, with some well-integrated oak. However, you do notice the alcohol on the finish at a heady 15<span style="font-family: Symbol;">°</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">They made their first wines in 2018 and I think they have made a good start, with some very appealing wines.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><a href="http://www.domainedefavas.com/" style="color: #954f72;">www.domainedefavas.com</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473859950804429810.post-31983674360695114932024-01-08T11:09:00.006+00:002024-01-12T20:53:48.832+00:00Domaine les Robes Noires - an update<p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4eMqQ7haty3aDbuKQuMD_pDQqgfFcD-rCew8W83LKPCYJqd2kHO2O-MBeyJm_zzmz1lKCNFdCABloI-LxTeXj2kh0qCbHugnEG1VxsqrcuXpbJ4q-Bb2_7c3xyeWHGepsI3R2u-hA7XIwxLS7hWc2BsTTUyX52UKx_CVe03IpGGjLfA3IxySa94dtsPQ/s4896/DSC01943.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4eMqQ7haty3aDbuKQuMD_pDQqgfFcD-rCew8W83LKPCYJqd2kHO2O-MBeyJm_zzmz1lKCNFdCABloI-LxTeXj2kh0qCbHugnEG1VxsqrcuXpbJ4q-Bb2_7c3xyeWHGepsI3R2u-hA7XIwxLS7hWc2BsTTUyX52UKx_CVe03IpGGjLfA3IxySa94dtsPQ/w640-h480/DSC01943.jpeg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: times;"><p>I first visited Sarah and Aymeric Discours a couple of summers ago, and tasted their very first vintage, 2021, so I was keen to see how things had evolved. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They have five hectares, but some plots have been pulled up and replanted, with disease resistance and climate change in mind.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>So they have opted for two Italian varieties,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Montepulciano which is found more commonly in the Abruzzi, and Nero d’Avola, which you usually encounter in Sicily.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>However, both varieties are now allowed for Côtes de Thongue.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>And as they have a plot that is AOP rather than IGP, they have also planted some Grenache Noir, so that they can eventually make AOP Languedoc.</p></span></span><p></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Their production of white wine is growing, with the purchase of a plot of Viognier and the planting of a new vineyard of Marsanne, Roussanne and Piquepoul.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The plan is a co-fermentation of the three varieties, with the Piquepoul providing acidity, to balance the Marsanne and Roussanne.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The first vintage will be 2025. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">As they already have eight rows of Grenache Gris and Grenache Blanc, they are also .</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">planning a second new white wine from the two Grenache, as well as someViognier, with a little oak ageing.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It will be called Prestation de Serment, to continue the legal theme with their wine names.</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Meanwhile their range of wines has been extended to included a pure Viognier, as well as two entry level wines, an orange wine, an haute gamme, not to mention two spirits. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It is amazing what you can produce from a relatively small vineyard, but you sense that they are full of ideas, wanting to experiment and push things to the limit. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>So we settled down to some tasting ..<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>2022 Blanc de Noirs - Hammurabi</b> - 13.50€</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">A pure Cinsault, vinified like a white wine. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>2022 was a complicated vintage, a small crop with the<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>heat and drought a problem.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The Viognier lacked water. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They noted that the 2022 vintage had a degree more alcohol than the 2021 at 12.5. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It was nicely rounded, with elegant fruit and fresh acidity on the finish.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>2022 T1</b> - 8 € <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">A pure Viognier.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>T1 stands for Tribunal d’Instances, the court which deals with minor civil offences.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>A little colour, with lightly peachy fruit on the nose and palate and good acidity. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Just three weeks in barrel at the end of the fermentation has given the wine some satisfying sucrosity and a rounded finish. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>And for the 2023 vintage, they have tried fermenting some Viognier with Syrah, to make a wine that will be called le Contradictoire.</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>2022 Sui Generis</b> - 13.00€</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">This is the new orange wine.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>There was some discussion as to whether maceration on the skins was allowed for Côtes de Thongue. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The answer is yes, but some people had originally thought not. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But in any case it is labelled Vin de France. The Viognier is given three weeks skin contact, so not very long, but long enough to give the wine an old gold tinge.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>There is quite a firm streak of tannin, and also a hint of<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>honey.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The wine is quite firm and structured, with some floral fruit and a certain ripeness on the finish. it was nicely refreshing. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We wondered if orange wine would go with smoked salmon, in anticipation of our supper menu, and subsequently decided that indeed it did.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The smokiness and the tannin combined nicely. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>2022 In Limine</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>- 13.50€</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">A blend, principally of Cinsault with 30% Grenache Noir. Only free run juice; they did use some pressed juice for the previous vintage.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Medium colour. Very fresh red fruit on the nose and wonderfully juicy fruit on the palate.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Lots of exuberant red fruit.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Medium weight. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Very appealing,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>2022 T Com</b> -<span class="Apple-converted-space"> 8€</span></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">TCom stands for Tribunal de Commerce. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Again a blend of Cinsault and Grenache, this time 60: 40, with three weeks in barrels at the end of fermentation.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Medium colour.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Quite rounded fresh red fruit, with some spice.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>More weight and substance than in Limine. but still very elegant. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Notes of raspberry and also a hint of fennel.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They have a lof of fennel growing around the vineyards.</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>2021 Pro Bono</b> - 15.00€</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span>A blend of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault and just one row of Cabernet Sauvignon, with each variety fermented separately in vat -</span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><span>the very small amount of Cabernet</span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><span>goes in with the Syrah - and then the pressed juice is added, and the wine is blended after the malolactic fermentation.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><span>Deep colour. </span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><span>Some firm spice and ripe fruit on the nose.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><span>Nicely rounded palate.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><span>Ripe, but still elegant.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><span>However it would also benefit from some more bottle age.</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>2022 Assemblée Plénière</b> - 19.50€ <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Their new top of the range cuvée and a similar blend of Pro Bono, but with less Cinsault, and with 12 months in wood, medium toasted barrels from Cadus and Dargaud & Jaegle.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They started with two barriques and now have five!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Firmer and more structured than Pro Bono from the oak ageing, with some ripe red fruit and spice.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Some weight and texture in the mouth.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>and again needing some more time in bottle. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">The three cypresses on their labels are the symbol of hospitality. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>One indicates that a traveller will be given water; two food, and three whatever they need.</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">It was very exciting to see how things have developed in relatively short time.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The winemaking is certainly evolving and they are gradually establishing a market for their wines, while admitting that the sales side of things is quite challenging.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>So if you are looking for an original Côtes de Thongue, do consider Domaine les Robes Noires<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>You will not be disappointed. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqmSzGXunP24CyBygZ33hGJ2qnjX-6Ylu2d3DRF2B7Zodb9yeCrD_zPHtu88PbCe5vQ2EB0cishzyejJC2-tQHEuSCMmiMU4FKftwXb7vlBxZ3LoG5NzljRIsaxd_5w5sU7pPrX1SXj7wZxAj_56MGyXAN0HH_estDFedWuhllsGorfnApfSIfuQW3snI/s4032/IMG_3094%5B21%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqmSzGXunP24CyBygZ33hGJ2qnjX-6Ylu2d3DRF2B7Zodb9yeCrD_zPHtu88PbCe5vQ2EB0cishzyejJC2-tQHEuSCMmiMU4FKftwXb7vlBxZ3LoG5NzljRIsaxd_5w5sU7pPrX1SXj7wZxAj_56MGyXAN0HH_estDFedWuhllsGorfnApfSIfuQW3snI/w640-h480/IMG_3094%5B21%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></div><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /><span class="Apple-converted-space"><a href="http://www.lesrobesnoires.com" target="_blank">www.lesrobesnoires.com</a><br /></span></span></span><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473859950804429810.post-21371371107642272062023-12-07T13:14:00.000+00:002023-12-07T13:14:09.255+00:00Domaine Ollier Taillefer - an update<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNmdb0gVIPD3ZzAKQL5WhqG37l7WQDwD03KMBkPxhyyIL63-QEZRKhEjqKWbj8ZZa5Y7h9YaZJEGnVuAbIQjTqaYnmnKjB5zA_6d6CsO4nyPIpqGzjyj66v2H9FSux4RX7Dc0Zu941fyQe7hnEhvN-N4-wpWHK72g60QurLTHijj60JXkbjrr6SagXRcc/s3072/IMG_1944.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="2304" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNmdb0gVIPD3ZzAKQL5WhqG37l7WQDwD03KMBkPxhyyIL63-QEZRKhEjqKWbj8ZZa5Y7h9YaZJEGnVuAbIQjTqaYnmnKjB5zA_6d6CsO4nyPIpqGzjyj66v2H9FSux4RX7Dc0Zu941fyQe7hnEhvN-N4-wpWHK72g60QurLTHijj60JXkbjrr6SagXRcc/w480-h640/IMG_1944.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">I always enjoy tasting with Françoise; she always provides an enthusiastic welcome and I always learn something from her. And it was high time for an update on the latest wines. This is now a three-generation estate. Françoise’s father Alain, now 80, is still very much involved and her two nephews, Florent and Guilhem have now joined the family business. Florent has studied winemaking, and has been allowed to make his own wine and his brother is working on sales. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><b>2022 rosé</b> – 9.50€<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">A blend of Syrah, Grenache and Cinsault, and some young Mourvèdre vines, that is to say younger than 20 years old. Mourvèdre takes a bit of time to settle down. A little colour. Nicely rounded nose. Light and fresh with some body and nicely balanced weight. 2022 was a hot vintage, but they managed to retain the freshness. 13.5€<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="FR"><b>2022 Tournée Générale</b> – 12.00€<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">2022 was Florent’s first vintage and this is his first solo wine. A blend of Cinsault, Grenache <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">Carignan and Syrah, with no added sulphur. The grapes are destemmed and they add cultured yeast. I did not know that you could buy organic yeast. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">Deep colour. Lovely ripe nose, with fresh red fruit, cherries. A youthful streak of tannin. And a lovely freshness. Well done Florent! You’ve made a great start.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">We talked about the age of their vines, an average of forty years, with about a third planted either by her father or her brother, Luc. They have Grenache and Syrah that are 50 years old and half a hectare of vines near thei<i>r capitelle</i> that are 100 years and more. And while most of their Carignan is anything between 60 and 100 years old, they also have younger 20-year-old Carignan vines. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><b> </b></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><b>2019 les Collines </b>- 10.00€<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">One third each of Grenache, Carignan and Syrah. Lovely rounded fruit on the nose and palate. I always describe this wine as sunshine in a glass, and this was no exception. Nicely balanced, with well integrated tannins. Françoise called this <i>la patte de la maison</i> – which might translate as the footprint of the estate. She observed that they take care to pick at the right moment.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><b>2019 La Grande Réserve</b> – 14.00€<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">From the oldest vines 50 – 100 years old. Grenache, Syrah, Carignan and just a little Mourvèdre. Good depth of colour. Hints of the garrigues, the classic Mediterranean vegetation on the nose and one the palate, some black olives and tapenade. Firm fruit and balancing tannins on the palate. Some stony fruit with the spice of the garrigues. Good length and a fresh finish. Lots of nuances. A wine to savour<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><b>2017 La Grande Reserve</b> – 15.00€<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">For comparison. Deep colour. More black olives and tapenade on the nose and palate. Rounded rip fruit and lovely concentration combined with elegant weight and a long finish. Difficult to say which I preferred. I liked them both in different ways. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><b>2018 Castel Fossibus</b> – 20€<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">A blend of 50% Syrah, 30% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre and just a little, 5% Carignan. I know that adds up to 105%, but just take a percent or two off the Grenache and Syrah……And in 2022 they included 10% Carignan to add extra freshness. Aged in barrels, with 10% in new 225 litre barrels. They find the larger barrels too difficult to manoeuvre. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">Deep colour. Good fruit with well integrated oak and a firm a finish. The tannins are quite obvious on the finish. I have always preferred the Grande Reserve and this time was no exception.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">2018 was a year of mildew with spring rain, and not such a hot summer. They lost crop because of the mildew, but the wine also had concentration from the small crop. 2016, the next wine, in comparison, was sunnier, with a hot August, while 2018 was fresher and cooler. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><b>2016 Castel Fossibus</b> – 22€<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">A little colour development and a more evolved nose and palate. The nose is evolving very nicely, with some lightly oaky, cedary notes, while the palate is more youthful, structured with a firm tannic finish.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><b>2017 Le Rêve de Noé</b> – 30.50€<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">2017 was a cooler year and there was some rain during the harvest. However, everything ripened well, even if it was all made a bit complicated by the rain. They only make this wine when the Mourvèdre is good enough as it is a blend of 50% Syrah and 50% Mourvèdre. There wasn’t enough Mourvèdre in 2018 and 2019 is only just in bottle. The Mourvèdre is aged in new wood, and the Syrah in barrels of one fill. And the aim is a wine for long ageing. Françoise explained that they had considered an almost pure Mourvèdre, but a single varietal is not in their DNA. Faugères is about blends.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">Medium colour. Oak on the nose but it is well integrated, after two years in vat as well as the year in barrel. Dark fruit on the palate with quite firm tannins, and a rich structured palate with good depth and length. Youthful, with lots of nuances and beginning to evolve nicely. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><b>2021 Allegro</b> – 14.00€<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">A blend of Roussanne and Vermentino, with 10% of Carignan Blanc. Françoise explained that they had grafted their first Vermentino some 30 years ago, on to Carignan Blanc. Her brother, Luc, had got some cuttings from M. Guy of Château Coujan in St Chinian, who was an inspirational wine grower in his time. I have never forgotten my first encounter with him back in 1987. Happily, as Françoise explained, they had also kept some Carignan Blanc, which they now realise works very well in the region and is enjoying something of a comebackl.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">A little colour, with a rich herbal nose and on the palate nicely mouth filling with herbal notes and a fresh finish. Good length. One of my favourite white wines of Faugères.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">And then we finished with a sniff of Fine de Faugères, distilled by the Atelier du Bouillon in the nearby village of Autignac. It had spent 12 years I barrel – a serious alternative to Cognac, and it was of course Fine de Faugères that gave the appellation its name. <o:p></o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473859950804429810.post-12701473996340779152023-11-24T10:00:00.001+00:002023-11-24T10:00:58.137+00:00The Top 100 in 2023<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhpUo9tqdLuP80BoFty9AGGiN-ioc1pWLlPadQmXFbbIhdJgL349KJ1-co6FR7Hb-MEZ5ERRkC0OXxcgXhWn_9CfSNr4Bb0pGAihKsUz9qE92adalsv_9n3lEl4uS9wdTOcl2HDcoPnuwWqOFkSASawgwMEdDF71GiSbTMp22CQHb5lhGvCM_61D9id4/s4896/P1010115.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhpUo9tqdLuP80BoFty9AGGiN-ioc1pWLlPadQmXFbbIhdJgL349KJ1-co6FR7Hb-MEZ5ERRkC0OXxcgXhWn_9CfSNr4Bb0pGAihKsUz9qE92adalsv_9n3lEl4uS9wdTOcl2HDcoPnuwWqOFkSASawgwMEdDF71GiSbTMp22CQHb5lhGvCM_61D9id4/w640-h480/P1010115.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">I help judge the Top 100 competition each year, but that means that I only see a small part of the entries. For an overview, the tasting showing all the winning wines is essential. And there was the usual eclectic selection, with a wine or two from most of the appellations of the region. Although Occitanie has been extended to include some appellations of the southwest, they did not really feature, with just eight wines, while sixteen came from Roussillon and two from Côtes du Rhone Villages, Laudun, which is technically part of the competition, as it is situated in the department of the Gard. The lion’s share belonged to the Languedoc. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">The tasting began with a lone Crémant de Limoux, Blason Rouge from Sieur d’Arques. I couldn’t help feeling that the dosage was a little on the high side and that I have tasted more distinguished Crémants, even if Sieur d’Arques is a coop that works well for its appellation. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">Next came a couple of Picpoul de Pinet from the cooperative in the village of Pomerols, which performs very well for its appellation, as well as one from the cooperative in another village, Florensac. All three had the firm salinity that is typical of good Picpoul, accounting for the success of the appellation. And the 2020 Selection from les Vignerons de Florensac won Best in Show White. However, I would say it was close run thing between the three Picpouls. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">As for other white appellations, there were a couple of plain AOP Languedoc. I liked 2021 Château de Caseneuve, a blend of Roussanne, Grenache Blanc and Rolle, with a little oak ageing. The oak was well integrated and the palate round and floral. In contrast 2021 Château Puech Haut, Tête de Belier was firmly oaky, but with leesy texture and good length. There was a discreet St Chinian, 2022 Les Secrets from the coop in St Chinian, an unoaked blend of Grenache Blanc and Roussanne with some fresh acidity and rounded fruit. Laurent Miquel’s 2022 Albariño IGP Aude was lightly peachy, with good varietal character. His 2022 Solas Viognier Pays d’Oc also displayed good varietal character, a more subtle Viognier than the usual Viogniers from the Languedoc. 2022 Clos Aguilhem, IGP Saint Guilhem-le-Désert, was awarded the accolade of Wine of Distinction. It was a blend of Grenache Blanc, Chenin Blanc and Vermentino, with some oak ageing, which you could detect on the palate, combined with some floral fruit and good mouthfeel. I was also very pleased to taste 2022 La Chapelle Saint-Mathieu, Pays de l’Hérault, a blend of Grenache Blanc , Roussanne and Chenin Blanc, a new estate close to Aniane, developed by Domaine de la Rectorie in Roussillon. The oak is nicely integrated, with balancing fruit and a textured palate. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">There were just four Rosés. 2022 Fontarèche Piquepoul Noir IGP Aude was deemed best rosé in show. It had some delicate fresh raspberry fruit, with a little weight on the palate. I also like 2022 Domaine Coste-Moynier AOP Languedoc, from Cinsault and Grenache Noir, with delicate raspberry fruit and balancing acidity. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">The best red of show went to Mas Conscience, 2020 Terrasses du Larzac, a blend of Syrah Grenache and Cinsault, with ripe supple fruit and a balancing streak of tannin. It conjured up Languedoc sunshine in the glass with some depth and elegance, demonstrating the style of wine that the Languedoc does so well. Altogether there were five wines from the Terrasses du Larzac of which I also liked le Clos Rouge, 2020 Babel, a blend of Syrah Grenache and Cinsault, which was more structured that the Mas Conscience, with some spice on both nose and palate, and some ageing potential.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">Faugères performed well this year with eight wines. The cooperative had two wines under their Mas Olivier label. 2022 Grande Reserve lacked depth for my taste buds, while 2022 Le Parfum du Mas displayed much more depth with ripe fruit and spice. Abbaye Silva Plana also had two wines in the line up of which 2021 La Closeraie was awarded Wine of Distinction. It was quite firm and structured with black fruit, but I would criticise the heavy bottle. And Château Estanilles achieved a hat trick with three wines, 2019 Sous les Rocs, 2019 Clos du Fou and 2019 Fontanilles. I liked Clos du Fou best, which is the vineyard for which the estate is best known. Made from Syrah and Grenache, with firm oak, tannin and fruit, and displaying masses of potential. But again another heavy bottle. 2021 Château de Ciffre, Terroirs d’Altitude, displayed oak and black fruit on the palate, making for a characterful mouthful of flavour. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">There were four St Chinian, with the 2020 S’il Vous Plait from the St Chinian coop providing supple fruit and easy drinking. Laurent Miquel’s 2019 lieu dit Bardou was more serious with structure and youthful potential. A lone la Clape came from Château les Bugadelles and there was a lone Pic St Loup from Doimaine les Grandes Coste. Two of the three Grès de Montpellier came from Mas du Novi, of which I much preferred the unoaked O de Novi from Syrah and Grenache with supple ripe fruit.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">Moving further west, there were four Minervois as well as a Minervois la Livinière 2021 from Domaine de la Borie Blanche which gained Wine of Distinction. It is a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre, with some obvious oak but good underlying fruit. There were five Corbières of which my favourite was Domaine la Cendrillon, 2017 Inédite, a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre, with a firm structured palate balanced with appealing spicy fruit. I also enjoyed the lone Fitou, Domaine du Vent, 2021 Autan en Emporte, a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Carignan, with no oak, but plenty of warm, spicy fruit.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">The final appellation was a Malepère from Domaine la Louviere, la Séductrice, a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec, and a change of register after the traditional Languedoc flavours. It was fresh and elegant with good cassis fruit.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="FR">Some IGP followed, from Pays d’Oc, Cevennes, Coteaux d’Ensérune, Saint Guilhem-le-Désert, Aude, Côtes du Brian and Côtes de Thau. </span>Domaine Gayda’s Altre Cami Grenache Noir was awarded Wine of Distinction. With no oak it exuded ripe liqueur cherry fruit and was subtle and supple. I also liked Domaine les Yeuses 2020 Syrah les Epices, with supple varietal character and well-integrated oak. La Chappelle St Mathieu Les Arbres de Judée from Mourvèdre and Cabernet Sauvignon combined cassis and spice with a firm streak of tannin, and youthful potential. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">Lou Belvestit is a young estate in the Côtes de Thongue and 2022 Lembre, from Syrah, Carignan and Grenache Noir was spicy and youthful, and refreshingly unoaked. Both the IGP Saint Guilhem-le-Désert came from Domaine Saint-Jean d’Aumières. I preferred the unoaked 2022 Tria to the partially oaked 2021 Prima, with its elegant fruit and a refreshing finish. Calmel & Joseph’s Les Terroirs la Fabrique 2021 Côtes de Brian was an unoaked pure Carignan, with red fruit and the fresh finish of Carignan, showing clearly why that once despised grape variety deserves its new reputation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">In the Roussillon line up, Mas Bécha claimed the lion’s share, with four wines. I particularly liked 2020 Hipgnosis 269, a blend of Vermentino, Grenache Blanc and Macabeo, with satisfying weight and texture and floral notes. The 2021 vintage was also in the line-up, proving that the wine benefitted from an extra year in bottle. The two red wines, 2020 Barrique and 2021 Excellence, were both quite solid, intense and ripe. Domaine des Trois Orris 2018 Euphorie, a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Carignan, had rounded dry spice balanced with tannin, and some intriguing flavours on the finish. A 2020 Maury Sec from Mas de la Devèze was supple and ripe, while a Côtes Catalanes from a new estate, le Clos d’Elpis, a pure unoaked Syrah, was appealingly fresh and elegant. There were two wines from Domaine de la Rectorie, a pair of Collioure, 2021 L’Oriental with fresh elegant fruit, which contrasted with 2021 Col de Perdigué with more concentrated, denser flavours. And finally Château Nadal Hainaut 3 Sources No added sulphites 2022 Côtes Catalanes made a refreshing finale to the tasting, but was slightly overwhelmed by previous flavours. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">And sadly, there was no a dessert wine in sight, no Muscat, Rivesaltes, Maury or Banyuls. Where were they?<o:p></o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473859950804429810.post-37854492339344722402023-07-26T12:16:00.000+01:002023-07-26T12:16:37.761+01:00Domaine d'Aupilhac - an update <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6X16UhwHbw4BEOD-jODaPitJPwYxwLJNnzzOrXA6sEUxMO-72a5VzPcLE4xCaD4fNwkRkiYyOpqHieeQQdzneheyDRwYVw7blwNoZnc9Dqx6AgT7h-NcAwaIiMEDRZx4DcbrKbFCrNVLygZBavXrVE2aIWdP8WSHkdYi49D_D257ilRwdOe186V-eeTc/s4896/P1010137.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4896" data-original-width="3672" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6X16UhwHbw4BEOD-jODaPitJPwYxwLJNnzzOrXA6sEUxMO-72a5VzPcLE4xCaD4fNwkRkiYyOpqHieeQQdzneheyDRwYVw7blwNoZnc9Dqx6AgT7h-NcAwaIiMEDRZx4DcbrKbFCrNVLygZBavXrVE2aIWdP8WSHkdYi49D_D257ilRwdOe186V-eeTc/w480-h640/P1010137.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">I always enjoying seeing Sylvain Fadat. And this visit dates back to the early autumn of 2022. Sylvain was very pleased with the 2022 harvest. All had gone well. There was an early budbreak, and none of the frost of 2021. 100mm of rain in June was beneficial, helping the vines through a dry summer, which made for one of the smallest crops of the last ten years. However, analytically the wines do not have the profile of a hot year; on the contrary, the pH is low and the acidities are good. The vines didn’t suffer from lack of water. Is this the biodynamic effect on the vines, a method that he has practiced since 2014? He did more dynamisation during the summer in 2022. And he thinks that the plants are stronger and have more energy. He had given them seven tons per hectare of sheep and cow manure, and if you dynamise the manure, it is absorbed more easily into the soil.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Then we talked about the creation of the Terrasses du Larzac. He was one of the pioneers, along with Olivier Jullien. Initially the area was Coteaux du Languedoc, and then it became part of a larger area, Languedoc. But they did not want to abandon Coteaux du Languedoc, but realised that the image of Coteaux du Languedoc implied a larger area than it actually was. The result was Terrasses du Larzac, as a second layer of appellation above Languedoc. And next they would like greater recognition of Montpeyroux, where Domaine d'aupilhac is, as a cru of the Terrasses du Larzac. The initial steps were taken in 1990, but it all takes time. Montpeyroux was one of the first VDQS of the Languedoc in 1956 and then became one of the terroirs of the Coteaux du Languedoc. Sylvain firmly believes in Montpeyroux and he firmly believes in Carignan and would not pull it up. For him the Terrasses du Larzac acts an intermediary appellation, between Languedoc and Montpeyroux.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">The soil is very mixed, with two different climates in the Terrasses du Larzac. There is a world of difference between say, Pas de l’Escalette and Cocalières above Montpeyroux. Montpeyroux is a great terroir. It does not suffer from drought. 'My wine is good because the terroir is so good' Sylvain was one of the first independent wine growers in Montpeyroux, with a first vintage in 1989. There are now 30 independent cellars in the village, but not everyone makes Montpeyroux, just 25 and the cooperative. There is a link between the old wine growers and the cooperative and the new arrivals.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">And then Sylvain opened a bottle,<b> 2021 Aupilhac Blanc</b>. A blend of 40% each of Carignan Blanc and Clairette with a little Ugni Blanc and Grenache Blanc. with elegant stony fruit, freshness and energy, with very good acidity. Ugni Blanc gives acidity. Clairette has less acidity, and more weight with a little bitterness. The soil is marnes blancs with oyster fossils. 15€<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Sylvain has given up making rosé: instead he is making vin gris. Montpeyroux had a tradition for vin gris, and the cooperative does a gris de gris, le Cayradel. Sylvain is grafting Carignan. first planting the rootstocks. It resists drought. And he also uses Grenache Gris, Carignan Gris and Clairette Rose. The alcoholic and malo lactic fermentation are in<i> foudres</i>, 40 and 20 hls, with a 9 months élevage. 2021 was the first vintage of<b> le Gris</b>. It was the colour of old gold after a direct pressing, after a few hours in the press. It was rounded and textured with an almost sweet raspberry fruit, and very ripe. 17€<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b>2021 Cocalières Blanc</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">A blend of Roussanne, Marsanne, Grenache Banc and Rolle, kept in 40 hls foudres. More rounded, more weight and body, with a long finish. Quite different from Aupilhac Blanc. Initially Aupilhac Blanc had more Grenache, and hardly any Carignan or Clairette. It is a very good terroir for white wines, very chalky with old seas shells. In contrast, Cocalières is more stony, with less active limestone, on the site of an old lake that was formed after a volcanic eruption.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span lang="FR"><b>2020 Cocalières rouge</b> - 20.80€<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span lang="FR">Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre. </span>Good colour, Fragrant garrigues fruit on nose and palate. Very supple, subtle tannins with lovely fruit. Medium weight.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b>2020 Le Carignan</b> - 20.10€<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Quite deep colour. Quite firm red fruit on both nose and palate, with a fresh finish. Nicely ripe and mouth filling, but always with freshness, the benchmark of Carignan.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><a href="http://www.aupilhac.com/" style="color: #954f72;">www.aupilhac.com</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473859950804429810.post-45197394123197230422023-07-12T10:02:00.003+01:002023-07-12T10:04:05.486+01:00 Domaine Virgile Joly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8fLGabluTqmzc-PznaOf7LhOyI7vW6O1IKY7SengxHY5BC2cKow3Q9ZAcg-ISE-VQskY1CxtmNMkT6R6VNVYIcel-r2fI_DMae6DDpJ1R6Kdcp3cd5w6Ov_t0vcEGeNAgRQuxI-F60OTQTzNsIH2KHGU3zTaTinilX-D1cYW32Fq_iUGakmAkJQqTDfM/s4896/P1010135.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4896" data-original-width="3672" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8fLGabluTqmzc-PznaOf7LhOyI7vW6O1IKY7SengxHY5BC2cKow3Q9ZAcg-ISE-VQskY1CxtmNMkT6R6VNVYIcel-r2fI_DMae6DDpJ1R6Kdcp3cd5w6Ov_t0vcEGeNAgRQuxI-F60OTQTzNsIH2KHGU3zTaTinilX-D1cYW32Fq_iUGakmAkJQqTDfM/w480-h640/P1010135.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">It has been a while since I last tasted with Virgile. In fact his new cellar on the road between St Saturnin and St Guiraud was still a building site. Although building work began 2014, it was only finished in 2018, thanks to issues regarding the electricity supply. the mayor of St Guiraud is anti vignerons independents in the village……</span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Virgile is very happy with the new cellar. He used to make his wine in a tiny cellar right int he centre of St Saturnin. It was very artisanal but far from practical. Now he has the luxury of space. Everything operates by gravity. There are stainless steel vats for rosé and white wine, all thermo -regulated, and concrete vats for red wine, and barrels in a well-insulated cellar eight metres below ground. He also has a couple of eggs, and a concrete container that looks rather like an outsize perfume bottle! and a sorting table.</span></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Virgile has a total of 28 hectares, all farmed organically, producing about 1500 hectolitres a year. He is firmly attached to his appellation of St Saturnin, even he is one of only a handful of estates to produce it. </span></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span>He also makes Terrasses du Larzac, and some of his vines are simply AOP Languedoc. </span><span style="font-family: times;">And after admiring the new cellar, we adjourned to his small cellar in the village of St Saturnin for some tasting.</span></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>2021 Le Joly Blanc, Languedoc </b>- 8.90-€</span></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">A blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Roussanne, Elevage in vat. A very floral nose, with some aniseed on the palate. Good acidity, rounded and textured. 2021 was the year of the frost, something that is virtually unheard of in the Languedoc, and consequently the crop was 30% down. And in the summer of 2022, when I was visiting, St Saturnin had not had as much rain in the middle of August as some parts of the Terrasses du Larzac, just 35 mm on 17th August and another 15 mm on 19th. But it was better than nothing. </span></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>2021 Saturne Blanc, Languedoc </b>- 12.90€</span></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Grenache 60% with 40% Vermentino. No wood. A fresher nose and more herbal, with even more herbal notes on the palate, with some weight and good acidity on the finish. </span></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>2019 Virgile, Languedoc </b> - 21.90€</span></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">A blend of Grenache Blanc and Vermentino vinified in barrel. The oak is noticeable on the nose and palate but is quite well integrated. A nicely rounded palate with good acidity and a fresh dry finish. It really needed food, as we proved later over lunch. </span></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>2021 Saturne, Rosé, AOP St Saturnin</b> - 9.90€</span></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Although St Saturnin has had a long tradition of rosé, for some reason this was not recognised when the appellation was created, and it took them another ten years, until 2020, to finally get the rosé of St Saturnin recognised by the INAO. Otherwise it would be plain AOP Languedoc, without any distinguishing origins. Historically it is quite a light rosé and this was relatively pale, with a rounded palate that was both ripe and fresh at the same time. Virgile observed that the Grenache makes for <i>gras</i> or body, while Syrah gives freshness and colour, The blend also includes some Mourvèdre and Cinsault</span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Nicely rounded. Red fruit, with a certain freshness and structure. The Mourvèdre gives structure with a little tannin </span></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>2020 Le Joly Rouge, AOP Languedoc</b> - 8.90€</span></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">The entry level red wine. A blend of mainly Syrah and Grenache, with some Carignan and Cinsault. Elevage in vat. Medium colour. Red fruit with notes of the garrigue and bay leaves, with rounded spice on the palate. Structured palate, with some supple tannin and some complexity. </span></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>2020 Cybèle, Terrasses du Larzac</b> - 14.90€</span></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">A blend of 60% Syrah 30% Mourvedre and 10% Grenache, with two years élevage in concrete vats. No barriques here. Hand harvested. Indigenous yeast. From vines in St Saturnin and St. Guiraud. 2019 was Virgile's first vintage of Terrasses du Larzac. Virgile talked about Mourvedre, which he really likes as it gives more character to a wine, and consequently the inclusion of Mourvedre has changed the profile of some of his other <i>cuvées</i>. A nicely rounded palate, evolving well, with firm garrigues notes and a supple structure and balancing tannins. Medium weight, with freshness and energy. A long finish. And why the name? If you know your mytholog, Cybèle was the wife of Saturne.</span></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>2019 Saturne Rouge, St Saturnin</b> - 14.90€</span></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">A blend of Syrah, Grenache and Carignan, but no Mourvèdre. Medium colour. Some smoky red fruit. Quite a sturdy palate. Aged in concrete vats and quite different from Cybèle. It almost tasted younger even though it was a year older. Virgile commented that the Terrasses du Larazac is a modern appellation, describing it as more <i>croquant,</i> or crunchy, fresher and younger. Whereas Saturne is classic Languedoc, with silky tannins, but a sturdier palate.</span></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>2017 Virgile, St Saturnin</b> - 24.90€</span></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">A blend of Syrah, Grenache and Carignan, with 18 months in barrel. This was the drought year and Virgile lamented the problems of other years, 2018 mildew; 2019 a sudden <i>coup de chaud</i> or spike in temperature. 2020 was normal; 2021 had frost and 2022 drought. </span></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Good colour. Oak well integrated, with some lovely fruit. Virgile talked about his use of wood and experiments with new wood. Here the fruit is tempered by the oak. One third is new, from Seguin Moreau and Taransaud. And the palate is very harmonious and glanced with lots of nuances of flavour. It was long, but not heavy, with some elegance. </span></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>2019 Promesse, St Saturnin</b> - 36€</span></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">60% Mourvedre, 35% Syrah, 5% Grenache. Virgile has bought a 6 hectare vineyard of old Mourvèdre vines, with the help of crowd funding, an organisation called Terra Hominis; they are 40 years old vines which is mature for Mourvedre vines in the Languedoc. And he wants to do something exceptional with them, making what he calls a cuvée d'exception, with numbered bottles. The wine is aged in new oak, which is quite apparent on the nose, but nicely integrated, with youthful potential. There is an underlying elegance. It was a lovely finish to our tasting.</span></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">I quizzed Virgile about the differences between St Saturnin and the Terrasses du Larzac. St. Saturnin is stricter, with a yield of 42 hl/ha as opposed to 45 hl/ha. and requires three grape varieties. 60% is the maximum of a single variety, so no one variety is dominant in the blend. Carignan is important historically. However, St Saturnin has lost its historical reputation. Today there are just six producers. The village cooperative accounts for 70% of the appellation and the others are d'Archambaud, Mas Bertrand, Argenteille and Domaine des Therons, which is based in Montpeyroux. Therons and Virgile are the two biggest.</span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Virgile was also very excited as he had just received an award for biodiversity and he talked about disinfecting his vats by using a gas, rather than chemicals. He has ponds in his vineyards and sows grass between the vines. And tasting finished, we adjourned to the village restaurant, le Pressoir, for lunch and some drinking, and sat and watched the world go gently by in the little square.</span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="http://www.domainevirgilejoly.com" style="font-family: times;">www.domainevirgilejoly.com</a></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473859950804429810.post-28558691395170416842023-06-27T17:35:00.001+01:002023-06-27T17:35:12.862+01:00The latest offerings from Stone, Vine & Sun<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeW03yBdGBtOSStH1N2rxPFoLIYfkebNQhGf8TPNvAZsyPdLrlofUFalYntedm2cUmJ7z9-PxH6SphW48wp1MuLKxk-j9mMHezrhsZb8Z_9dr9prAurRyqaCMDTEBFLhnMlIBSYehOqFkDrS6uPhQafi4Q3LKz5uiBNLWtBz6DAS8Wopcl5sAu4xaNZM0/s4896/DSC01545.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeW03yBdGBtOSStH1N2rxPFoLIYfkebNQhGf8TPNvAZsyPdLrlofUFalYntedm2cUmJ7z9-PxH6SphW48wp1MuLKxk-j9mMHezrhsZb8Z_9dr9prAurRyqaCMDTEBFLhnMlIBSYehOqFkDrS6uPhQafi4Q3LKz5uiBNLWtBz6DAS8Wopcl5sAu4xaNZM0/w640-h480/DSC01545.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; text-align: left;"> </span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">I always enjoy Stone, Vine & Sun’s tastings for they are one of the few wine merchants who really concentrate on the south. So here are a few highlights from their most recent tasting. First some rosés<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><b> </b></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b>2022 La Combe Saint-Paul, Amandiers, Pays d’Oc </b>- £9.95<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">A very good start to the tasting. Pale pink colour, with a fresh nose, and quite a rounded ripe palate, with fresh raspberry fruit. From an estate in La Clape that also has vineyards outside that appellation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="FR"><b>2022 Château la Grave Minervois, Expression</b> - £11.25<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Pale orange pink. Quite a firm structured nose. Quite rounded, ripe fruit with a little weight and good balancing acidity. A more serious rosé.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><b> </b></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b>2022 Domaine de la Ribotte, Bandol</b> - £19.50<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">And even more serious. A hint of orange in the colour. Quite a rounded but firm nose and palate, with some structure and weight, as well as fruit. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><b> </b></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b>Domaine J. Laurens</b> is one of my favourite Limoux producers so I was very pleased be able to taste a couple of their wines.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="FR"><b>NV Blanquette de Limoux le Moulin</b> - £15.95<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Light colour. Rounded nose with some dry herbal notes typical of Mauzac, on both nose and palate. A rounded palate with good acidity. Nicely refreshing.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b>2020 Crémant de Limoux Brut, les Graimenous </b>- £16.95<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Light colour. Quite a firm restrained nose and on he palate some rounded creamy fruit, balanced with good acidity and an elegant mousse. Nicely satisfying weight on the palate.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Amongst the unoaked whites, these stood out<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="FR"><b>2022 l’Estabel, Languedoc blanc, Grand Cuvée Comtesse</b> - £10.95<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">From the very successful coop in the tiny appellation of Cabrières. A blend of Grenache Blanc, Clairette and a little Bourboulenc. Quite a delicate nose, with rounded dry fruit, and some herbal notes. Elegantly understated.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b>2021 Domaine Pégaline, Juste, IGP St Guilhem le Désert </b>- £16.50<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">This is a new name for me, from the village of Claret, within the appellation of Pic St Loup. A blend of Grenache Blanc, and Vermentino. A hint of colour. Quite a firm dry nose. A lightly fragrant palate, with some structure and a slight bitterness balancing the finish nicely.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b>2021 Clos de l’Amandaie</b> - £16.95<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">This is a new addition to Stone vine & Sun’s list. And it is an estate that I discovered during our first summer at our Languedoc house, when we wandered into a wine shop in Clermont l’Hérault looking for a bottle of rosé for lunch. We did also need some wine for our house warming party later in the week, and we came out with a couple of cases of Clos de l’Amandaie. I have had a soft spot for it ever since. And this wine did not disappoint. Light colour. Lightly rounded and herbal on the nose. And on the palate, some fragrant herbal notes, and nicely textured. Both supple and subtle.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">There were three oaked wines, of which my favourite was<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="FR"><b>2022 Domaine Bégude, Etoile Chardonnay, Limou</b>x - £16.95<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">The oak was nicely understated and well integrated. A little colour. Lightly rounded nose, and lightly buttery on the palate with good acidity. An elegant finish. This estate is owned by an Englishman, James Kingslake. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">A large selection of reds followed. The first section was Wines for Regular Drinking. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="FR"><b>2020 Château La Grave, Minervois Rouge, Tristan & Julien </b>- £11.25<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Medium young colour. Spicy red fruit on the nose and palate. Youthful streak of acidity and tannin balancing some lovely fruit.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="FR"><b>2021 Clos de l’Amandaie, Chat Pitre IGP Pays d’Oc</b> - £12.50<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Quite a light red colour. And a lightly fruity nose, and wonderfully easy drinking on the palate. Fruity with a dry streak of tannin, but essentially a mouthful of appealing southern fruit.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="FR"><b>2021 La Combe Saint-Paul, Grès Rouge, la Clape </b>- £12.50 <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Medium colour. Some dense spice on the nose and palate. Quite firm tannins balanced by spicy fruit. Youthful potential. A little more serious than the previous two wines.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Pinot Noir (& Cinsault) came next. I liked all four of the wines in this category.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="FR"><b>2021 La Croisade, Pinot Noir, Pays d’Oc</b> - £10.25<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">From the cooperative in the St Chinian village of Cébazan. Medium colour and lovely light easy fruit on the nose and palate. A fresh finish. No great depth but eminently easy drinking with some light varietal character.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="FR"><b>2022 Domaine Bégude, les Cerisiers, Pinot Noir, Haute Vallée de l’Aude</b>- £14.50<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">The Haute Vallee de l’Aude is one of the coolest parts of the Languedoc and one of the best places for Pinot Noir. I have never quite understood why Pinot Noir does not feature in the appellation of Limoux. Medium colour. Fresh raspberry fruit on the nose and palate. Quite a rounded palate with a tannic streak and a fresh finish. <span lang="FR">Lovely fragrant fruit.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="FR"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="FR"><b>2021 Domaine Pégaline, Pin-Sault, Vin de France</b> - £15.95<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">A blend of each parts of Cinsault and Pinot Noir, as the name might imply. Quite a light colour, and rather a funky nose, for want of a better description. A touch of reduction that blew away. The palate has some lovely fresh red fruit. Nicely supple.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b>2012 Domaine de Cazaban, Parti Pris, Pays d’Aude</b> - £20.50<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">This a new supplier for Stone, Vine and Sun. Based in Cabardès, Clement Mengus came south from Alsace and makes a thoughtful range of wines. His Pinot Noir was new to me. Medium colour. Quite a firm nose. Quite a structured palate, with red fruit and some Pinot Noir silkiness. Youthful and elegant, and more serious than the previous wines.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">The next section was based on Carignan.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="FR"><b>2021 Domaine de Cazaban Jours de Vigne, Pays d’Aude</b> - £15.50<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">A blend of Carignan and Grenache Noir. Medium colour. Fresh cherry liqueur fruit on the nose and palate, with a streak of tannin. Fresh and elegant. This has long been a favourite and this 2021 vintage did not disappoint.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="FR"><b>2020 Clos de l’Amandaie, Héritage Carignan, IGP Vicomte d’Aumelas</b> - £13.95<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Quite a deep colour with a firm nose. Good depth and texture on the palate, with some solid ripe red fruit and a rounded finish. <span lang="FR">Nicely satisfying.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="FR"><b> </b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="FR"><b>2021 Domaine du Grand Arc, Corbières, Cuvée des Quarant</b>e - £13.75<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Deep young colour. Firm spice on the nose and palate. Some youthful oak with a firm backbone of tannin. Structured and youthful, with ageing potential.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Then on to Grenache based and Rhône Style blends<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="FR"><b>2019 Clos de l’Amandaie, Grès de Montpellier</b> - £16.95<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Deep colour with rounded spicy nose, and more spice and peppery notes on the palate. Fresh fruit, with a good grip and a youthful bite. Nicely balanced with ageing potential. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Syrah based wines came next, with<b> 2020 Villa Orae, la Clape Sillons</b> - £17.50<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">This was new to me. I gather it is a single vineyard from Domaine la Combe Saint Paul, with 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache and 10% Mourvèdre, and no oak. Good colour. Dense ripe fruit on the nose and a rounded harmonious palate. Balanced with a fresh finish. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b>Domaine Cazaban</b> also showed well again with his <b>Cabardès, les Petites Rangées</b> - £18.95 A blend of 60% Syrah with 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabardès is one of three appellations in the Languedoc that allows Bordelais grape varieties. The Syrah dominated the flavours with rounded spice and red fruit, while the Cabernet added some structure. Medium weight and nicely balanced.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="FR"><b>2018 Château de la Liquière, Faugères Rouge, Cuvée Cistus</b> - £21.95<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Good colour. Quite firm fresh spice on the nose and palate. Youthful fresh red fruit. Nicely balanced. Evolving nicely.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Mourvèdre was the next variety with <b>Mas des Brousses</b>, in the <b>Terrasses du Larzac</b>. The 2020 vintage had youthful colour with a frim fresh nose, and youthful fruit. It was finely crafted elegant and nicely balanced. Xavier Peyraud is a grandson of Lucien Peyraud who did so much for the appellation of Bandol and established the reputation of Domaine Tempier, so Xavier must have Mourvèdre in his genes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">And we finished with<b> Vin Doux Naturels</b>, a pair from<b> Domaine Fontanel</b> in Tautavel. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b>2019 Domaine Fontanel Maury Grenat </b>– £21.95<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Medium red colour. Ripe cherry fruit on the nose and palate. Redolent with fresh red fruit, with a subtle note of alcohol on the finish, from the fortification. Lovely fresh fruit. A great alternative to ruby port. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">I can never resist a good<b> Rivesaltes Ambré</b> and this was no exception. 2015 Domaine Fontanel - £22.95, with an amber colour and elegant nutty notes on the nose. A lightly sweet palate, with some orange notes, as well as walnuts. Delicious. Why are these wines not drunk more often? <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><a href="http://www.stonevine.co.uk">www.stonevine.co.uk</a><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicEfmMfxcbv3gBdFRLKKqEmewc8uyBwTpqB-RQ7U4LEcKCWII2Vc1ykdJZxVSsJIWOyD89B2gAc2OzZ5xvW9L322d9MpYCtI-r7GqbYw3KF7Jcvvh6yAC4oM2PR8K0CnSSt5AuKkPAZWGyaM_7midze2Lepzmm88t6uTlMkfevaX-IGLC9ERYU24qiLdQ/s4896/DSC01486.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicEfmMfxcbv3gBdFRLKKqEmewc8uyBwTpqB-RQ7U4LEcKCWII2Vc1ykdJZxVSsJIWOyD89B2gAc2OzZ5xvW9L322d9MpYCtI-r7GqbYw3KF7Jcvvh6yAC4oM2PR8K0CnSSt5AuKkPAZWGyaM_7midze2Lepzmm88t6uTlMkfevaX-IGLC9ERYU24qiLdQ/w640-h480/DSC01486.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">, <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473859950804429810.post-70062817351308925392023-06-23T10:43:00.009+01:002023-06-23T12:18:08.055+01:00Domaine du Météore - an update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYHYU20bX9r6XQwPnGSsmcg2RKMakkm48oH3_9wVG-eh9u-cZZgkf9-gEK_U-f5qwd91l4XtBUGSusrwlbX25Bul3zIECw8QSpZN9EdQsnaUK2_7nZ31z9ZaKay-yxzgI_Cua_rsZ3-jAeVOetB7dsrMBfw153qflQc1UH23oczKNx3ZZLJzLGXO3P/s4896/P1010275.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4896" data-original-width="3672" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYHYU20bX9r6XQwPnGSsmcg2RKMakkm48oH3_9wVG-eh9u-cZZgkf9-gEK_U-f5qwd91l4XtBUGSusrwlbX25Bul3zIECw8QSpZN9EdQsnaUK2_7nZ31z9ZaKay-yxzgI_Cua_rsZ3-jAeVOetB7dsrMBfw153qflQc1UH23oczKNx3ZZLJzLGXO3P/w480-h640/P1010275.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">It had been a while since I had visited Domaine du Météore, not since the estate changed hands in 2018, and was bought by two London doctors, Paul Jenkins, who has had a house in nearby Lunas for 20 years and already knew Faugères well, and Paul Jarman. Corinne Woodland gave us a comprehensive tasting; her partner Simon Frech is the winemaker, with a first vintage at the estate in 2020. Simon was born in Bordeaux and has worked in various countries, Argentina, with Villa Maria in New Zealand, and more recently in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. And Corinne is English and a spell with the family wine merchants, Tanners of Shrewsbury, kindled her enthusiasm for wine.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">The estate now totals 26 hectares, in some 60 different plots, at an average altitude of 300 metres, and all farmed organically. First of all Corinne talked about the crater, after which the estate is named. A German cosmologist visited recently and took samples from the crater, resulting in a positive identification, confirming that the crater was formed by a meteor sometime between 5 and 10,000 years ago. The crater totals 40 ares, and contains a vineyard of Syrah that was planted in the 1980s. They have decided to make a wine just from those vines, namely:<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b>NV Le Cratère</b> – 25€<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">A sparkling wine made by the traditional method, and producing just 900 – 1200 bottles per year. Simon makes the base wine, which is then sent to a<i> prestateur </i>to be turned into bubbles. It spends nine months on the lees. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">A delicate <i>pélure d’oignon</i> colour And on the nose rounded and fruity, with notes of raspberry and a dry finish. Elegant with good mousse and an appealing freshness. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBWw8HEsT8fa6Z1s8JcS_zFH0e_l7w2OxZ3wyy2QmGenBaGflZPwqiSkWV7MtAVvl5waDtJxtqQRIsWW8Y9eNHCjOSf7PRnzMDndX_fNOTDYRNFYzNQtRRVMtsnkg5aQuf5-RyI_qxszOMr1jdR1p4D7Folm8ZlR7SrQ34PAOC8v_NygSt6wTEZMgf/s4896/P1010272.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4896" data-original-width="3672" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBWw8HEsT8fa6Z1s8JcS_zFH0e_l7w2OxZ3wyy2QmGenBaGflZPwqiSkWV7MtAVvl5waDtJxtqQRIsWW8Y9eNHCjOSf7PRnzMDndX_fNOTDYRNFYzNQtRRVMtsnkg5aQuf5-RyI_qxszOMr1jdR1p4D7Folm8ZlR7SrQ34PAOC8v_NygSt6wTEZMgf/w480-h640/P1010272.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><o:p><br /></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b>2022 Le Météore Rosé </b>– 11.00€<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">A blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. 20-year-old vines. Ligh<i>t gris de gris</i>, with the only skin contact coming from the pressing. Quite a dry nose and palate. Quite firm and lightly vinous on the finish. An elegant finish. And more of a food rosé than a swimming pool rosé.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b>2022 Léonides Rosé</b>– 11.00€<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">A blend of Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah. So a slightly different blend. Fermented in stainless steel vats. Deeper colour, more orange pink. The wine is altogether more structured with more tannin, with some firm fruit on the nose and palate. A nice salinity of the finish. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b>2022 Léonides Blanc </b>– 14.00€<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">40% each of Vermentino and Clairette, with some Viognier and a little Roussanne. Kept in vat. A little colour. A hint of Viognier on the nose, with a little peachiness. Quite a rounded, textured palate, with a slightly bitter finish. Good mouthfeel and weight and lots of nuances from the blend of grape varieties. It should develop nicely in bottle. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b>2019 Lyrides Blanc </b>– 30.00€<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">A blend of equal parts of Vermentino and Roussanne, aged for ten months in new 500 litres barrels. A light golden colour. Quite buttery with some vanilla notes on the nose and on the palate rounded, buttery and ripe. The oak is quite well integrated, with a dry finish. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.domainedumeteore.com" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="4896" data-original-width="3672" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim4YCpPM5Ww8zR3ZbI48Mu7S5tO6pAkmnOczv6vxRwxb-wVs-1mHEiGM02LGesleCtR5IhpilCWsMrWX_CYOoFbmsTkM82TyikBCMyjnErHcnYJV50bYoeGngx6vSMowfj_MOwWO1KscmAOjyM8pyYEaFBSTxzxhZSVDkSD5yg_tG8umTaeS0lZY57/w480-h640/P1010274%20(1).jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><o:p><br /></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b>2020 Léonides Rouge</b> – 12.00€</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Syrah, Grenache and Cinsault, destemmed and aged in vat. Good young colour. Quite a solid leathery nose and on the palate quite solid and rounded, with some good fruit and firm tannins. A youthful chunky mouthful, and only just bottled so possibly needs to settle down a little. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b>2020 Carignides, Vin de France </b>– 14.00€<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">From 55-year-old Carignan, with 18 months ageing in vat, with 30% whole bunches. They make just 2 -2 500 bottles a year of this. Good colour. Fresh red fruit on nose and palate. Some tannin and some acidity making for a fresh finish, with elegant red fruit. Another delicious Carignan.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b>2020 Perséides </b>– 18.00€<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">A blend of 70% Grenache aged in vat, with 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre. Blended just before bottling. Medium colour. Some ripe, cherry liqueur fruit on both the nose and palate. The Grenache really stands out in the blend, with a touch of tannin to balance the ripe fruit.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><b>2017 Lyrides Rouge</b> – 30.00€<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">Syrah blended with 20% Mourvèdre. 35 years old vines, all destalked. A post-fermentation maceration which could last as long as five weeks, and certainly three. Deep colour. Youthful sturdy nose, with leathery notes. Firm fruit on the palate, with underlying ripeness. Red fruit, some herbal notes from the garrigue and a fresh lift, that is characteristic of good Faugères. Balanced structure. Good length. Ageing nicely. This is one of the last wines made by the Libes family. A new winemaker came in 2018, Vincent Balansa, who only did two vintages, 2018 and 2019. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><b>2018 Parangon, St Chinian </b>– 30.00€<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">This is one of two estates that have vineyards in both Faugères and St. Chinian. The other is Moulin de Ciffre. 90% Syrah with 10% Grenache. From one small plot. Destemmed grapes and a long three to five-week post-fermentation maceration. Twenty-two months in new oak. Black fruit on the nose, with some black olive tapenade. Much suppler and more perfumed than Lyrides, the impact of the Grenache, which is warmer and riper, making for a fleshier wine, though balanced with a streak of tannin.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">And our tasting finished with a sniff of Météore Gin, with some appealing notes of juniper and other herbs. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">Stockists in the UK include Les Caves de Pyrène; Clapton Craft with 8 shops around London and Gnarly Vines in Walthamstow</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><a href="http://www.domainedumeteore.com">www.domainedumeteore.com</a><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473859950804429810.post-55499410816022882472023-06-08T16:24:00.003+01:002023-06-27T17:37:44.178+01:00Domaine de Cébène - an update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgio3jSs5Ure8VuvVzV-ObNN-BWDf82Pn-qtxYEupsGFTww0pCfe3gHIRAcJ8lOeC2c94BGwXiPqV9SnvUrb43rxUJSuuIulBN30hZeRn5ia5-jiHnvQ1aJoseRNCjhD1r8KGWvZMR3JqnW0bZ3t1pEw8RM75vcZMtbIk9osb7VsJNhl5-ZrScHEug-/s640/803.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgio3jSs5Ure8VuvVzV-ObNN-BWDf82Pn-qtxYEupsGFTww0pCfe3gHIRAcJ8lOeC2c94BGwXiPqV9SnvUrb43rxUJSuuIulBN30hZeRn5ia5-jiHnvQ1aJoseRNCjhD1r8KGWvZMR3JqnW0bZ3t1pEw8RM75vcZMtbIk9osb7VsJNhl5-ZrScHEug-/w640-h480/803.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">If I had to name my five favourite Faugeres wine estates, there is no doubt that Domaine de Cébène would be amongst them. Brigitte Chevalier has been making wine in the region for nearly 20 years now and her wines seem to evolve and improve every time I see her. This time she was very excited as she now has two amphora, one of sandstone, from Limoux and the other clay, from Italy, as well an an egg and she is experimenting, putting the identical wine, some 2021 Mourvedre, which is eventually destined for Felgaria, in different containers, barrels and vats as well, and observing the differences. She admitted that barrels had always bothered her. You can’t really control a barrel; the coopers decide the toasting and the wood and you cannot modify the quantity of oxygen exchange. The amphora are lightly porous and much easier to control And with an egg the wine is always gently moving, which Brigitte likes, as she works with the lees. In an amphora the wine is static. So far she finds the wine in sandstone more pure, and very direct and neutral, whereas in clay, it is more rounded. </span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">My friend Seema is working on sustainability and was particularly interested to ask about that. It was raining that morning, so our look at the vines was a little cursory. Brigitte has mostly north-facing vines, facing the dominant wind. The difference in the harvest here in Faugères, where the altitude is about 300 metres and in Béziers on the coastal plan, is about three weeks. Thanks to the wind, the ventilation in the vineyards is excellent. Brigitte farms biodynamically, and is anxious to avoid treatments, and with that, the use of the tractor. More is less, with minimum use of energy. </span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">And her cellar operates by gravity. There are no pumps as they damage the grape skins. She uses minimum sulphur during the wine making so good hygiene is all important. In her eleven hectares, she has several different plots, which make for interesting blending possibilities. Her criteria are aspect, altitude, ripeness and vigour. They give you choices in the final blend. </span></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Brigitte talked about field grafts on old vines. If a vine has died, but the rootstock is still alive,you can graft a new variety on to the rootstock and only lose one year’s production. The vine roots are interconnected and it is a major undertaking to pull up the roots of old vines. For a new planting of Carignan and of Mourvèdre, she has bought vines from a nursery. She is also planting more trees, walnut and almonds. And she talked about the importance of the nutrition for the vines; the roots go deep through the cracks between the layers of schist, finding nutrition in the cracks.</span></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghNxHVsgxU_aCnC8KDKwLcKE7Z6re6lV5pjJ1LE85Z6fywQmDscuaHwnOxw5ez45CRjE0YSnawWppnAyGe9yWFwP71Y8UbfVlBTuCNTDGtz8feuFz70gMBUi9Z0nF0NpAoF-vgmzY3LfjiLBOXIcS0BEAQZ1fsBEVbpjkJYFfJJKtmkmerqGH7NGlc/s640/807.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghNxHVsgxU_aCnC8KDKwLcKE7Z6re6lV5pjJ1LE85Z6fywQmDscuaHwnOxw5ez45CRjE0YSnawWppnAyGe9yWFwP71Y8UbfVlBTuCNTDGtz8feuFz70gMBUi9Z0nF0NpAoF-vgmzY3LfjiLBOXIcS0BEAQZ1fsBEVbpjkJYFfJJKtmkmerqGH7NGlc/w640-h480/807.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Brigitte is always very generous with her tastings, so we settled down to not just her current vintages but a vertical of les Bancèls. </span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>2021 Ex Arena</b> - 14€</span></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Mainly Grenache with some Mourvèdre, grown on sandstone, so not Faugeres</span></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Light colour. Picked when the Grenache is just ripe. Cherry fruit on both nose and palate, with a balancing streak of tannin. </span></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>2021 A la Venvole</b> - 16.00€</span></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">This is Brigitte’s entry level wine for Faugères and the third vintage of this particular cuvée. A blend of one third each of Carignan, Syrah and Grenache, blended a couple of months before bottling. The Carignan is relatively young vines, planted by Brigitte when she first arrived in the region. It is very fresh and elegant, with more structured that Ex Arena. Some lovely spice with youthful freshness and a mineral note. Elegant and refreshing. Certainly a great introduction to Faugères.</span></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>2020 Les Bancèls</b> </span></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">The quality and character of vintages in the Languedoc so often depends on the amount of rain, and also when it rained. In 2020 there was a wet winter and some rain again in April, at the right moment, with the result that the wine has more acidity and less power than some vintages, so an appealing combination of freshness and acidity. </span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">At the time of my visit, in July 2022, the Languedoc was suffering from drought, with very little rain during the winter. There was a little in November, and some in April. There has been the odd shower, such as the morning we were visiting, but nothing that will do more than refresh the vines. 2021 in comparison had summer rain, which make for large bunches, and some fine tuning in the wine-making. No year is the same. And now in early June 2023, the drought conditions continue, with very little winter rain, and some showers and even the occasional storm, which helps to maintain freshness, but does nothing to restore the water table. And the Languedoc is not suffering as much as Roussillon. </span></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Les Bancèls means balconies in the Occitan, our identity, enthused Brigitte. Syrah is the dominant variety, all north facing, and there is elegant concentration on the palate, with some youthful tannins. It promises well, but is already drinking nicely. And there is Grenache, planted to face the wind, and a little Mourvèdre on a south facing slope.</span></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>2019</b> - A hot summer, giving the wine a sunnier profile. There was some spring raining and what Brigitte called 'a correct amount' in July and August. A much sturdier nose, and on the palate, more solid, rounded and ripe with more body and weight. Nicely rounded palate with youthful fruit.</span></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">2018 was the year of mildew and consequently no Bancèls.</span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>2017</b> - Minimum rain and not too much sun. More concentration, but elegant concentration. Beginning to evolve nicely, with some red fruit. Very rounded and harmonious</span></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>2016 </b>is less rich than 2017, and fresher with more acidity. Quite a light colour, with fresh red fruit. Medium weight. Elegant finish. Evolving nicely. </span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>2014</b> The colour beginning to mature and the wine is evolving elegantly on the palate. Quite leathery notes. Elegant with supple tannins and fresh acidity. Nicely balanced, and not powerful. Reminiscent of a cool Syrah of the northern Rhône.</span></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_-l5KsXUGptBpHYG651tgLRC7SxqeK5sB2cOASN7t34dFrFj9pzlu2uY2uNMT9uiMChAK-u6HHGltjXvaCW7w5ttLohQqHwenL6yEujrIpXok0zqnFxcLGhXyd_jU35EeE4HNfVBM5mcJX7lfbjiOMSArmbCWjTppkokJUkGZQgPuciFfdPvi7Q4hYA/s4896/P1000251.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_-l5KsXUGptBpHYG651tgLRC7SxqeK5sB2cOASN7t34dFrFj9pzlu2uY2uNMT9uiMChAK-u6HHGltjXvaCW7w5ttLohQqHwenL6yEujrIpXok0zqnFxcLGhXyd_jU35EeE4HNfVBM5mcJX7lfbjiOMSArmbCWjTppkokJUkGZQgPuciFfdPvi7Q4hYA/w640-h480/P1000251.jpeg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><p></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>2020</b> Belle Lurette from old vine Carignan, but Brigitte does not say so on the label. Quite a deep colour. Quite firm sturdy red fruit. Quite solid and rounded, rich and concentrated with a firm streak of tannin. Two vines make one bottle…… </span></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>2017 Felgaria</b>, which is the old name for Faugeres. Dominant Mourvedre with some Syrah. This is the wine that featured in the Top 100. See an earlier post on wines from that competition. Good colour. Quite firm, structured nose with red fruit and on the palate some cedary notes, with nicely rounded Mourvèdre fruit,</span></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>2014 Felgaria</b></span></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Quite a rounded nose. Very harmonious and evolving nicely. Quite supple tannins. Elegant Mourvèdre fruit with a firm backbone. Some comparisons were made with Bandol, for which the terroir is hard chalk, which makes for hard tannins in the young wine. The tannins are more supple with Mourvèdre in Faugeres. Brigitte had some south facing Syrah and she has grafted it with Mourvèdre</span></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">There is a suggestion that some people have planted Mourvèdre in the wrong place, when it became compulsory for the appellation, such as in a valley bottom where it would be damper, which Mourvèdre likes, but there would also be less sunshine, so that it does not ripen properly. Mourvedre is a late ripener, usually well into October, by which time it has rained. Carignan is similar. Cinsault is not nceccesarily suitable in the heat. It too needs a good site. Grenache and Carignan are best. And for white wine Brigitte would favour Grenache Blanc and Grenache Gris. There is currently a fashion for Vermentino but she is not convinced; it is very variable with different ripening. She would like some white vines, but they are difficult to find in Faugeres.</span></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>2016 Belle Lurette</b></span></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Deep colour. Quite sturdy; quite firm on both nose and palate with good fruit and structure. A lovely finale to our tasting. </span></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.cebene.com">www.cebene.com</a><br /></span></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmE3SCiIT0ri3xNfjb3BVXONBQcHHocf_HHCWwBl_QFugVG1c3Js1WBaiuyqYQYbbOq4ynhY8xBjuNGW5DoOseXcN0219ZjC1hS55zWjpwXwIWVR8cFoMtlnyB5Df1bIvgEPs3aUbsTIGxGxkV9JgO2Fho3LQ-zebpjO2o9cSVaWeMnjOw8fD-Wl86/s640/809.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmE3SCiIT0ri3xNfjb3BVXONBQcHHocf_HHCWwBl_QFugVG1c3Js1WBaiuyqYQYbbOq4ynhY8xBjuNGW5DoOseXcN0219ZjC1hS55zWjpwXwIWVR8cFoMtlnyB5Df1bIvgEPs3aUbsTIGxGxkV9JgO2Fho3LQ-zebpjO2o9cSVaWeMnjOw8fD-Wl86/w640-h480/809.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473859950804429810.post-56363727031507493292023-05-16T08:55:00.002+01:002023-05-16T09:40:44.774+01:00 Update on Domaine Capion at the spring SITT – Specialist Importers Trade Tasting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMNQ1q6SgXY9E1iUtoFtQqC0nevwI3kVcY3Re0YIH9nvGRlbGlz-K_wKY7PPgsg7dIVceXoIbm97M_DKk8vrT7L75MapkrGIUUWdOfPah_HRJV9y4rywB-Mbx915ccT6F9J4zzQi4UnyAFMOxxjoLY--EdeIlsJhWfgfZCaaQfnpK2ccVE2nvGA9_k/s3072/IMG_0118.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3072" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMNQ1q6SgXY9E1iUtoFtQqC0nevwI3kVcY3Re0YIH9nvGRlbGlz-K_wKY7PPgsg7dIVceXoIbm97M_DKk8vrT7L75MapkrGIUUWdOfPah_HRJV9y4rywB-Mbx915ccT6F9J4zzQi4UnyAFMOxxjoLY--EdeIlsJhWfgfZCaaQfnpK2ccVE2nvGA9_k/w640-h480/IMG_0118.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">I spent a cheerful few minutes tasting and chatting at the recent SITT tasting with Howard Laughton who represents Chateau Capion in the UK. This is an estate outside Aniane which has had a somewhat chequered history. I first went there in the late 1980s, when Aimé Guibert at Mas de Daumas Gassac was trying to give his young neighbour, Philippe Salasc a helping hand. Things did not work out and the property was sold to a Swiss family, the Bührers, who were actually based in South Africa, and then in 2016 it changed hands again and now belongs to Oleg Chirkunov, who is very much based in Europe. And the range of wines has evolved considerably. Tasting conditions were not ideal, so some of my notes are probably a bit minimal. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="FR"><b>2021 Les Fantaisies de Capion Blanc, Pays d’Oc</b> - £14.95<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">A blend of vaguely equal parts of Chardonnay, Vermentino, Sauvignon and Petit Manseng. No one variety dominates the blend. They have also planted some Albarino, as well as some Marsanne, which is not yet in production. Lightly floral nose. Fresh acidity. Nicely textured. Elegant with dry fruit and a fresh bitter finish. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="FR"><b>2020 Le Chemin des Garennes Blanc</b> - £19.95<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">A blend of 53% Vermentino, 37% Roussanne, 5% Viognier and 5% Clairette. Nine months in 500 litre barrels. Quite rounded and textured. The oak is integrated, with fruit on the palate and a dry finish.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b>2019 IGP St Guilhem-le-Désert Blanc</b> - £20.95<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Pure Chardonnay with nine months barrel-ageing. Quite a firm dry nose, balanced by a lightly buttery palate. Quite elegant for a Languedoc Chardonnay, or is that damning with faint praise?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="FR"><b>2021 Les Fantaisies de Capion, Pays d’Oc, rosé</b> - £14.95 <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Free run juice of Syrah, Grenache and Cinsaut. Light colour. Lightly rounded ripe fruit, with notes of raspberry. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b>2021 Zefir rosé</b> - £19.95<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">75% Grenache with 25% Syrah. Pale colour. Quite a firm dry nose, with a more substantial palate, with weight and mouthfeel and a dry finish.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="FR"><b>2021 Les Fantaisies de Capion rouge</b> - £14.95<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">A pure Syrah. Medium colour. Quite a fresh nose, with fresh spice and some pepper and cassis on the palate. A fresh peppery finish. I liked this a lot. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="FR"><b>2018 Le Chemin des Garennes, Terrasses du Larzac</b> - £19.95<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">A blend of Syrah, Grenache Noir, Cinsaut and Mourvedre. Aged in oak and amphora. The amphora have arrived since my last visit to Capion in 2018. Good colour. Some black olive and tapenade notes on the nose. Black fruit on the palate, with some oak. Youthful with potential. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b>2018 IGP St Guilhem le Desert</b> - £25.50<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">A pure Cabernet Sauvignon, which is what the estate produced in the 1980s. Deep colour. Rich cassis on both nose and palate. Quite solid and rounded with youthful tannins. Some ageing potential.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="FR"><b>2016 Château Capion, Terrasses du Larzac</b> - £32.95<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">A blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre, aged in oak. Deep colour. Quite a solid dense nose. Oak and cassis. Still very youthful and intense, with a rounded finish. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> <a href="http://www.chateaucapion.com" target="_blank">www.chateaucapion.com</a></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473859950804429810.post-86572850721191821432023-05-10T14:46:00.005+01:002023-05-10T14:46:44.559+01:00 Château la Dournie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1MoqngJiapZnazxHP0mx2GFZeNB1GDmErlPDntcEJz-wKc43zOqCcH_2IIzI27MPbqOTkp22wnwwFDmusw5BCEMc-YIxWS7BIXCXQsC713_bCSGvzOjDI5RxoFTforjIAvex0oiFlKThfkTdNEmGe_Khnq1_B2QpxAw70fu2h1TM_8cg7BsbrvB8/s3072/IMG_0186.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3072" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1MoqngJiapZnazxHP0mx2GFZeNB1GDmErlPDntcEJz-wKc43zOqCcH_2IIzI27MPbqOTkp22wnwwFDmusw5BCEMc-YIxWS7BIXCXQsC713_bCSGvzOjDI5RxoFTforjIAvex0oiFlKThfkTdNEmGe_Khnq1_B2QpxAw70fu2h1TM_8cg7BsbrvB8/w640-h480/IMG_0186.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">Château la Dournie is one of the older St Chinian properties, situated on the edge of the small town, with a large park of mature trees, as well as a wine cellar. It is the property of the Estienne family and currently run by Véronique. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">It had been a while since I had tasted the wines so I was thrilled to see them at a recent tasting in London. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b>2021 Le Classic de la Dournie Rouge </b> - £10.95 from The Wine Society<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Good colour. Some rounded spice on both nose and palate, with hints of tapenade and supple tannins. The vinification is in concrete tanks and stainless steel vats, so refreshingly, no a hint of oak, just some wonderful southern sunshine in a glass. And very easy drinking. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b>2019 Etienne</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Some stainless-steel tanks, some<i> demi-muids</i> and some<i> barriques </i>for ageing. The flavours are in the same register, tapenade and spice and some lovely fruit, but with more body and weight and tempered by the oak, with a youthful streak of tannin. Some ageing potential. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b>2017 Elise</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Based on 80% Syrah with 20% Grenache and all aged in barrique. Quite solid and firm with a strong oaky presence, and even a tad woody on the finish, though with some underlying fruit. I really felt that in this instance the oak was not doing the wine any favours. The unoaked Classic was so much more appealing. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473859950804429810.post-12484138126650273132023-05-02T10:11:00.001+01:002023-05-02T10:11:07.641+01:00Calmel & Joseph<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7oAMtXn1rjHshmehMiAjyHM7CnDuXbY3yYHQ5q3C9b_67En8BINjnYZ96gQ0laQUPlVQUbRJh3Q2PchxCyD4T836If0LPyGpSeSvUHXX8uvuYIEufBV4L-qvOEMoiY1i0EWlVR4ttNQmSbeNw9Q9H6w_MV82jzj7C9fss3g6JempwCuvIrnBwkkm7/s3072/IMG_0235.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3072" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7oAMtXn1rjHshmehMiAjyHM7CnDuXbY3yYHQ5q3C9b_67En8BINjnYZ96gQ0laQUPlVQUbRJh3Q2PchxCyD4T836If0LPyGpSeSvUHXX8uvuYIEufBV4L-qvOEMoiY1i0EWlVR4ttNQmSbeNw9Q9H6w_MV82jzj7C9fss3g6JempwCuvIrnBwkkm7/w640-h480/IMG_0235.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">An encounter with Daniel Lambert at a recent tasting of French wines, provided an opportunity for an update on his Languedoc agency, Calmel & Joseph. They produce a large range of wines, but Daniel was showing just a handful. I always enjoy talking to Daniel. He has a robust attitude to things, such as his comment on the aftermath of Brexit. We knew it was going to be a car crash but we were not expecting a multiply pile up on the M4 in the fog. He has subsequently moved his business to Montpellier and has ambitions to introduce the French to the wines of the New World. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b>2021 Villa Blanche Chardonnay</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">I am not usually very keen on Chardonnay from the Languedoc, given that Chablis is my preferred style of Chardonnay, but I have to admit that I rather liked this. There was rounded leesy oak on the nose and the palate had a good balance of acidity, with some mouthfeel and texture, as well as fruit. <span lang="FR">A long finish.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="FR"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="FR"><b>2021 Le Domaine, Le Penchant Roussanne</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="FR">Light colour. </span>Quite rounded leafy herbal notes on the nose and palate, with a<i> joli amer</i>, a nice bitterness, which made for a refreshing finish. Some satisfying herbal notes with white blossom.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b>2022 Ams Tram Gram Pomone</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">A blend of Terret Gris, Marsanne and Roussanne. An orange wine, macerated on the skins for three months. with a light orange colour and refreshing pithy fruit on the palate. Medium weight. A streak of tannin and some herbal fruit. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b>2020 Villa Blanche Syrah</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Medium colour. Quite rounded and ripe on the nose. And some black olive and tapenade on the palate. <span lang="FR">Quite a firm dry peppery finish.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="FR"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="FR"><b>2019 Les Terroirs Cotes de Roussillon, le Petit Miracle <o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">A blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan. Medium colour. Quite a firm, tight nose. With a ripe, rounded warm spicy palate. Redolent of the warmth of Roussillon. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><b> </b></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="FR"><b>2019 les Crus, Pézenas, Entre Amis </b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="FR">A blend of 40% Syrah, 40% Mourvèdre and 20% Grenache. </span>Medium colour. Dry spice and pepper on the nose and a medium weight palate with pepper and tannin. Still very youthful. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b>2018 Collioure, Les Cuvees Rares, les Elmes</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Mourvèdre dominant, 50%, with some Carignan and Syrah. Medium colour. Quite a dry nose, with maturing cedary notes. An underlying warmth on the palate with some cedary spice. A serious mouthful, with some Mourvèdre elegance. Good length and depth. Very satisfying. <span lang="FR"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"> <a href="http://www.calmel-joseph.com">www.calmel-joseph.com</a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473859950804429810.post-60363978453401159932023-04-28T15:18:00.002+01:002023-04-28T15:18:32.878+01:00 Laurent Miquel chez Mentzendorff<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZmy3zCDoVIzV5Zmv0oM3PByqPx-FyPRpizKsJ5cMlI-MOgcKIAykpBUChquK1x7uEBo2ipTbh3Cv9r8xI0-TZsnDnlhEe3YPq4X_jGcBYjsy4ZaMR7PXRvQrZeYJ2u_qSm3iyG6-YHGYBKtT-1JCVZFBKo60gd3xZvf1ETHUMsRJah9-dyS_Ghep6/s3072/Roujan%20April%202016%20098.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3072" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZmy3zCDoVIzV5Zmv0oM3PByqPx-FyPRpizKsJ5cMlI-MOgcKIAykpBUChquK1x7uEBo2ipTbh3Cv9r8xI0-TZsnDnlhEe3YPq4X_jGcBYjsy4ZaMR7PXRvQrZeYJ2u_qSm3iyG6-YHGYBKtT-1JCVZFBKo60gd3xZvf1ETHUMsRJah9-dyS_Ghep6/w640-h480/Roujan%20April%202016%20098.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">A recent Mentzendorff tasting provided a great opportunity to catch with Neasa Miquel who was pouring a small but delicious selection of their wines. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b>2021 Solas Albarino</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Laurent Miquel was an early pioneer of Albarino in the Languedoc. When I visited his vineyards above Lagrasse, in the heart of the Corbières, he took us on a vineyard walk, showing off all the young plantings of Albarino. Subsequently a few others have followed his example. He now has 27 hectares of the variety, and makes three different qualities; the basic entry level, Solas and Côte which is a single vineyard, with a later release date. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Solas was showing beautifully, with a light colour and some fragrant, slightly pithy, honeyed notes on the nose. The palate had some rich apricot notes, and was nicely rounded with texture and length. The wine is refreshingly unoaked; and Neasa explained d that humidity is crucial for Albarino. Think of the rain of Galicia. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><b> </b></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b>2021 Chardonnay</b>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">This also comes from vineyards in Lagrasse. It enjoys some aging in <i>demi-muids,</i> giving a subtle hint of oak on the palate. The nose is lightly buttery, with rounded fruit on the palate, nicely balanced and textured mouthfeel. A satisfying mouthful. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b>2021 Solas Pinot Noir</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">From vineyards in Limoux and in St. Chinian. Medium colour. Quite fragrant red fruit on the nose, and more fresh red fruit on the palate. Medium weight and elegantly balanced. Another satisfying mouthful. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><b> </b></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b>2020 Solas Syrah</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Medium colour. Quite fresh and peppery on the nose with good varietal definition. And on the palate medium weight, with some notes of olive tapenade and some peppery spice. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">And from there I went onto Tuscany and New Zealand. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><a href="http://www.laurent-miquel.com">www.laurent-miquel.com</a><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473859950804429810.post-34154022748036955282023-04-19T15:10:00.002+01:002023-04-19T15:10:42.403+01:00Domaine St Sylvestre with Savage Selection <p><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8sJrRus1yobrlIufHc-mtE9cCLbDLuuwf1oXX6BkM0ZFC0pqN1FteewNqJkBKAXPu-vBI11GewcUJH2pmySHybQy6FBnKgLBbTR_JdUs1P7NWRp8apQflz3VIFEV0tZO5_XuIXx9C-YlYESJUzzsjHN6Nou-a7VKun94bds5oNtWYh5TxarS7Xuyu/s4896/DSC02729.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8sJrRus1yobrlIufHc-mtE9cCLbDLuuwf1oXX6BkM0ZFC0pqN1FteewNqJkBKAXPu-vBI11GewcUJH2pmySHybQy6FBnKgLBbTR_JdUs1P7NWRp8apQflz3VIFEV0tZO5_XuIXx9C-YlYESJUzzsjHN6Nou-a7VKun94bds5oNtWYh5TxarS7Xuyu/w640-h480/DSC02729.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Fellow MW, Mark Savage runs a small import business called Savage Selection. Somehow the name suits the range. I always know, when a producer tells me that that Mark is his importer, that the wines will be interesting in the very best sense of the word. I might not like the wines, but they will characterful, with plenty to say in the glass. So I was delighted to receive an invitation to taste a selection from Marks’s current portfolio, described as Great Wines from Small Growers. There were wines from Greece, Austria, Hungary, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain and Italy, and the Languedoc, with Domaine St Sylvestre.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">I am guilty of never having actually visited this estate, although it has been on my radar for quite a while. And tasting their wines at Mark’s tasting really encourages me to repair that omission. Vincent Guizard worked with Olivier Julien and at Domaine Montcalmès and then set up his own domaine, with his wife, Sylvie, with a first vintage in 2011. They now have eight hectares in three plots in the Terrasses du Larzac and are based in the village of Puéchabon.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">And this is what I tasted:<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b>2021 Blanc</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">A blend of equal parts of Roussanne and Marsanne, with 10% Viognier. Fermented in barrel and then aged in barrels of one fill for 12 months. Light colour. Lightly herbal, fragrant nose. And on the palate nicely balanced, fresh and fragrant, with good acidity, and a satisfying mouthfeel. Nicely textured. The oak is very well integrated. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b>2021 Le Coup de Calcaire</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">The soil is limestone, hence the name. A low yield of 25 hl/ha. And the blend is 90% Chardonnay, with 5% each of Marsanne and Roussanne. Fermented in new Burgundian barrels, with natural yeast and kept in barrels of one fill for 12 months. This had more more concentration, weight and depth. It did not immediately say Chardonnay to me. An intriguing contrast and an altogether more serious proposition.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b>2020 Rouge</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">A blend of 70% Syrah, with 20% Grenache and 10% Mourvèdre, grown mainly on galets roulés and some limestone. Fermented in small batches by grape variety and plot, with a long maceration of 35 days and then aged in barrel for two years. With ripe fruit on the nose, and hints of liqueur cherries. A medium weight palate, with ripe fruit and silky tannins and a fresh finish, typical of the Terrasses du Larzac. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b>2020 Le Sang du Papète</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">A pure Carignan from vines that were planted more than 75 years ago by Sophie’s grandfather in the village of Lespignan, which is much closer to the coast, not far from La Clape. Fermented in stainless steel vats, with a long maceration of 35 days. And then aged in older Burgundian barrels for two years. They are giving Carignan the full works and it shows in the glass, a serious Carignan, with some stature. Medium colour. Quite a firm nose, and firm, structured fruit on the palate, balanced with some appealing freshness. Youthful with potential. Intriguing. And I am guessing that the name is an affectionate term for grandpa. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><a href="http://www.savageselection.co.uk">www.savageselection.co.uk</a><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473859950804429810.post-21275320239501235492023-04-11T10:11:00.006+01:002023-04-12T16:44:14.900+01:00Domaine de l'Hortus - two new wines.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA7tS2ZwmoBkqDAoIizZYl9MDkK3XAScaGU2EEJhr8PwYFwSCWa7QsW3XuMRuJEq0YzjW9eD_x7NPBtf_H-hAxTlq2ui28bPxRES8syEZ-Sn9y_tWDX09LaVu-yCH9U9c81__EBfb7Y9O4PaP1hAVH7BostArsIkVPiRUA83opgFni7hdNDSbQK0lV/s640/IMG_2688.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA7tS2ZwmoBkqDAoIizZYl9MDkK3XAScaGU2EEJhr8PwYFwSCWa7QsW3XuMRuJEq0YzjW9eD_x7NPBtf_H-hAxTlq2ui28bPxRES8syEZ-Sn9y_tWDX09LaVu-yCH9U9c81__EBfb7Y9O4PaP1hAVH7BostArsIkVPiRUA83opgFni7hdNDSbQK0lV/w640-h480/IMG_2688.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><br /></span><p></p><p><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">First an extract from my book, The wines of the Languedoc:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">I have long had a soft spot for the wines of Domaine de l’Hortus, since my first visit to the estate back in the mid-1990s. The very first time I visited Pic St Loup in the late 1980s the sole producer of any significance was the cooperative in St Mathieu-de-Tréviers, which did much to encourage the aspiring wine growers of the area. Jean Orliac was among the first of that new wave of wine growers and these days the estate is run by his children, François, Yves and Martin, who share the responsibilities of 90 hectares of vineyards and also a <i>négociant</i> business. In addition, they have an estate in the Terrasses du Larzac, Clos du Prieur at St Jean-de-Buèges. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">On my last visit, Martin took me to see their vineyards, explaining that the tipicity of Pic St Loup is <i>fraicheur et matière</i>, with fruit and tannins. You can discern three different terroirs in the Pic St Loup; the southern part of the appellation around St Martin-de-Tréviers has less rain, with a smaller diurnal contrast; the central area has more rain, with bigger temperature differences, and the northern part of the appellations is much cooler, with even more rain. Their vineyards are between the two mountains and benefit from losing the afternoon sun quite early. The Syrah vineyard faces north as it does not like too much sun, and the Mourvèdre looks to the south, which suits it. Martin talked about vine density observing that 4000 vines per hectare is too little and makes for vines that are too vigorous so they have gradually increased to 7100, 2 metres with 70 cms within the rows. Density is a key decision for grape quality. They have also invested heavily in the cellar in recent years, to good effect in their wines. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="FR">Bergerie de l’Hortus Blanc is a Pays du Val de Montferrand from a hotchpotch of grape varieties, Roussanne, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat à petits grains, Sauvignon Gris, Chardonnay and Petit Manseng. </span>The mixture is the result of various experiments. They could also have included Chenin Blanc, but do not find it very aromatic and they are not very enthusiastic about Vermentino. The wine is intriguing, fresh and pithy, with notes of white blossom and more besides. Grand Cuvée Blanc, of which Chardonnay accounts for half the blend, with Viognier, Sauvignon Gris and Petit Manseng is fermented in oak, with some rich buttery nutty fruit. It is not unlike a Chardonnay, but with extra nuances. They make a small amount of rosé, but it is their red wine that excels. <span style="color: red;"> </span>Bergerie Rouge is a blend of two parts Syrah to one part of Mourvèdre with just a little Grenache Noir, aged mainly in vat to make for some rounded spicy fruit with structure and length and a fresh finish. Grande Cuvée is a similar blend, given eighteen months ageing in <i>tonneaux</i>. The grapes are riper and from higher altitude vineyards, given a longer <i>cuvaison </i>to soften the tannins, making for dry spice and elegant tannins. They are not looking for power but want rounded tannins and complexity. Finally came Clos du Prieur, from 70% Syrah with some Grenache Noir and Cinsaut; the flavour register is different. The vineyards are higher and the climate more continental with hotter summers and colder winters, so that the wine is sunnier and riper. The harvest is always a little later than in the Pic St Loup. My visit finished with a very <i>sympathique</i> lunch <i>en famille</i> with a glass of a more mature vintage of Grande Cuvée. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">And more recently Yves sent me a couple of bottles to try in London.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="FR"><b>2022 Bergerie de l’Hortus, Val de Montferrand</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Made from the seven grape varieties mentioned above. A slow fermentation lasting three to four weeks and then a four months élevage in vat. No oak. A light colour. Delicately herbal with white blossom on the nose and palate. Nicely textured with fresh youthful acidity on the finish. Refreshingly without a trace of oak.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="FR"><b>2020 L’Ombrée, le Dit de l’Hortus, Pic St. Loup</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">This comes from one small vineyard, one of the coolest and most humid parts of the valley and particularly well suited to Syrah. It faces north on a slope below the Pic St Loup at an altitude of 250 metres. Élevage in stainless vats for a year, and then a further twelve months in bottle, before sale, but with a suggested ageing potential of 15 years.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Deep young colour. Perfumed ripe fruit, black fruit and some elegant notes of olive tapenade. Supple and ripe. A rounded palate with quite silky tannins. Youthful, but drinking beautifully, with the fresh finish typical of the Pic St. Loup.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><a href="http://www.domaine-hortus.fr/" style="color: #954f72;">www.domaine-hortus.fr</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473859950804429810.post-72003584632496694042023-04-04T15:18:00.003+01:002023-04-10T16:53:57.951+01:00Domaine Florence Alquier<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVMEhWMseB9mtaCX00AyApCX9QFkDxHkSF9n9QCZhb5IiWJ7ORoX-6Tiue-uAvjChVDX0q_oHyVt65wX-OrpUqmpnfEOcZoJCg8fTAPPMZBnjkToMsnxJbQPYRFzlsyTX9_Qe8UHXeiSM5a6_eRKdpSKsIjNJt-g3Rch7sIu9sTBmPR5Hrn6Y-CxF/s640/IMG_2695.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVMEhWMseB9mtaCX00AyApCX9QFkDxHkSF9n9QCZhb5IiWJ7ORoX-6Tiue-uAvjChVDX0q_oHyVt65wX-OrpUqmpnfEOcZoJCg8fTAPPMZBnjkToMsnxJbQPYRFzlsyTX9_Qe8UHXeiSM5a6_eRKdpSKsIjNJt-g3Rch7sIu9sTBmPR5Hrn6Y-CxF/w480-h640/IMG_2695.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 6pt;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Gilbert Alquier was one of the pioneers of Faugères, one of the first to plant Syrah and Mourvèdre, and to age his wine in barrel and put it in bottle. His two sons Jean-Michel and Frédéric took over their father’s vines and divided their inheritance into two estates. Jean-Michel continues to make exemplary Faugères, but sadly Frédéric died in 2015 and his ten hectares of his vines have been rented by Frédéric Desplats, who has also bought another 10 hectares in Roquessels, with a partner, Denis Degros. Frédéric Desplats has appropriately taken the name of Frederic’s widow, Florence, for his estate and describes it as a retirement project. They made their first wines in 2017, namely a white Le Village, from Marsanne, Roussanne and Grenache Blanc; a rosé Plô des Figues with Cinsaut and some Grenache. There were two reds, Renaissance from predominantly Grenache, with some Carignan, Mourvèdre and Syrah, and Puech Mourié from Carignan, with some Grenache and Syrah. An oak-aged red was also in the pipeline. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 6pt;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Things have gradually evolved since my first visit and I have tasted Frederic’s wines a few times since his debut, and most recently at a tasting in London, hosted by iubentium. All are appellation Faugères. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 6pt;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 6pt;"><b><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">2020 Renaissance Rouge<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 6pt;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">A blend of 45% Grenache Noir, 24% Carignan, 16% Syrah and 14% Mourvèdre. Medium colour. A rounded spicy nose and palate. Some lovely fruit and more supple and easy to drink than the other wines, but still with a bite of tannin. Nicely balanced.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 6pt;"><b><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">2019 Black Slate Rouge<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 6pt;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Named for the schist of Faugères. A blend of 40% Syrah, 30% Mourvèdre. 20% Grenache and 10% Carignan. Deep colour. Quite a firm nose, with dense fruit and spice. And on the palate quite rich and ripe, with quite a solid mouthfeel. Youthful potential.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 6pt;"><b><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">2017 Rieutord Rouge<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 6pt;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">A blend of 50% Syrah, 30% Carignan, 15% Grenache Noir and 5% Mourvèdre. Deep colour. Quite a firm solid rounded nose, with some ripe fruit on both nose and palate. It is maturing nicely and evolving into a lovely glass of wine, with some fresh fruit, balanced with a streak of tannin. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 6pt;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><b>2021 1932</b> – 10.50€<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 6pt;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">This is a completely new<i> cuvée</i>, from a 60 ares vineyard, mainly of Carignan, planted in 1932. In 2021 it produced just 8 hectolitres, in other words about 1300 bottles. The wine is fermented and aged in stainless steel vat. I have a soft spot for old Carignan and this did not disappoint. Some carbonic maceration and no wood. Good colour. Ripe fruit on both nose and palate, with a youthful freshness on the palate. Very appealing.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 6pt;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 6pt;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.domaine-florence-alquier.com">www.domaine-florence-alquier.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 6pt;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 6pt;"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 9pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 6pt;"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 9pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473859950804429810.post-16740262064001410482023-03-30T18:02:00.001+01:002023-03-30T18:02:29.654+01:00Domaine Bomary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTuGMdvg4nF5MQnfVc-ejnINqVeUEC62WV0o_qdD4TO8o-5IxesSBoZ1WtHg-gdGCfdA2VlfKsyAe63fSS18sg2Rlg7EasrJpCBwiErbhfFH0Rh-3VDRVxKQAd-hp9DFrOtTLdQBNLXTmLwPC1yN9auFyEJRkMol8Yk2ly8JkXm5PE2FvStlKz09VS/s640/IMG_2696.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTuGMdvg4nF5MQnfVc-ejnINqVeUEC62WV0o_qdD4TO8o-5IxesSBoZ1WtHg-gdGCfdA2VlfKsyAe63fSS18sg2Rlg7EasrJpCBwiErbhfFH0Rh-3VDRVxKQAd-hp9DFrOtTLdQBNLXTmLwPC1yN9auFyEJRkMol8Yk2ly8JkXm5PE2FvStlKz09VS/w480-h640/IMG_2696.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">A great tasting last week, with Richard Dudley-Craig of iubentium. Richard aims to help wine growers who are looking for a UK importer and the line-up included a new estate with vineyards just outside my Languedoc village. Bohdan Pruski was brought up in Colorado but his origins are Polish Ukrainian. I dared to ask him where he really came from! He arrived in France, and spent time teaching English in Paris while developing an enthusiasm for wine, which led him to decide to learn wine making, with a two year viti-oenology course in Pézenas. And that led to the initial purchase two hectares of vines around Roujan and a small cellar next to the cooperative in Neffiès. He now farms 21 hectares in four different locations close to Neffiès and Roujan. I’ve been promised a vineyard walk when I am next in the village. His first vintage was in 2015. And the name of the estate is a combination of his name and his wife’s, Marie-Laure.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">As the blurb in the tasting booklet explains, Bohdan’s vineyards are dry-farmed and his low intervention philosophy for the wine making means no additives and refreshingly, no oak.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b>2021 Viognier, Pays de l’Héraul</b>t – 14.00€<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">A pure Viognier, and quite a delicate one, with some discreet peachy fruit on the nose, and more elegant peachy fruit on the palate, with balancing acidity. It was nicely understated Viognier, not spoilt by any blowsiness or hints of boiled sweets, which you sometimes find with Viognier from the Languedoc. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="FR"><b>2021 Le Rosé d’Helen, Pays de l’Hérault</b> – 7.00€<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Named after his mother. A blend of 70% Grenache, with 20% Mourvèdre and 10% Viognier, which are co-fermented. The colour is lightly pink, pale but not too pale. A nicely rounded nose, with some fruit and on the palate an elegant balance of fruit, with some weight and balancing acidity. Nicely crafted with a refreshing finish. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><b> </b></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="FR"><b>2020 Carignan, Absolutely, Pays de l’Hérault</b> - 13.00€<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">From 62-year-old vines, from a vineyard between Caux and Roujan. Fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks. Bohdan wants to emphasise the fruit and he has succeeded very nicely. Deep colour. And a satisfying balance of lovely red fruit, with streak of tannin, and a fresh finish. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="FR"><b>2021 Le Grand Bo’ Rouge, AOP Languedoc</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Bo’ is his father. A blend of equal parts of Grenache and Syrah. Again, vinified and aged in stainless steel. Tiny yield of 20 hl/ha. Deep colour. Firm fruit on the nose, and quite a solid rounded youthful palate. Quite dense and concentrated, from the low yield. Plenty of ageing potential. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Bohdan has made a great start and I do hope he finds an importer. Meanwhile I am looking forward to that vineyard walk. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473859950804429810.post-26116219375698137052023-03-03T16:17:00.007+00:002023-03-03T16:23:31.460+00:00Prieuré de St Jean de Bébian <p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkxubPy8m4104PZFQx6Y1m3CZKxux2Y7tmf7ePKfN_uBJSk-Im5QHmPIKHfn-nKXtyIWbLZOnGiPVn51vDkcjjc0gT-eXxLiJY_2GJ-LzclFBH4GKlB4GpHPdj_L_I4uKAyGRy1sXwY0AwJegOuKh2jVT9ARgsKPqDNMcbhFQ28m9oFU2ZmrD3tay1/s3072/January%202016%20054.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3072" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkxubPy8m4104PZFQx6Y1m3CZKxux2Y7tmf7ePKfN_uBJSk-Im5QHmPIKHfn-nKXtyIWbLZOnGiPVn51vDkcjjc0gT-eXxLiJY_2GJ-LzclFBH4GKlB4GpHPdj_L_I4uKAyGRy1sXwY0AwJegOuKh2jVT9ARgsKPqDNMcbhFQ28m9oFU2ZmrD3tay1/w640-h480/January%202016%20054.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span>One day last summer, I wandered into the rather smart tasting room at St Jean de Bebian the other day and struck lucky. The new owner, Benoit Pontenier, had just returned from holiday and had time to spare for a tasting.</span><span> </span><span>It was early August and I think he was under-staffed.</span><span> </span><span>He also explained that he had literally just acquired</span><span> </span><span>the property, which the Russian owners had made over to a neutral party, so that it could be sold.</span><span> </span><span>It had entailed five months of negotiations and he had signed the deal the previous</span><span> </span><span>Saturday </span><span> </span><span>Even though the Pumpyansky family are strongly against Putin, their assets would be seized in France. </span><span> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">I had not tasted at Bébian since Karen Turner was making the wine. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>She left in 2018.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>In fact she and Benoit had worked together since 2011. but he was essentially the estate manager rather than the wine maker.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Benoit studied in Bordeaux and then Montpellier, and then worked in Australia for a year before setting up as a consultant, which brought him to Bébian - and he stayed. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> As you will see, he is not afraid to express his ideas and opinions.</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">Benoit talked about the differences, considering that he has a different concept of<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>wine-making to Karen.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> He thought her </span>less risk adverse than he is., saying that he favours the simplest of methods, as natural as possible with the minimum use of sulphur.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He thinks that sulphur blocks the wine, that wines will have more of an identity without sulphur.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Of course hygiene is paramount;<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>you clean with water, but you can also have problems, with yeast and bacteria<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>if you sterilise.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Benoit thinks that without sulphur, there is more freshness in the wine, and may be a little more volatile acidity, but that is not a problem.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">He criticised many of the Languedoc wines for being over-extracted, so that they lack elegance and refinement.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> '</span>You simply cannot drink them'.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The range has changed slightly, from his first vintage in 2019.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> 11</span>35 is no longer made, nor is the rosé. Les Poupées Roses.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He has replanted some Cinsault and Grenache and Counoise, and has doubts about Syrah.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> I</span>t is not ripening well in 2022 in the heatwave.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Bébian currently totals 22 hectares, but Benoit is aiming to reduce that to 15 - 18 hectares. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He will gradually pull up the Syrah and concentrate on Grenache and Carignan.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Basalt soil is good for Syrah, but the problem is drought and the high temperatures.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>If he wants to plant other varieties, he would need to leave the appellation.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Currently his wines are all appellation Languedoc. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They could be Pézenas, but he does not like the<i> cahier des charges</i> as it insists that the vines should be a minimum of eight years old.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He also feels that the appellation is overwhelmed by a couple of big names.</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZhH1GO0sJzNmueg9XqyB7cQRV3bPXuwPXOzawdpfdgeEQpOghjhj2Ym7Zg2lYEuSVKfvRB9GwZBWKD8XnSgjftmGytIyikVgN0iyV8oq0cvopqFTJhIsIgNLglLJOk1UIMWXh7_vrGbDKbk0Fu_aaeQ3flbAsLJZTq1Cd_wZ6fZwxpuU77mQvGdZO/s3072/January%202016%20049.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="2304" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZhH1GO0sJzNmueg9XqyB7cQRV3bPXuwPXOzawdpfdgeEQpOghjhj2Ym7Zg2lYEuSVKfvRB9GwZBWKD8XnSgjftmGytIyikVgN0iyV8oq0cvopqFTJhIsIgNLglLJOk1UIMWXh7_vrGbDKbk0Fu_aaeQ3flbAsLJZTq1Cd_wZ6fZwxpuU77mQvGdZO/w480-h640/January%202016%20049.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: times;">2020 Chapelle de Bébian Blanc</b><span style="font-family: times;"> - 40€</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">A blend mainly of Roussanne and Vermentino, with some Clairette, Carignan Blanc and a little Grenache<span class="Apple-converted-space"> B</span>lanc.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Vinified in 15 hls. foudres, with 12 months on the lees, but no bâtonnage, as it would makes the wines too dense. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Benoit has bought a Vermentino vineyard, which he thinks is a great variety, with flavour and acidity. If you pick it at the right moment, it is fresh and aromatic. It can be very ripe on the sunny side and quite green on the shaded side. It grows well in basalt, which is the youngest soil in the area, about 1 million years old, and there are also galets, and limestone which is older, and gives acidity.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Basalt is more fertile and makes for minerality so that the wine was fresh with firm acidity, and some appealing mouthfeel. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">Benoit talked about his work in the vineyards.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He is working on lowering the alcoholic degree, by picking a little earlier, but the grapes must be ripe.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The vines must never stop ripening, and never get blocked.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He has stopped tilling the vineyards and is sowing different cover crops, making little changes each year, and considering varieties that can cope with drought. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> H</span>e talked about micro perforations in the soil; if the soil is hot, the rain simply evaporates, rather than seeping into the soil.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>You need to find a balance. He has a rolafaca that destroys the ground covering at flowering. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Until a vine has flowered, it takes nutrients from its own reserves, but after flowering it needs nutrition from the soil, so there should be no competition from June until the harvest.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span>Benoit also talked about frost, making the observation that vines surrounded by high vegetation, higher than the level of the buds, escaped frost damage, as the frost stops once it reaches a vegetal cover. </span><span>It is not scientifically proven, just an observation.</span><span> </span><span> </span><span>S</span><span>o the consultants who say: remove grass are wrong.</span><span> </span><span>Soil with grass is natural; don’t fight the grass.</span><span> </span><span>If you don’t till, the carbon will be fixed and you will capture more carbon.</span><span> </span><span>And you should plant</span><span> </span><span>other plants to increase the biodiversity.</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIN2wYC9EBO4bKOpj1iqavO9owQTh9h55K4nldQ0_7MogdNJEgZ38RTvU4jLV6CVcQEuziXsUnenvfadDvNaaEB8BqO0wV-tU5XPdY5PgGfOqW9Z35VXdlqkl5l_WlHulkRevn1UGiNgODKeA5mEaS8t59kyaCU3QIsg59Ia9L3PINHQVK0NKHokMz/s3072/January%202016%20048.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="2304" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIN2wYC9EBO4bKOpj1iqavO9owQTh9h55K4nldQ0_7MogdNJEgZ38RTvU4jLV6CVcQEuziXsUnenvfadDvNaaEB8BqO0wV-tU5XPdY5PgGfOqW9Z35VXdlqkl5l_WlHulkRevn1UGiNgODKeA5mEaS8t59kyaCU3QIsg59Ia9L3PINHQVK0NKHokMz/w480-h640/January%202016%20048.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b style="font-family: times;">2021 La Croix de Bébian</b><span style="font-family: times;"> - 12.00€</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">A blend of 50% each Grenache Noir and Mourvèdre, kept in concrete vats for four months and blended shortly before bottling. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Very fresh fruit on the nose, cherries.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Elegant and fresh on the palate, with a streak of tannin.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The Mourvèdre is vinified by carbonic maceration, without any sulphur.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The Grenache is partially destalked with a more classic fermentation. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The grapes are cooled to 4 - 5ºC and the destemmed grapes added to the vat first, as they will provide carbon dioxide.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It is very laissez-faire with no work on the cap, and the juice is left for 15 - 17 days, until the<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>grapes are pressed and the wine put into a <i>foudre</i> to finish fermenting. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Benoit talked about adding sulphur at the end of the fermentation, suggesting<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>that it can make the wine taste bitter and short.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> '</span>Most chemical SO2 is crap' - he does not mince his words.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Volcanic<span class="Apple-converted-space"> SO</span>2 is better.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"><b>2020 La Chapelle</b> - 20€</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">A blend of Syrah and Mourvèdre, but no Grenache.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Kept for 12 months in 30 hectolitre <i>foudres</i>.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Good élevage is very important for Syrah.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Medium colour. About a 20 day maceration, with a similar method to La Croix de Bébian.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Peppery red fruit. Elegant.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Quite tight structured with fresh fruit. More tannic as Mourvèdre has thicker skins, and is quite powerful.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Whole bunch fermentation suits it well.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">Benoit considered 2022 to be like 2003, another heat wave year, but plus plus plus …. making for thick skinned grapes which may also be high in acidity, if the vines block.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> Benoit</span> planned to start picking in early August.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> He buys</span> his barrels, second-hand, from an Italian cooper.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>There is usually no problem, but he did send one back that was tainted with TCA. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"><b>2018 Prieuré de St Jean de Bébian</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>- made by Karen</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">70% Grenache and 30% Syrah, no Mourvèdre.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Demi-muids.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></i>14.6º </span><span>Good colour.</span> <span>Quite sturdy, quite a solid ripe and intense palate. </span> <span>Quite a firm dry finish, with quite obvious oak. </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">The same wine in 2019<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>made by Benoit. - 40€</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">60% Grenache Noir, 20% Cinsault. 20% Syrah. The Cinsault makes for more juice, less alcohol and less tannin, even in a very hot vintage, though still a heady 14.7º.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>12 months in <i>demi-muids</i> and 12 months bottle age before sale. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Initially some reduction before the wine starts to develop.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">Quite a deep colour.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Quite fresh fruit.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Quite spicy, rounded red fruit, with layers of flavour. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Nicely balanced. Quite fragrant.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Sturdier than Benoit’s other wines, with more ageing potential. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Good length.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>A comment about the volatile acidity - in this wine it is 0.76 gms/l and in Karen’s wine 0.55 gms/l. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Benoit said he plays with the VA,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He never ferments Cinsault in whole bunches as the grape skins are too fragile.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>And he ferments each plot separately, with 43 different plots and vats altogether.</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2swX8fTU8LiaPBUxPO-p7HciV395XVD6n9ff_9tzR0QCJXgnpTY9BQ__klghEAxNAPjqW1IoWsZzqXC-q1DuWZKbA0SthZy7VmzXgP5wuMDRlXKuX5RCNp3HxKqNQjelJMr9dtwK69D9csnvaa4TP3TuogS4gOZ3Xjb48Pv_XIWK1_pr0MlQxB1h1/s3072/January%202016%20046.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3072" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2swX8fTU8LiaPBUxPO-p7HciV395XVD6n9ff_9tzR0QCJXgnpTY9BQ__klghEAxNAPjqW1IoWsZzqXC-q1DuWZKbA0SthZy7VmzXgP5wuMDRlXKuX5RCNp3HxKqNQjelJMr9dtwK69D9csnvaa4TP3TuogS4gOZ3Xjb48Pv_XIWK1_pr0MlQxB1h1/w640-h480/January%202016%20046.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"><b>2018 Lestang</b> - 30€</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">The name of a lieu-dit and plot of vines at Nizas.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Chardonnay, with 48 hours skin maceration, destemmed.<i><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Foulé</i> by foot.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>48 hours in the vat and then into the press..<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>A light orange colour.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Quite rounded nose; on the palate some tannin and some orange notes, with hints of honey and lots of nuances.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Fresh acidity and tannin. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>An<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>intriguing note on which to finish.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">Benoit enthused about the wines of the Jura; the Pumpyanksy family had also bought an estate in the Jura, 'where they have a very good understanding of oxidative wine.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We can learn something.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>You need convictions, not certitudes'.</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWMqC8yZY3kryv0tvnma5sdeuggasOFOE4ftAC3_snGZNlIOIbBHONq5s8GeJBeDgL_FzKbdSSv6ue7XvALc9mCxRTHqFhwQ_VB71hfD2GoYRAmTv5a44jbVmmztLgrJBZ2mchoJxI-Z4TulK8mJGunisr2SbwvmUZxzKVDr4X4b02iZ9CjvLTN7gy/s3072/January%202016%20050.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="2304" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWMqC8yZY3kryv0tvnma5sdeuggasOFOE4ftAC3_snGZNlIOIbBHONq5s8GeJBeDgL_FzKbdSSv6ue7XvALc9mCxRTHqFhwQ_VB71hfD2GoYRAmTv5a44jbVmmztLgrJBZ2mchoJxI-Z4TulK8mJGunisr2SbwvmUZxzKVDr4X4b02iZ9CjvLTN7gy/w480-h640/January%202016%20050.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.bebian.com">www.bebian.com</a> </span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473859950804429810.post-72594556644675635762023-02-08T13:03:00.001+00:002023-02-08T13:04:45.431+00:00Domaine de Bassac<p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJwf6M0YhZ_vg6-l9w5shZDDsxbPf8i6FLaKeNVLEBQbKhPxar8wdcyGRk_aXoKXtTAb70QyJI5nrkTP0vmVqbUMBGXzaqQwUXF3aXDzE2oE3IGU1A1iVMwugnK1jF5URBAqf-Xob3Uvw3GlM8ZrWIjL4qb0ANrWrB4Wr2BGSv3JFVxt4b-T0W4xX-/s4896/DSC03104.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4896" data-original-width="3672" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJwf6M0YhZ_vg6-l9w5shZDDsxbPf8i6FLaKeNVLEBQbKhPxar8wdcyGRk_aXoKXtTAb70QyJI5nrkTP0vmVqbUMBGXzaqQwUXF3aXDzE2oE3IGU1A1iVMwugnK1jF5URBAqf-Xob3Uvw3GlM8ZrWIjL4qb0ANrWrB4Wr2BGSv3JFVxt4b-T0W4xX-/w480-h640/DSC03104.jpeg" width="480" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">Domaine de Bassac is one of the pioneering estates of the Côtes de Thongue, and more importantly one of the pioneers of organic viticulture in the Languedoc.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>François Delhon explained that his family have had vines in the village of Puissalicon for eight or nine generations, but his father was the first member of the family to actually make a living from his vines.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> H</span>is grandfather was a doctor, and his great grandfather a senator.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>And their old cellar in the village is 300 years old. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">The first vintage to be sold in bottle by his father was 1987, and the wines were organic right from the start. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They now have 80 hectares in Puissalicon,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Magalas and Puimisson, in 65 plots, with five big lots, from one to five hectares, with 13 different grape varieties. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I asked François for the list, so here goes:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Muscat à petits grains, Vermentino, Roussanne and for red grapes, Cinsault, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Grenache Noir, Carignan<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>and Marselan.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Tempranillo has been pulled up and he is planning to plant Touriga Nacional, as it will resist the heat.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He does not want to plant any of the new resistant vines, as humidity is not the problem. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> T</span>hey bought their own bottling machine 30 years ago. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">As well as wines from the estate, they have a négociant range, for entry level wines, while the estate wines focus on higher quality wines. François now has a partner, Jean-Philippe Lecar, who comes from Bordeaux and who had initially worked with François’s father and then when his father died in 2010, they decided to go into partnership together. They enjoy experimenting, making anything between ten to 35 different cuvées each year. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They like working<span class="Apple-converted-space"> with oak</span>; eight barrels have grown to 140, with five different coopers, one from Bordeaux and four from Burgundy, and they experiment with different degrees of toasting. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The old cement vats and old basket press are still in place, but these days they have smaller vats, so they can make smaller selections. They also have</span><span> a Vaslin press, which allows you to control the pressure more effectively. </span> <span>They also do some carbonic maceration, which they find works well with Carignan. </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"><b>2020 Le Manpôt</b> - 10.00€</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">The name is the nickname of François’s great grandfather, who had large moustaches, as depicted on the label.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> Sorry, no photo. I forgot to take one, and then it was too late. </span>Two plots of Chardonnay; one picked early and one later; one fermented in vat and the other in barrel, and blended after six months.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Light colour. Lightly buttery.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Nicely rounded on the nose. Good acidity, fresh and youthful, and a slightly bitter note on the finish.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"><b>2021 Nos parcelles, le Grand Mus</b> - 14.00€<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">100% Vermentino. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Picked quite early.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>20% fermented in barrel.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Light colour. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Lightly herbal notes on both nose and palate.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Quite firm fruit, some weight and structure on the palate, with acidity on the finish.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Good varietal character.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">I quizzed François about the tipicity of the Côtes de Thongue.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It is quite a large area.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The soils give a certain acidity and he enthused about the return to original grape varieties such as Carignan, and also Vermentino. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The whites have acidity; the rosés some fruit and finesse, while the reds are fresh, with some power.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He also observed that there was a good camaraderie amongst the producers . <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"><b>2020 Domaine de Bassac Blanc</b> - 17.00€</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">A blend of 50% Chardonnay, 35% Vermentino, 15% Sauvignon. In new barrels, and the best grapes of the year.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> S</span>ome colour. An intriguing nose. Quite leesy with some oak, and on the palate, some elegant oak, leesy with satisfying weight and texture.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Dry finish. The barrels are on oxalis which allows you to turn them easily, providing some form of bâtonnage.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">François has also followed the Bee Friendly programme since<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>2019, observing that the organic label does not consider bio-diversity.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He practices sexual confusion in the vineyard and keeps the grass, or flattens it.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He also has shelters for the bats.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"><b>2021 Pink Chot</b> - 8.00€</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">A blend of Grenache and Cinsault.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Pale orange pink.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Quite rounded and ripe on the nose and palate, with good acidity.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>A little weight on the palate, with fresh acidity on the finish.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"><b>2020 Le Manpôt Rosé </b>- 10.00€</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">50% Cinsault, with at least 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and some Vermentino.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>About 20-25% blend goes into barrel. Pink orange colour.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Quite rounded and ripe; nicely vinous.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Some weight., with a rounded finish.</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"><b>2020 Icone Rosé </b></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">An original blend of Cinsault and Cabernet Franc. One barrique of each fermented and then aged in barrel for six moths, followed by a year in bottle before sale. It works extraordinarily well. Light colour. Quite a firm structured nose. Very good mouthfeel. Textured and vinous with some weight. Very intriguing. François admits to being inspired by Garrus in the Côtes de Provence. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: times;">The Côtes de Thongue are developing a reputation for their white wines, and increasing the production, while rosé is, perhaps surprisingly, rather stagnant.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: times;"> Red wine accounts for </span><span style="font-family: times;">60% of the production. </span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: times;"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"><b>2019 Le Manpôt</b> - 10.00€</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Syrah.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>About 25% of each.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Half the wine spends 12<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>months in wood, with those grapes harvested later and given a longer <i>cuvaison</i>, making for more <i>rondeur</i>.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Medium colour.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Nicely rounded and ripe without being heavy.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>A touch of acidity and a backbone of tannin. with a fresh finish</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"><b>2019 Nos parcelles Marselan</b> - 14.00€</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">12 months in wood.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> A</span>n uncle planted three hectares of Marselan.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> Francois observed that it needs a year in bottle, otherwise it is drying and rustic,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I often have reservations about Marselan, but this was definitely the exception to the rule.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span> <span>Deep colour. </span><span>Quite an intense nose.</span> <span>S</span><span>olid ripe fruit.</span> <span>Quite tannic, quite gutsy and<i> charpenté</i> with a warm finish. in fact 15.5º</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span> -</span><span> but it didn’t taste that alcoholic.</span></span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><b>XVII</b> - i.e. 2017 - </span><span> </span><span>17.00€</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">A blend of<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>30% Marselan with 70% Syrah, from two specific vineyards.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>12 months in 2nd and 3rd fill barrels.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Deep colour.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Quite solidly oaky on the nose and palate. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The Syrah makes the wine more supple, and harmonious and more rounded, with a streak of tannin.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Very youthful with potential.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><b>XVIII</b> - i.e. 2018 - </span><span>17.00€ -</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">100% Syrah from a single vineyard.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>An easier vintage.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Good deep colour.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Quite intense Syrah, with peppery<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>black fruit.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Tannins and structure; rich and powerful, but more elegant than XVII, with some acidity as well as tannin.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Again youthful potential.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"><b>2017 La Cuvée Louis</b> - 20.00€</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">Named after François’s father. A blend of 40% Cabernet Franc and 30% each of Grenache and Merlot,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Elevage in barrels for<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>14<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>- 18 months.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Not made<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>every year, so the<span class="Apple-converted-space"> previous vintages were </span>2009 and 2014, with 2020 in the pipelines. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">Medium colour.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Beginning to develop. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Quite firm spicy fruit on the nose. Quite a rounded palate, with ripe, supple fruit, and a streak of<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>tannin.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">They also produce a <b>Faugères</b> - 14.00€ <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>which is vinified and aged for 12 months in Faugères, and bottled here in Puissalicon.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> The 2019 vintage is a</span> blend of Grenache and Mourvèdre.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Medium colour.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Nicely spicy nose.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Rounded fruit.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Spicy and elegant with a fresh finish.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I liked it a lot. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>A friend lets them choose their grapes from his vineyard. He declined to say who!</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"><b>2021 Muscat à<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>petits grains</b> - 7.00€</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">The grapes are picked early and the fermentation is stopped. leaving<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>40 gms/l residual sugar.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Light colour.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Spicy Muscat.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Quite rounded and nicely grapey, with acidity on the finish.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>A nice<i> bonne bouche</i> by way of a finale. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.domaine-bassac.com">www.domaine-bassac.com</a><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473859950804429810.post-44822500024507272942023-01-24T17:37:00.003+00:002023-01-24T17:38:45.022+00:00Cal Demoura<p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2www0eOo6tgJCQoSI2zwSTxjC6gR8ulKWQ17Bo8udwT_tBcZrdLh6mcbTpix6M4l1VDX6EUil6u6TtEMwmuw_IDSlkStExqJeD9t1R_mH3PZ8g94Cw6Sx1N4wNkTLmUnvx8pDr5wuUVms5sz_ZLyAwtjhlgxcW4y7kgz7xRIATNUxhNXqEoewO9cs/s4896/P1010105.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2www0eOo6tgJCQoSI2zwSTxjC6gR8ulKWQ17Bo8udwT_tBcZrdLh6mcbTpix6M4l1VDX6EUil6u6TtEMwmuw_IDSlkStExqJeD9t1R_mH3PZ8g94Cw6Sx1N4wNkTLmUnvx8pDr5wuUVms5sz_ZLyAwtjhlgxcW4y7kgz7xRIATNUxhNXqEoewO9cs/w640-h480/P1010105.jpeg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /></span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I always enjoying tasting with Vincent Goumard at Cal Demoura as he is a very thoughtful, not to mention talented wine grower.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">He has also played a significant role in the creation of the appellation of the Terrasses de Larzac, which was recognised in 2014. </span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Vincent went to the INSEAD</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">business school and then worked for Arthur Anderson, before completely changing direction and becoming a wine grower in the heart of the Languedoc.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">His business experience possibly made him more expert than some of his colleagues at coping with the machinations of the INAO.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">And the Terrasses du Larzac are now firmly established as one of the most successful areas of the Languedoc, covering all the northern vineyards below the Larzac plateau.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">They are some of the highest and coolest vineyards of the whole region, including 32 communes in two river valleys, the Hérault and the Lergue. </span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The two villages of St Saturnin and Montpeyroux are part of the Terrasses du Larzac, although they also have a separate identity.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Currently the appellation is only for red wine, but there are also some lovely white wines, either an IGP or AOP Languedoc, with quite a wide range of different grape varieties, such as Grenache, both Blanc and Gris, Carignan, again both Blanc and Gris, Marsanne, Roussanne, Terret, Vermentino and Chenin Blanc. </span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">In contrast the red wines allow for the usual five grape varieties of the Languedoc and there must be a minimum of three in the blend. </span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Vincent talked about the last harvest, describing 2022 as another challenging year. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It was his 19th vintage.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It began well, with some good rain fall in March and April filling up the water reserves.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>As a consequence of the frost of 2021, the vines produced more grapes than usual, and then in June the drought began, reducing the crop quite considerably as the grapes simply did not have very much juice. Happily some rain in the second half of August saved the situation, changing things completely.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They had already picked the Syrah but the rain helped everything else, restoring the balance and making for less concentrated wines, with some lovely potential.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Vincent described the aromatics as spectacular.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>And he commented that 2020 was the only normal year in the last seven.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Who would be a wine grower, with such climatic uncertainty?</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghY9G9ngd5gHeKu8ZbzIk1T6CHeRcPCTskxtcL-DjPw405rhI2G3AKhzKIV_SVyZbHaHRxRi4TKHMMbGKkbH2aVPwimT6JJxZtqfdJg69pQd-ig5bM6X-pljcbk20jK9d8Dda8Cq-nDpQEFIVuqPN1hUvb-okzSKnFHFGPlGwCy43cyk39a26bkfW7/s4896/P1010106.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4896" data-original-width="3672" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghY9G9ngd5gHeKu8ZbzIk1T6CHeRcPCTskxtcL-DjPw405rhI2G3AKhzKIV_SVyZbHaHRxRi4TKHMMbGKkbH2aVPwimT6JJxZtqfdJg69pQd-ig5bM6X-pljcbk20jK9d8Dda8Cq-nDpQEFIVuqPN1hUvb-okzSKnFHFGPlGwCy43cyk39a26bkfW7/w480-h640/P1010106.jpeg" width="480" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: times; text-align: left;"><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: times; text-align: left;">2021 L’Etincelle Blanc, IGP St Guilhem le Désert</b><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;">- 21€</span></div><p></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Mainly Chenin Blanc.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Carignan blanc was introduced into the blend in 2016. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>However because of the frost in 2021, there was less Chenin Blanc than usual, with about 35% Grenache Blanc and a little Carignan blanc, Roussanne, Petit Manseng and a hint of Viognier. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>In other words, a wonderful example of the diversity of the white grapes of the region. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>And all grown on limestone.</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Light colour.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Herbal honeyed notes, a touch of honeysuckle.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Vincent observed that it is a balanced between the north and the south.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Citrus notes from the Chenin, with honey from the Roussanne.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>A good balance of fruit and acidity.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Some floral notes.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Satisfying texture.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>And a firm mineral note on the finish.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Elegant length. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Part of the blend is kept in <i>demi-muids</i> and part in vat, to enhance the aromatics.</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">There is a second white wine, <b>Parole de Pierres</b>, with a higher percentage of Chenin Blanc, and a selection of the best batches of the year.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It is aged for longer in<i> demi-muids</i>, and was also sold out!</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">And now for the red wines, which are all Terrasses du Larzac, with some elevage in barrel for all four.</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzvyG8dAjKvNKTvqRA9X4-ydffn9aBw_Kpo-NU7h3IT1EYfib9zpG78LmOnMLtCy7q5Jro3yzb2-PEPaQHgvVIOPRqiCtdAuQPip-CzAO0WLbjHn4GhwZYKJurTf40v7bvGWak-mfFVgUOUi4ahbIycqJv1-JcgpHcKnCbVLP2kwM8-3Nbyv6Ismxp/s4896/P1010110.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4896" data-original-width="3672" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzvyG8dAjKvNKTvqRA9X4-ydffn9aBw_Kpo-NU7h3IT1EYfib9zpG78LmOnMLtCy7q5Jro3yzb2-PEPaQHgvVIOPRqiCtdAuQPip-CzAO0WLbjHn4GhwZYKJurTf40v7bvGWak-mfFVgUOUi4ahbIycqJv1-JcgpHcKnCbVLP2kwM8-3Nbyv6Ismxp/w480-h640/P1010110.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>2020 Terres de Jonquières, Terrasses du Larzac</b> - 23€</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">The main wine of the estate.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>A blend of all the different plots, so 11different components with 70% of the vines on limestone and 30% on calcareous clay, which gives the wine a more rounded character. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The blend is 30% Syrah, 25% Carignan, 20% Mourvèdre, 15% Cinsault and 10% Grenache, a lower percentage than usual, thanks to coulure.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Each component is aged separately for sixteen months.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Vincent uses indigenous yeast, and the wines go into barrel in late November, <i>demi-muids</i> and small <i>foudres</i>, for twelve months. After blending the wine spend about four months in vat before bottling. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Medium colour.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Spicy red fruit on the nose and palate.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Beautifully elegant.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Good dry mineral notes.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Youthful fresh on the finish, and very harmonious with a balance of fruit, tannin and acidity and a long finish.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>And shortly after our visit, we opened a bottle of 2015 Terres de Jonquières.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It had aged beautifully. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>2020 Les Combariolles </b>- 33€</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">From one limestone plot.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Vincent has 12 hectares altogether, eight around the village of Jonquières, and the rest near the <i>ravine de </i>Lagamas on the way to Montpeyroux.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He considers that limestone gives depth and minerality to the wine.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Certainly it was more structured and more intense than the Terres de Jonquières, with more depth, but with some firm spice.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It needs time.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The blend is<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>35% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre, with 20% Carignan and 10% Grenache Noir.</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>2020 Feu Sacré</b> - 50€</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Another single vineyard, producing about<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>1000 bottles. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>A blend of Vincent’s oldest vines, some Grenache planted in 1958 on calcareous clay, with 20% Carignan, on limestone and 10% Syrah also on limestone, which give energy to the Grenache.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Lighter colour. quite a rich cherry liqueur nose and palate, with a backbone from the Syrah and Carignan.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Smoother, riper and more rounded with a fresh finish.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Carignan is vital for that in the blend.</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>2020 Fragments</b> - 50€</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">This is the opposite of Feu Sacré.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>70% old vines Syrah - 42 years of age is old for Syrah in the Languedoc. with 20% Mourvèdre and 10% Carignan, grown on pure limestone.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Another single vineyard, and only 100 metres away from Feu Sacré, but in style more like 300 kilometres as<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Vincent see this wine as more northern Rhone in its expression. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>And I couldn’t possibly disagree.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Medium colour.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Quite a peppery nose, and on the palate tight knit peppery fruit.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Tightly structured and needing time. Focussed and elegant.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Really quite a contrast.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>And a great finale to our tasting, which illustrated the diversity of the Terrasses du larzac, but always with that underlying hallmark of freshness. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFSBcT2zZNHtaGFLWtcUNETVG436vdU9-OJ0NlmZhguy5AM4x3aJIQKKKZz58JAR665-6u_yx3_vd55g8fZZZsEmoQUMGGJknjNlhM0LZ66hj6_6tRvgG41RCB-wb-tdDDIq_6WRKQYiTucJL1O2IKCr0owmqeBR72CcOE2mPlXE9iS9GUG_F9hc_W/s4896/P1010109.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFSBcT2zZNHtaGFLWtcUNETVG436vdU9-OJ0NlmZhguy5AM4x3aJIQKKKZz58JAR665-6u_yx3_vd55g8fZZZsEmoQUMGGJknjNlhM0LZ66hj6_6tRvgG41RCB-wb-tdDDIq_6WRKQYiTucJL1O2IKCr0owmqeBR72CcOE2mPlXE9iS9GUG_F9hc_W/w640-h480/P1010109.jpeg" width="640" /></a></span></span></div><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /><span class="Apple-converted-space"><a href="http://www.caldemoura.com">www.caldemoura.com</a><br /></span></span></span><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473859950804429810.post-10978974203224394512023-01-09T13:03:00.002+00:002023-01-09T13:03:17.084+00:00 Domaine du Pas de l’Escalette<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5srxl0jIv8AtXsU6lMGN1r1YopQ5O9LQ8-SS1AL1b2Roy17CYtvbW_nUK6kd8KxMFX2-xze11FeAn0KN_A96SXrs72Tliq26ijnH8BsL61TDgBg0CWDWCO6-4Yr6YQZ_tCkNIsF2yTQwpjzTiT_-F1BFKcPGCwSt37oqgRIuqKROQjVm4Sxvac9Te/s3072/Roujan%20September%202013%20045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3072" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5srxl0jIv8AtXsU6lMGN1r1YopQ5O9LQ8-SS1AL1b2Roy17CYtvbW_nUK6kd8KxMFX2-xze11FeAn0KN_A96SXrs72Tliq26ijnH8BsL61TDgBg0CWDWCO6-4Yr6YQZ_tCkNIsF2yTQwpjzTiT_-F1BFKcPGCwSt37oqgRIuqKROQjVm4Sxvac9Te/w640-h480/Roujan%20September%202013%20045.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">There is a wonderful moment when you are driving down the motorway, the A75 and you come over the Pas de l’Escalette and you think<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>you can almost see the silvery line of the Mediterranean in the distance.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The temperature rises and you know that you are in the Languedoc and here are the first vines, some of which belong to Julien Zernott and Delphine Rousseau of Domaine du Pas de l’Escalette outside the village of Poujols.</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">They had just completed their 20th vintage, when I visited them in October 2022.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>When they arrived here from the Loire Valley, the Terrasses du Larzac was simply not talked about, so they have been very much part of its development. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>There are not so many estates in this corner of the appellation at the northern end of the valley of the League. Delphine mentioned Clos Maia and Mas Haut Buis and there is the small cooperative of Pégairolles, as well as Domaine Caujolle-Gazet.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They all enjoy the cooling influence of the Larzac plateau, but otherwise the appellation is very diverse and that is part of its charm.</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZeFkaeUttNsNXsSt3cIgy3qzAX0QVEGrjXRkoh1i0Xu_mZVhY2HI9mrNwqR58gdJexLTe6iYnp334THGKWcX35s1mRsRhV-tZGa681jIAuTQerl0vfmwQLnXU9f_1hEe-MY3A3rOYN5ib0YTA_qFNUHGezVtx_QjL3tOBI7JnjZ9XnHX0INmvo3ng/s3072/Roujan%20September%202013%20048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3072" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZeFkaeUttNsNXsSt3cIgy3qzAX0QVEGrjXRkoh1i0Xu_mZVhY2HI9mrNwqR58gdJexLTe6iYnp334THGKWcX35s1mRsRhV-tZGa681jIAuTQerl0vfmwQLnXU9f_1hEe-MY3A3rOYN5ib0YTA_qFNUHGezVtx_QjL3tOBI7JnjZ9XnHX0INmvo3ng/w640-h480/Roujan%20September%202013%20048.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><br /><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Delphine described the 2022 harvest as long and difficult.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They had 100 mm rain on 30th August, mid-harvest, and also some hail, and then the weather<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>turned tropical, which made for rot, until the north wind dried everything. They finished on 27th September and she admitted that they were <i>plutôt content</i>. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">I’ve always loved their white wine and <b>2021 Clapas Blanc </b>- 26€ - was no exception.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>A blend of 40% each of Grenache Blanc and Carignan Blanc, with 10% each of Terret and Grenache Gris.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>A little colour.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>White flowers and blossom on the nose. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Some lovely texture and mouthfeel, balanced with good acidity.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Very floral, with weight and elegance and a long finish.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The wine spend 10 months in tronconic vats on its lees, but with no <i>bâtonnage</i>.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Malo fait</i>. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The terroir provides the freshness.</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwC4bWNb0BbXsRs33tqconN3oybZyO3rizi_FCWDyTWtQ3dltPsR7xwhMc2Wrq7X0LDqgFQ1qiJ6ZlUopg9W3Mdt9arn_wB0Tl2rWU3R2z5hwSCyOR_avRNPhLc7YS82afHk9agE7LgTnnVjCk258b6gIhI3ozyOFQHmmighgSI9pjNyVN4cxAV2fg/s3072/Roujan%20September%202013%20061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3072" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwC4bWNb0BbXsRs33tqconN3oybZyO3rizi_FCWDyTWtQ3dltPsR7xwhMc2Wrq7X0LDqgFQ1qiJ6ZlUopg9W3Mdt9arn_wB0Tl2rWU3R2z5hwSCyOR_avRNPhLc7YS82afHk9agE7LgTnnVjCk258b6gIhI3ozyOFQHmmighgSI9pjNyVN4cxAV2fg/w640-h480/Roujan%20September%202013%20061.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>2021 Mas Rousseau</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"><b> </b> </span>- 30€</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">A pure Carignan blanc, with a first harvest in 2016, planted from massale selection.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Aged in 15 hls foudres. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>An elegant stony nose,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Quite tight knit and structured, with firm acidity and stony fruit.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Satisfying weight and depth, with some ageing potential. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>2021 Ze rosé, Languedoc</b> - 12€</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">A blend<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>of Grenache and young Cinsault vines and a little Carignan.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Pale pink orange.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Indigenous yeast. Kept in vat.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The <i>ampleur,</i> or fullness of Grenache with some weight on the nose.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>A rounded ripe palate with a dry finish.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Good length.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>A<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>serious rosé with some character.</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Delphine described 2021 as the complete opposite of<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>2022.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It rained until mid June and then the summer was dry, with the grapes taking time to ripen.</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>2021 Petit Pas, AC Languedoc</b> - 13€</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">A blend of Syrah, Grenache and a little Carignan in cement vat, and then bottled in the spring. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Medium colour.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Good fruit, with a touch of tapenade on the palate.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Ripe and juicy with some notes of the garrigues, and a fresh finish.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>AOP Languedoc as<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Terrasses du Larzac requires a minimum of 10 months <i>élevage</i>.</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>2021 les Clapas Rouge </b>- 17€</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Mainly Syrah,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>60%<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>and whole bunches, with Grenache and Carignan. <i>Elevage </i>in<i> foudres </i>and<i> futs</i>.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Just bottled.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Medium colour.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Quite firm tight closed nose.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Dry and spicy.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Lovely fruit and freshness.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Medium weight.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>An elegant concentration of flavour and very harmonious with a lift on the finish.</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>2020 les Clapas Rouge</b></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Deeper colour.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Bottled a year ago. Spicy tapenade fruition the nose. Nicely rounded palate with ripe fruit and an elegant finish.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>And more southern in character and quite a different style from 2021.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Shows the two extremes.</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>2021<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Cinsault, IGP Hérault</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"><b> </b> </span>- 24€</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">From 60 year old vines.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Light bright colour.<i> Elevage</i> half in amphora made from<i> grès</i> or sandstone and half in barrel, for nearly a year.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Lovely fresh fruit. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Very perfumed, with some weight.</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Delphine laughingly recalled that when they arrived, they were advised to put up the Carignan and Terret, and to only use Cinsault for rose!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>She admitted that Cinsault is tricky for red wines.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The skins are very thin and fragile and berries large and juicy, so it is easier to make rosé.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Their first Cinsault vintage was 2010.</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOEdKo9rlL7P-GzyB1akLOZuCMBKopeIEwYRw6y7qsn9u95WJ3XZHbvqA-mpQabhtylwgGyIh9YPWZbExTrvz4bDC23wodjrvW_7W99mHhFjWgvt9GyiogCCQ3f7zX1hlIzn0TLPy9Ly_rlE6XWIcqvJFp5XUGdbc-KvtotN_SjrvZqWOkDirxSAGu/s3072/Roujan%20September%202013%20055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3072" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOEdKo9rlL7P-GzyB1akLOZuCMBKopeIEwYRw6y7qsn9u95WJ3XZHbvqA-mpQabhtylwgGyIh9YPWZbExTrvz4bDC23wodjrvW_7W99mHhFjWgvt9GyiogCCQ3f7zX1hlIzn0TLPy9Ly_rlE6XWIcqvJFp5XUGdbc-KvtotN_SjrvZqWOkDirxSAGu/w640-h480/Roujan%20September%202013%20055.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>2020 Le Pas de D</b> - 24€</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Blend of Carignan, Grenache, Cinsaut, with Carignan the dominant variety. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Good colour.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Quite a firm stony nose, with some rounded ripe fruit. Quite rich, but with firm acidity and youthful tannins.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Needs time.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>An elegant finish, with none of the rusticity sometimes associated with Carignan.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>This is Delphine’s personal cuvée and her aim is to '<i>donner noblesse au</i> Carignan'.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I think she has succeeded.</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>2020 Le Grand Pas</b> - 28€</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">70% Grenache, 20% Carignan, 10% Cinsault.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Grenache from higher vineyards.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Ripe cherries and spice on the nose and palate.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Ripe and fresh, rounded and textured.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Quite a big mouthful, and 15 abv.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> They called it '</span><i>Un homage au Grenache</i>'. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">In 2022 the Grenache had freshness, whereas the Syrah was not so successful, but Grenache copes better with the heat than Syrah.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>2020 Les Frieys</b> - 40€</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Grenache dominant, with Carignan, Mourvèdre grown in a small terraced vineyards just 36 ares<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>producing just<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>1500 bottles. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They cleared the scrub and the first vintage was 2016. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Young colour. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Ripe fruit on the nose and palate.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Lovely ripe opulent berry fruit from the Grenache.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Lots of nuances.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Good length <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Delphine called it part of the construction of the Terrasses du Larzac.</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.pasdelescalette.com">www.pasdelescalette.com</a><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSevnI8nNrbvRm7HpHC122g1RlSrakIo0TPcUINR71d_KDkkthw8aka3_7z2V6yU0tksKbVXjE0VqShZjgDr3MaDHSia4IIoIt7mHiCYJJ1fmVaro6k6ROmG994UOKxB5mTnvd4GjiZjmibFbt9L8ibzm_hv3dmRBcJO5r2ZLWQSuPO35gdfjFvoBS/s3072/Roujan%20September%202013%20054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3072" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSevnI8nNrbvRm7HpHC122g1RlSrakIo0TPcUINR71d_KDkkthw8aka3_7z2V6yU0tksKbVXjE0VqShZjgDr3MaDHSia4IIoIt7mHiCYJJ1fmVaro6k6ROmG994UOKxB5mTnvd4GjiZjmibFbt9L8ibzm_hv3dmRBcJO5r2ZLWQSuPO35gdfjFvoBS/w640-h480/Roujan%20September%202013%20054.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><br /><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473859950804429810.post-36200392980377078742022-12-05T12:35:00.003+00:002022-12-05T12:36:53.567+00:00Le Clos du Serres<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXcPEX7FwEjPtsIYfNHL09FsRxD7GC8bV98H_dYVmMIUNUwb7ayi1C-hGunRUj6tUUyGiSUfj7ujo7ohNtazP9LH7Q-qpqDfZChIYxVTNUrIcGBTGKLy8L4-eoMI44bOlOT8pziXWlqrQfsCpVjjB-Mup2or-bluUYjLz6FNaFZIVKXZAAeuvtTWt1/s4896/P1010115.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXcPEX7FwEjPtsIYfNHL09FsRxD7GC8bV98H_dYVmMIUNUwb7ayi1C-hGunRUj6tUUyGiSUfj7ujo7ohNtazP9LH7Q-qpqDfZChIYxVTNUrIcGBTGKLy8L4-eoMI44bOlOT8pziXWlqrQfsCpVjjB-Mup2or-bluUYjLz6FNaFZIVKXZAAeuvtTWt1/w640-h480/P1010115.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span>The usual motorway exit for St Jean de la Blaquière was closed so we took a circuitous route from St Felix de Lodez and approached the village through wild garrigue, olive trees and vineyards, with the dramatic skyline of the northern hills of the Languedoc.</span> <span>There are stretches of red iron packed soil, known as</span><i> ruffes</i><span> </span> <span>Sébastien and Beatrice Fillon at Clos du Serres have a smart cellar down a dirt track just outside the village.</span> </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Our tasting began with a comparison or 2020 and 2021 <b>Le Saut du Poisson </b><span class="Apple-converted-space"><b> </b>- </span>17.00€</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">2021 was difficult because of the frost.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Consequently there was no Vermentino in the blend that year, so that it was mainly Grenache Blanc and some Carignan Blanc.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The wine was ripe and floral, with freshness and finesse, white blossom fruit with good acidity.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The Grenache Blanc is kept in 500 litre barrels and the rest in vat, with blending in May for bottling in June.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Nice weight and balance, with youthful harmony.</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">2020 has more Carignan Blanc, including some fruit from younger vines, as well as some Vermentino.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It was much more focussed and less opulent, with some herbal fruit.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>More <i>pointu</i> in style.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>2010 was their first vintage of white wine.</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">White wine is the current project for the appellation the Terrasses du Larzac<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>There is a much broader range of possible grape varieties than for the red wine, namely<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Carignan Blanc and Gris, Grenache Blanc and Gris, Vermentino, Roussanne, Marsanne, Chenin, Clairette, Piquepoul, Terret.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Some people have Viognier which would probably not be suitable for an appellation as the flavours are too powerful, and many of those who do have Viognier, say they would probably not plant it today.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>White wine currently equals about 10-15% of the production of the region.</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ElZjKEC75uz1zyztLQ4gZ3BxvPchaQCocybMTo0orkHIHOShueTXNZr2R36Ht6xjiMM5aVKgON_fr3BE37Fjw9j_TcYC7kvPS_7Kp_TDgvd6StkLNi3aP0mBmsLDpJ0d7K-oowWbFXqyra1m3klK4HRzW0qA8-Y41QAlkoDWxNfZTMpixNxj1LUX/s4896/P1010114.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ElZjKEC75uz1zyztLQ4gZ3BxvPchaQCocybMTo0orkHIHOShueTXNZr2R36Ht6xjiMM5aVKgON_fr3BE37Fjw9j_TcYC7kvPS_7Kp_TDgvd6StkLNi3aP0mBmsLDpJ0d7K-oowWbFXqyra1m3klK4HRzW0qA8-Y41QAlkoDWxNfZTMpixNxj1LUX/w640-h480/P1010114.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: times; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"><br /><span><br /></span></span><p></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Sébastien does not make any rosé; he doesn’t really like it, commenting that people expect it to be cheap.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Instead he has started making a light red, <b>2021 Plan B, AOP Languedoc</b>, 13.50€ based on Syrah with some Carignan, Cinsault and Grenache, but no Mourvèdre. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He only has about half a hectare of Mourvèdre as it needs the right place, with some quite deep soil. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The grapes are destemmed, with a 15 days maceration. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Bright deep colour. Very perfumed, ripe fruit. rounded supple tannins.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>A rounded mouthful.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Medium weight with a<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>lovely explosion of fruit.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>13<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Serve slightly chilled.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>2021 St Jean</b> - 13.50€</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">The <i>cuvée</i> of the village, a balance between the five <i>cépages</i> and about ten different plots.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Altogether Sébastien<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>has 15 hectares, with about 18 plots, with some 60 year old vines and some newly planted.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Only his white wine goes into wood, with<i> élevage</i> in concrete<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>vats for all his red wines<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He has tried out<i> élevage</i> in barrel but was never really never satisfied with it.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The wood dampens the <i>éclat de fruit</i>, whereas a concrete tanks refines the fruit and the texture. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The aim of <i>élevage</i> is to refine, not to add make up, or <i>maquillage</i>.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Their schist soils makes for wines that are forward in their youth; they don’t need the exchange of oxygen to bring out the flavours.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>In contrast wines from <i>calcaire,</i> limestone, need more oxygen. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Good colour.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Red fruit and garrigues on the nose.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>A rounded palate with supple tannins.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Nicely mouth filling, with elegant concentration.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>A long fresh finish. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>2021 Ste Pauline</b> - 14.50€</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">A l<i>ieu-dit</i> named after a chapel.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The soil is composed of tiny <i>galets</i>, and the vineyard is near the river, with a subsoil of <i>ruffes</i>.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> '</span>A micro Châteauneuf-du-Pape',<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>quipped Sébastien. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>There are three plots altogether, of Carignan, Cinsault and Syrah.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>All the grapes are destemmed, with a three week maceration, and a <i>délestage</i> at the beginning to liberate the juice and then some <i>remontages</i>, but no more <i>pigeages</i> as they produced too much tannin.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The wine is blended in January and bottled in the summer. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Fresh red fruit on the nose and palate.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Silky tannins with supple, subtle favours.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Good length on the finish.</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: times;"><b>2020 Les Maros</b> - </span><span style="font-family: times;">17.00€</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span>Two rivers go through St Jean de la </span></span><span>Blaquière</span><span>, the Marguerite and the Maros, with the vines on the slopes of the river valley.</span> <span>Mainly Grenache with some Cinsault and a little Mourvèdre, and occasionally there may be some Carignan, but no Syrah.</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Lighter colour thanks to the Grenache.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Lovely Grenache fruit on the nose, redolent of liqueur cherries.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Very fresh with some spice and liquorice.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Some tannins, giving some backbone.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Quite a rounded palate.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Medium weight and youthful. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Good length. Should age very nicely. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">And then to show how well it would age, Sébastien opened the <b>2012 Maros</b>.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It was made the same way, with no wood<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>and no <i>pigeage</i>.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He now has cement vats, whereas he had fibre glass in his old cellar.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He think cement makes for more elegance.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times;">Nicely maturing nose. Discreet,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Medium weight.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>elegant.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Cedary notes and also garrigues.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Quite restrained and gentle.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: times;">Sébastien</span><span style="font-family: times;"> recalled 2012 as a cool year.</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>2019 Humeur Vagabonde</b> - 28€ <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Just 2000 bottles.</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">They have pulled up their old Carignan as it did not survive the heatwave of 2019, so now the plan is to change the composition of Humeur Vagabonde from year to year, using what they particularly like. So this is mainly Grenache, their oldest vines, with some old Oeillade planted in the 1950s, with a little Carignan and Syrah.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Nicely perfumed.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Liqueur cherries.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Very ripe and rounded, but with more structure than Maros and a streak of tannin.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>And<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>riper too<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>with 14.5 alcohol.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>2019 was hotter vintage. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span>And </span></span><span>Sébastien</span><span> is very pleased with 2022.</span> <span>The weather was perfect up to 15th June and then the heat arrived, which was very worrying.</span> <span>However, rain between 15th and 20th August saved them.</span> <span>The vines carried on ripening. and they began picking on 22nd August. </span> <span>The Syrah was ripe earlier and benefitted less from the rain. </span> <span>Everything else ripened well and the other reds were picked about a month after the Syrah.</span> <span>The Syrah reached 13 - 13.5 and Grenache 14.5,</span> <span>but a month later.</span> </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="http://www.leclosduserres.fr">www.leclosduserres.fr</a><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Ic5BFLQOSubFDKaP-63dkWDoOegpfAqKifEQR7cYTmGPQzwgKhPn5CWZupVNoDuHyMUD1AsmUWuXx1BUFdPSCyPyvcJAhA6qRlkzUlqryPPUQKt3wvFeGTotuqwLrAt4lqNNEmdwo9yklqmyuFw7NHubk8XgEyOszYlLSMKzzY6R3G0NEJM3jJyZ/s4896/P1010113.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Ic5BFLQOSubFDKaP-63dkWDoOegpfAqKifEQR7cYTmGPQzwgKhPn5CWZupVNoDuHyMUD1AsmUWuXx1BUFdPSCyPyvcJAhA6qRlkzUlqryPPUQKt3wvFeGTotuqwLrAt4lqNNEmdwo9yklqmyuFw7NHubk8XgEyOszYlLSMKzzY6R3G0NEJM3jJyZ/w640-h480/P1010113.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0