This Week’s Wine Tasting
French Wine
From the Rhone Valley, Languedoc, Beaujolais and Cotes de Gascogne
Domaine de Pellehaut– “Located on the slopes of Castle Pellehaut, over 180 m above sea level, the vineyard has an ideal terroir and maximum sunshine. Frequently protected effect Foenh (Pyrenees barrier) Gers enjoys more of a relatively low summer rainfall.
“Pellehaut” takes its name from the Roman or medieval pila. The presence of mosaics representing the vine, two kilometers away, on the site of the Gallo-Roman villa of Séviac, suggests that the vine was already present at the time of the Roman Pellehaut … The estate stretches over 550 hectares including 250 hectares of vines. This is a farm traditionally managed by brothers Martin and Mathieu BERAUT.
The vines are on ridges, low funds are reserved for cattle and cereal crops. Thus, blondes litters of Aquitaine associated with grape marc contribute to the development of a compost of choice for the vines.
This complementarity of activities helps maintain the balance of organic matter from different plots, while limiting the use of synthetic fertilizers.
This is also the spirit of the work done on the field Pellehaut: respect for traditional methods and the natural balance, combined with scientific rigor and a constant concern for quality and innovation.”
Domaine de Pellehaut Blanc 2014– Cotes de Gascogne, France. A blend of Chardonnay and local grape varieties (Ugni Blanc, Colombard, Gros Petit Manseng, Folle Blanche and Sauvignon). “Crystal clear color with gold highlights. Very expressive nose revealing exotic fruits (mango, passion fruit, lychee). Mouthfeel is voluminous; the wine naturally well-balanced. A fresh and fruity aromatic sensation, with a hint of minerality that extends the length of several minutes. Can be served as an aperitif or will agree well with all seafood.” Guide Gilbert & Gaillard 2015- “Pale yellow with shiny green highlights. Powerful nose is sweet and tangy, with citrus and a floral touch. Vivid and sharp attack of fruit on the palate, in the mouth the fresh aromas of the nose are emphasized. Harmonious.” $8.99
Domaine de Pellehaut Rouge 2014– Cotes de Gascogne, France. Merlot, Tannat, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Pinot Noir. “Light red hue with purple tints. Nose that reveals expressive aeration, smooth notes, marked by fruit and spices. In the mouth, it is a silky wine guided by subtle and well-integrated tannins. The fruit is expressive; red and black berry fruits accompanied by peppery flavors. A focused and naturally balanced effort.” Guide Gilbert & Gaillard 2015- “Offers a pretty nose of cassis, cherry, forest floor with a spicy touch. Full in the mouth, soft and drinkable, it stays the course of fruity freshness. A crisp style that has its place in all dinners with friends.” $8.99
Lucien Lardy– “I have a strong character, which leads me to move forward with perseverance for the love of a job well done.”
“Coming from a family of four children, I was the only one to choose winemaker as my profession. My father left me a wonderful legacy that I wanted to honor and preserve. I am fortunate that as part of my daily work I am acting as keeper of a French heritage. I get up early to go into my vineyard to walk through my vines, which give me much happiness and a strong sense of freedom.
I vinify each of my plots separately in order to manage the expression of all my lands. This enables me to create complex and generous wines that display the characteristics of its terroir.
As a founder and winemaker of Terroirs Originels, I am proud to have worked alongside my friends and other talented winemakers to form our alliance, where integrity and passion for winemaking and sustainable growing is fundamental.”
Lucien Lardy Beaujolais-Villages Blanc 2013– Beaujolais, France. Chardonnay. “When the Chardonnay finds his terroir of predilection in Beaujolais, it is savory with a nice freshness! Try it with poultry, white meat skewers, grilled fishes, fruit with almonds and cream.” Jen’s note- “Chardonnay from 60 year-old vines. 6 months in stainless steel. Pure fruit aromas, some melon and lanolin undertones. Fresh scents are followed by a soft entry with gentle acid. Good value. Dry finish with lingering green apple notes.” $13.99
Lucien Lardy Les Thorins Moulin a Vent 2013– Beaujolais, France. Gamay. “Thanks to substantial hard work, Lucien LARDY became a sure value in Beaujolais. This plot, ideally located, was a good opportunity to take a new challenge for quality in the Moulin à Vent appellation. Try it with cassoulet, duck confit, games, lamb, roasted chicken.” Jen’s note- “Aromatic with pretty scents of mountain fruit and sweet flowers. Medium-bodied entry with substantial fruits such as raspberry and blackberry, with spice hints and good grip. A bright and approachable style.” $14.99
Domaine Lombard– “The vines are on ridges, low funds are reserved for cattle and cereal crops. Thus, blondes litters of Aquitaine associated with grape marc contribute to the development of a compost of choice for the vines.
This complementarity of activities helps maintain the balance of organic matter from different plots, while limiting the use of synthetic fertilizers.
This is also the spirit of the work done on the field Pellehaut: respect for traditional methods and the natural balance, combined with scientific rigor and a constant concern for quality and innovation. As often is a human encounter that is from greatest living wines.
Since 2011, Julien and Emmanuelle Montagnon, promising winemakers return from Camp del Roc (Roussillon), combine their expertise to the Lombard area. In their home region, they bring, again, their free and singular vision.
From the 2012 vintage, the area is enriched by the arrival of a trading activity, mainly on the northern vineyards of the Rhone valley. J & E Montagnon select grapes and wines from the finest vineyards and make wine, amounted to assemble and deliver their vision of these appellations.”
Domaine Lombard La Cote Drome Syrah 2013– Rhone Valley, France. “A serious wine and an example of excellence. Blend of Syrah and 90% Viognier 10%, is a fantastic compromise between density and palatability. The gentle purple hue is a first sign of its drinkability. Delicate tannins are only there to support the full bouquet of fruit and flowers. The slightly saline and spicy finish calls for the taster to try again and again.” $13.99
Villa Symposia– “Villa Symposia was created in 2003 by Eric Prissette, the successful wine maker and owner of Château Roc in the Bordeaux region, who has always dreamed of finding the perfect place in Languedoc to make outstanding and long-ageing red wines.
Nowadays, Eric is managing both his domains in Bordeaux and Languedoc, looking every day for the best solution suitable to each of those terroirs, in the vineyard as well as in the cellar, to produce rich and deep wines.
The work continues in the ongoing search for solutions best suited to the soil and in the cellar. The goal is to become more and more specific in the choice to develop deep and rich wines with respect for Languedoc authenticity.”
Villa Symposia Coteaux du Languedoc Equilibre 2012– Languedoc, France. A blend of 70% Syrah 25% Carignan 5% Grenache and Mourvedre. From vines that are 30 years old (bio-dynamic conversion). Aged for 9-10 months in 30HL wooden vats & stainless steel for Carignan. Jen’s note- “Pretty purple in color with magenta edges. Aromatic perfume of purple fruits and sweet spice. Candied red fruits. Rich and delicious on the palate followed by a big, lingering, meaty finish. Very good.” $16.99