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In the Spotlight
Stéphane Vedeau (on the right) and Claude Serra are responsible for some fabulous wines from Southern France and are our winemakers for the spotlight this month.
It is hard not to be impressed by the sheer energy and enthusiasm Stéphane and Claude display when talking about their wines.
In Montpeyroux at the foothills of the Massive Central in the Languedoc, they have purchased the tiny vineyards of La Croix du Sud and La Mélia. The tiny track that takes you to the vineyards is quite an exhilarating journey in itself – only a 4x4 will get you there by the way! Unless you have a helicopter of course. The vines are between 300-400m above sea level, amongst the highest of the Languedoc and makes for a long ripening period. In fact their Grenache vines at the highest point ripen some two weeks after the rest of the Languedoc lower down the valley, and as such they get more expression of terroir. Tasting these wines in their cellars at Montpeyroux was inspirational to say the least and fascinating to witness the dedication and care for vineyards that others before them had overlooked. Their efforts have not gone unrewarded and we urge you to try them.
The vines under their La Ferme du Mont label were purchased a few years ago by Stéphane and these wines offer superb value for money. Stéphane's belief in the respect of nature and the environment led him to work in the most natural way possible,without pesticides or chemicals. Fruit and finnesse are the characteristics of the wines, which makes them accessible in youth although they will continue to develop in bottle for another 7-10 years.
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Wine No. 1
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A 2 hectare site of vines between 40 to 60 years old. Packed with dark and red berry fruits, ripe and medium-full bodied. The tannins are sweet and ripe, giving the wine a delicious silky feel. Drink now and over the next 4 years.
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Wine No. 2
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This property based in the Minervois is owned by Claude Serra's brother-in-law. The bulk of their production is sold off to their local cooperative, but they have 3.5 hectares of old vines in the prime part of the appellation called La Livinière that interested Claude and hence his involvement as oenologist back in 2001. Each parcel of vines are vinified separately and matured in wooden casks for about 14 months prior to bottling. A blend of 50% Carignan, 30% Mourvèdre and 20% Grenache results in a wine with dark fruits on the nose and plenty of rich berry fruits and minerals on the palate. Almost burgundian-like. The tannins are ripe and have rounded out in bottle. Certainly one of the finest wines in the Minervois and demonstrates the potential of this region. Very good value for money.
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Wine No. 3
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40% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre and 30% Carignan. The vineyards for this wine average 60 years old and are spread over three plots at varying altitudes, up to 400m. The steep slopes and granite soils ensure the yields are naturally low and the high level of drainage results in grapes with superb concentration. The Syrah and Mourvèrdre are fermented in casks, whereas the Grenache and Carignan are fermented in stainless steel. The result is a wine with ripe fruits, blackberries and blueberries of particular note; spicy and complex on the palate with notes of black pepper and minerals. It is very rounded and full on the palate and is perfect for drinking now. This will continue to develop in bottle and should be at its peak in the next 5 years.
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Wine No. 4
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Inky, deep purple colour. Fantastic aromas of black cherries and currants. Classic Syrah! Smoky, masses of sweet dark and red berry fruits fill the palate, very elegant and impressive. Hints of aniseed on the long finish. Great value and a joy to drink even now. Drink from 2009 through to 2012.
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Wine No. 5
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80% Grenache and 20% Syrah. Not as deeply coloured as the Crozes. Wonderfully ripe and full on the nose and palate. Plump currants and cassis flavours with hints of fresh herbs. The tannins are ripe and round off this inviting wine beautifully. Drinking beautifully now and will continue to evolve for another 7 years. Try this with a hearty casserole!
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