Wine
Tasting Event - 9
wines from the South of France
On the 10th April 2008 I attended a wine tasting evening
organised by Cases. The evening was hosted at Case’s
Wine Warehouse on the Tuam Road, Galway and was the
only one in a series of approximately 7 separate tastings
that I managed to attend - regrettably. I understand
that the series was very popular and, as was the case
on this occasion, well facilitated couples choosing
wedding wines.
On this occasion Ciaran McCannagh presented 9 wines
from the South of France. Ciaran is a former native
of Spiddal but has been living and working in France
for the past number of years. He presented a well
varied selection including a Cremant [term for French
Sparkling Wine that comes from any other region then
Champagne] and a Banyuls [which is a distant relation
of Port but made from Grenache].
|
 Map
Courtesy of http://wikitravel.org/ |
You can clearly see the Languedoc-Roussillon
region. The region itself is very picturesque
with the Pyrenees Mountains, sun drenched beaches
and stunning coastlines.
With Ryanair regularly flying to Carcassonne,
Languedoc really does represent a wine region
that is affordable and easily accessible.
|
|
The
following are my notes from Ciaran’s presentation:-
1. George and Roger Antech Cremant de Limoux 2005
Fresh, crisp, and dry – Melon, baked apple,
and a touch of honey. The balance of the wine was
a solid effort, though the beads are not as dainty
as some Champagnes. Made from a blend of Chardonnay
and Chenin Blanc this wine is easy drinking and refreshing.
The finish was a little short.
Robertfranciswine – 86 Points
Price Bracket - €19.95 per sampler bottle (€17.95
as part of a mixed case of 12)
2. George and Roger Antech Chardonnay 2006
Rich, medium to full bodied Chardonnay. The wine
was a melony, honeydew colour. The nose was quite
strong with caramel and coconut. The wine tasted a
little flabby and out of balance – but it did
open out after a minute. This wine went down very
well with the rest of group. While it was a solid,
crowd pleaser – it didn’t do it for me.
Robertfranciswine – 84 Points
Price Bracket - €12.95 per sampler bottle (€9.95
as part of a mixed case of 12)
3. Abbe Rous Cornet et Cie Collioure AC White 2006
An interesting blend of White Grenache, Grey Grenache,
Roussane, Marsanne, and Vermintino. This wine appeared
a little closed initially, but given a couple of minutes
really opened out. The Roussane and Marsanne were
restrained and classy. Tropical fruits and a touch
of spice on the palate made this an interesting food
wine with a good acidity and a long finish. This was
my pick of the whites – a good solid wine.
Robertfranciswine – 87 Points.
Price Bracket - €18.95 (€14.95 as part
of a mixed case of 12)
|
|
| 4. Chateau de Calce Cotes du Roussillon
Village AC 2005 This wine, a Carignan and Grenache
blend comes from near Perpignan, where the climate is
very hot and dry. This wine did have big ripe fruits
– mostly blackfruits. There were touches of spice
and pepper also. This was a medium bodied wine, with
smooth tannins and a reasonable finish.
Roberfranciswine – 86 points
Price Bracket - €14.95 (€11.95 as part of
a mixed case of 12)
5. Abbe Rous Cornet et Cie Collioure AC Red 2006
A deep purple coloured wine with focused black summer
fruits on the nose. There were notes of la Garrigue
[a sort of shrubland/herby taste] in the wine. A pretty
solid wine with decent acidity and structure.
Robertfranciswine – 85 points
Price Bracket - €18.95 (€14.95 as part of
a mixed case of 12) |
|
| 6. Domaine de L’ancien Courrier,
Corbieres AC 2005 A blend of Carignan, Grenache, Syrah,
and Mourvedre – this wines had a good solid purple/black
colour. Soft red fruits, quite fruity actually, with
some well placed spice in the background. The wine had
good acidity, balance, smooth tannins and a medium finish.
A good solid enjoyable wine, which represents very good
value for money in this price bracket. Based on the
quality/price ratio this was my pick of the red wines
– making this a good summer barbecue glugger.
Robertfranciswine – 88 Points
Price Bracket - €12.40 (€10.90 as part of
a mixed case of 12)
7. Reserve du Chateau Mansenoble, Corbieres AC 2004
A blend of 50% Grenache, 25% Carignan, and 25% Syrah,
which are vinified separately and blended. With 60%
of the final blend spending one year in oak –
previous vintages of this wine have received 90 points
from Robert Parker. This wine has a good deep ruby purple
colour, with fantastic colour concentration of blackfruits
and raspberries. The wine had excellent balance, velvety
tannins and a delicious finish. This wine was very good
indeed, and while it is perhaps a little pricey in comparision
to some New World offerings for slightly less money.
However this wine would make a very good match with
a Sunday roast or to give to a wine buff friend at a
dinner party.
Robertfranciswine – 89 Points
Price Bracket - €19.95 (€16.95 as part of
a mixed case of 12)
|
|
| 8. Chateau Vespeille Muscat de Rivesaltes
C vin doux naturel 2006
Lemon yellow coloured desert wine made from 100% Muscat.
On the nose there are hints of lime marmalade and white
peach. It is always important for a desert wine to have
good acidity so that the sweetness of the wine does
not become sickly or cloying. Containing the right amount
of acidity this wine has good balance and a decent finish.
Solid effort.
Robertfranciswine – 87 Points
Price Bracket - €16.95 (€ 13.35 as part of
a mixed case of 12)
9. Abbe Rous Cuvee Castell des Hospices Banyuls Grand
Cru 1998
Made from Grenache Noir this wine is an intense mahogany
colour, and very similar to a Tawny Port in style. The
nose is one of raisins, figs, nuts, and almonds all
mixed up in a syrupy juice. There is good sweetness
to this wine, and while it does not have the concentration
of a port it might suit those who are looking for a
less weighty style of desert wine. It is slightly more
expensive then the equivalent Tawny or LBV port.
Robertfranciswine – 86 Points
Price Bracket - €36.95 (€28.95 as part of
a mixed case of 12)
Prices correct as of 10th April 2008 and as quoted
by Cases at the tasting event.
|
|
