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Wine Details
Price:
$18.99 per bottle
Description:
Though southern French wines from 2002 are often viewed with a Jau-jau de jaundiced air, due to the heavy rains experienced that year, the area around Minvervois was largely spared until just after the grapes were harvested. Even the mercurial Michel Escande, from whose estate, Domaine de Borie de Maurel, a large percentage of this wine derives (and a notoriously late harvester, truth be told) brought in grapes in advance of the poor weather. We continue to include a small portion of whole cluster viognier in several of the fermentations, which seems to significantly augment the aromatic potential of the wine, while adding a touche of incremental tannin and peppery spiciness. This is a rich, fruitful and generously scented wine, soft in texture and acidity and replete with a good mineral backbone. It starkly demonstrates the difference between the antipodean (read Oz) and the anti-antipodean paradigm. In: cassis, minerals, violets, roasted meat, bacon fat and white pepper. Out: Blackberry syrup, inflammatory 16+% alcohols, and the not-so-subtle imprint of the Ozark oak forest.
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Varietal Definition
Syrah:
Syrah is the eight hundred pound gorilla of Rhone grapes! In the vineyard and the winery, Syrah is typically an easy grape to work with - healthy, early ripening, resistant to mildew and rot; suitable for winemaking in a variety of styles. The wines from Syrah are tannic without being harsh. The wines will have a taste and smell of dark blue fruit like blackberries and blackcurrant, with a strong spicy side where one can find freshly ground pepper and other spices. Syrah is famous for its part in the French blends, such as Côtes du Rhone and Châteauneuf du Pape.
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Viognier:
The most acclaimed white wine grape from France's Rhône Valley, Viognier is a highly aromatic varietal, with a flavor profile that could include peach, apricot, nectarine, lichee, musk and flower blossom. The heady perfume of this varietal is one of its trademarks, although its flavors are sometimes problematic in matching with food. However, it does well with lobster, crab and moderately flavored fish. Use it as an apéritif as an alternative to Chardonnay. The "Rhône Rangers" in California have done an excellent job promoting this varietal.
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