Wines of the Month – July 2008

£99.40 the 12 bottle mixed case

Our twelve-bottle offer case this month consists of two bottles of each wine at a cost of £99.40 delivered (British mainland), saving £16 on normal prices.

Montlouis Sec 2006

Michel & Laurent Berger  

Chenin Blanc is a wonderfully versatile grape, capable of producing the full range of styles from bone dry to decadently sweet. Michel and Laurent make excellent use of the favourable chalky terroir found in Montlouis to produce this dry, zesty, clean and crisp example which would make an ideal complement to seafood, or can be enjoyed as a refreshing aperitif.

Quincy 2006

Jerôme de la Chaise

At Quincy, Jerôme de la Chaise is one of a dwindling number of winemakers who grow their own grapes and make their own wine on their own premises. His solitary Sauvignon Blanc shows the appellation in a very pure light. It has a classic “fleurs blanches” bouquet and a zesty palate of white currants and minerals and a long, elegant dry finish – ideal with summer salads, whitebait or goats cheese.

Cabernet d’Anjou 2007

Cave de Saumur

The Vignerons de Saumur, based in St Cyr in the heart of Anjou are known for their fastidiousness and are highly selective about the quality of the fruit they deploy and unerringly produce clean, fruity wines that are a credit to the appellation. This salmon-pink, pure Cabernet Franc is redolent of ripe, red berry fruit and is (just) off dry – an ideal wine for al-fresco imbibing and would be a welcome addition to any picnic basket.

Coteaux d’Aix: Château des Gavelles Rosé 2007

James de Roany

Château Gavelles is located in the very heart of the historic vineyards of Puyricard, and boasts two large vaulted stone cellars from the 17th century which are still used today for storing and ageing wine. James de Roany, a renowned and pioneering winemaker, produces this quintessential Provençal rosé with an attractive coral pink colour, delicate floral aromas, good red berry fruit and a decently dry finish. It is ideally suited for simple summer charcuterie or cheese, and perfect for al fresco entertaining.

Saumur Champigny: La Grande Vignolle 2006

Paul & Fredrik Filliatreau

This is a top flight, modern Loire red made by Paul and Fredrik Filliatreau from 40 year old vines situated

on a 7 hectare troglodytique site. This appellation shot to fame in the 70’s and 80’s when Parisiennes considered it fashionable to imbibe the red wine in their bistro’s and café’s. Served very lightly chilled - it is a highly versatile wine to accompany food, excellent with charcuterie, grills, poultry and goats cheese.

Vin de Pays de la Drôme: La Côte 2006

Jean-Marie Lombard

Brézème is a viticultural oddity, of great merit, that revels in its own micro-appellation status as Brézème Côtes du Rhône. Although technically in the Southern Rhône, the inspiration for these wines comes from the ‘noble’ Syrah grape of the North. A recent development chez Lombard has been the creation of a cracking Vin de Pays – Jean-Marie explained that he wanted to produce “un vin facile” for affordable, everyday drinking, hence his decision to offset the base of 90% Syrah with 10% Viognier. The finished wine is soft and juicy with attractive black pepper and stewed berry tastes.

£99.40 the 12 bottle mixed case

Our twelve-bottle offer case this month consists of two bottles of each wine at a cost of £99.40 delivered (British mainland), saving £16 on normal prices.