|
Dear clients,
Work on the first pruning period has begun and we are very happy
to make you a part of the first report on our 2006 vintage:
As usual, the harvests were carried out within one month. The ideal
harvest date demands patience! Thanks to the diversity in our grape
varieties (Grenache blanc, Terret, Clairette, Viognier, Rolle, Roussane,
Marsanne) the white wines have revealed themselves to be sharp,
rich and full, all at the same time! The rosés are as reliable as
always…
The early red grape varieties are superb: powerful and with magnificent
balance. Syrah has quickly revealed its potential, meanwhile the
more precocious Grenache has required lots of work and attention!!
The result was not without a certain amount of stress, particularly
as the fermentations seemed endless this year!
The later grape varieties (Carignans, Mourvèdres) required particular
rigour: a harvest date dependant on the vine and the changeable
weather, as well as a delicate sorting process. However, these efforts
were not in vain: the two grape varieties are highly expressive
as well as concentrated, allowing a delightful length on the palate.
For our first cuvees, the 2006 vintage will arrive from the end
of the year. For the rest, work on the brewing has hardly begun:
come back in one or two years…
The Vidal-Dumoulin family
Nos racines 2005
This cuvee is a tribute to the work carried out by our parents.
At the time when it seemed obvious to cultivate the vine on plains,
Bernard and Claudie made the daring decision to pursue the creation
of a vineyard on the terroir of Faugères. This plan, initially started
by our grandfather Jean, began with the plantation of Syrah and
Mourvèdre and the maintenance of plots made up of Grenache and Carignan.
"Nos Racines" comes from this last original grape variety
of our appellation. Made from two plots planted before 1900 by our
great-grandfather Léon Gaillard, this wine is distinguished by a
strong character…
Far from all of the current standard wine practices around the world,
this wine embodies the personality of our schistous terroir. This
strong identity, its tasty and agronomical qualities (resistance
to drought, consistency across vintages…) forms the basis of this
old grape variety, one which still has a great future to come .
>> See the technique file
Fine Faugères
Up until the 19th century, Faugères was famous for one brandy. Distilled
in a still from the Charente region, rarely used in Languedoc, it
was a product of the AOC Fine. Often distilled from Terret, it is
thanks to this brandy that we find this grape variety on our estate.
For our appellation, November 2000 is the renaissance of this Fine.
After three years of aging in old casks, our Fine is ready to be
tasted. The wines chosen for this distillation come from Grenache,
Cinsaults and Aramonds grape varieties: light and aromatic, they
offer an elegant brandy with delicate aromas, revealing the signature
of our terroir.
The
end of year celebrations are approaching, the cold has returned…the
time is right for Languedoc wines! We have taken the liberty of
choosing for you, a selection of cuvees du domaine and their respective
gastronomic accompaniments.
The 2005 whites were met with great success: a number of
you have already appreciated them, but patience is required for
2006 !
Vieilles Vignes 2005
One of our best vintages in our eyes! Always dominated by old Carignans
and Grenaches, Vielles Vignes is a rich wine with blackberry fruit
notes but also an impressive freshness and mineral flavour. Our
pride and joy! Ideal food accompaniments include duck with Pardailhan
turnips, a cassoulet (traditional bean casserole), or a beef and
olive stew.
Nos racines 2005
Our Carignans like the warmth! The 2005 vintage spoils them! Jammy
notes, good concentration and tannins with a grand elegance. Pleasant
balance between power and finesse. Drink with slow roasted lamb
or pigeon casserole.
Cistus 2003
" the nose breathes aromas of mixed fruit jam with notes of cocoa
and wood. The palate is equipped with velvety and dense tannins
revealing blackberry fruit flavours. A concentrated finish. "
(Guide Fleurus 2007)
2004 is characterised by more northern flavours. Notes of
balsam, eucalyptus and with smooth tannins. Plenty of freshness
which makes it ready to drink already. Goes well with: smoked duck
breast tart and mushrooms, also quail stuffed with foie gras.
Tucade 2003 has a full and satisfying palate, with elegant
tannins and a very pure fruitiness. A distinguished wine with a
long keep. Goes with: black pudding with mushrooms, rabbit stew
and beef stew.
The grands crus from Languedoc Roussillon
by Michael Smith
"Le Point Spécial" September wine
The review of French wines: the classification of Languedoc wines
The review of French wines, 2005 vintage: Cistrus blanc and rouge
(June 2006) Wines and Cigars, January 2006: Cistrus rouge 2003
Ken Wijn Magazine, June 2006: Tucade 2003
Authentique wines and terroirs, summer/autumn 2006: Vielles Vignes
2004
Le Figaro magazine, edition N°3, Saturday 4 November 2006
Guide Hachette 2007: Vielles Vignes 2004, Cistus white 2005
Guide Fleurus 2007: Amandiers red 2002 and 2004, Cistrus red 2003
Guide de la revue des vins de France 2007: Cistrus red 2003, Cistrus
white 2005, Tucade 2003, Vielles Vignes 2004
|
|
