Rosemary George on Gravillas
Taste Languedoc - a blog about the wines of the South of France
Tuesday, 24 November 2009
HIGHLIGHTS FROM A MINI ORGANIC FAIR AT THE MAISON DU LANGUEDOC
The recently opened Maison du Languedoc in Cavendish Square, a rather smart address around the back of John Lewis, is the London showcase for the Languedoc. Last week it hosted a mini organic fair with eleven exhibitors. What follows are my highlights:
CLOS DU GRAVILLAS, in St. Jean de Minervois
John Bojanowski is an engaging, enthusiastic American, who, with his wife, Nicole, runs six hectares of vines, with thirteen different grape varieties. Carignan has always been a particular enthusiasm, ever since they started their estate with just one hectare of old vines. The UK agents are those wonderfully quirky and original wine importers, and organic specialists, Les Caves de Pyrène. If a wine grower is represented by them on the British market, I know the wines will be rewarding. I may not like them, but they will certainly engage my attention.
2007 L’Inattendu, Minervois. A blend of Grenache Blanc, Macabeu and Terret. Light golden in colour. Herbal hints on the nose. The palate is rounded and textured with a firm streak of acidity. Good mouthfeel and an intriguing finish.
2008 Sous les Cailloux des Grillons, Vin de Pays des Côtes de Brian. A blend of Syrah, Carignan, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and Counoise. Good colour. A warm, but stony nose, with a touch of berry fruit. Medium weight, with some warm leathery notes on the palate, plus some berry fruit and a stony finish.
2006 Rendez-vous du soleil, Côtes de Brian. A blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Mourvèdre and Counoise. Good young colour. A warm, slightly meaty nose, which repeats on the palate. Nicely rounded fruit, with some supple tannins. Quite textured, with a leathery finish.
2005 Lò Vielh, Côtes de Brian. Pure Carignan. Good colour. A firm, dry nose. The palate is initially tight knit with some berry fruit developing in the glass. Medium weight and youthful.
2008 Douce Providence Muscat de St. Jean-de-Minervois Light colour; quite a rounded honeyed palate, with fresh grapey fruit. Fresh and rounded and very appealing.
http://www.closdugravillas.com