France is the largest wine producing country in the world. The history of French wine traces back to Roman times. French wine is controlled by the AOC system, Appellation d'Origine Controlee. This system guides as to what grapes are allowed to be grown in each region. The system was created using hundreds of years of growing history and the use of terroir. Terrior is a French wine term that encapsulates all the variables that apply to a wine's tastes…such as soil, climate, and the area the grape is grown.
France is home to many grapes that have now been cloned throughout the world. Not only have France's grapes been replicated, but so have their wine making styles. Even though they are the strongest player in the wine producing world, they now have competition from the new world wine producing countries.
Maison de Magali Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge is made from 84% Grenache, 11% Syrah and 5% Mourvèdre.
Maison de Magali Chateauneuf-du-Pape is designed to be a very fruity and fresh CDP with structure. Different flavors of red and black fruits with a hint of pepper and spice notes.
Pair with grilled meat and vegetables. Also excellent with cheese and dark chocolate dessert.
Maison du Midi Chateauneuf du Pape Rouge is made from 84% Grenache, 11% Syrah and 5% Mourvèdre.
Maison du Midi Chateauneuf-du-Pape is designed to be a very fruity and fresh CDP with structure. Different flavors of red and black fruits with a hint of pepper and spice notes.
Review:
"The 2023 Châteauneuf du Pape comes from the Brotte family (where the fruit is sourced) and is 90% Grenache and 5% each Syrah and Mourvèdre. Already bottled, it has a juicy, upfront, undeniably delicious style that brings both red and black fruits, some peppery, herbes de Provence-like nuances, medium to full body, and an upfront, ready-to-go style."
- Jeb Dunnuck (Importer Highlight: Fran Kysela ; July 2024), 91 pts
Ambre de Maltus Bordeaux Blanc is made from 70% Sauvignon Blanc, 30% Sémillion.
Malolactic fermentation.
The wine was aged in French Oak barrels for a few month (between 6 and 8 months depending on the barrel's toastiness and cooper)
Delicious with grilled fish or grilled vegetables
Maltus Lalande de Pomerol is made from 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc.
This is the newest project from Nicolas Lassagne (Chateau des Landes).
He acquired this 2.5 ha (6.17 acres) parcel in 2015.
Beautiful sustained deep purple color
The Bouquet is rich, generous, complex and reveals notes of black fruits.
The palate is round and powerful with some good integrated tannins. The finish is long and structured.
Origin of the name:
History tells us that the origin of the Château Maltus goes back to the Middle Ages, in the time of the crusades. The Order of Malt, well implanted on the land named Lalande de Pomerol, cultivated for the first time vines on the grounds of the Château Maltus.
Review:
"A ripe, spicy and black-fruited wine, this has some dense tannins as well as fine blackberry flavors. The wine's acidity is muted at this stage, masked by the wine's powerful Merlot fruit flavors. Drink the wine from 2025. - Roger VOSS."
- Wine Enthusiast (December 2022), 90 pts
Manoir du Carra Beaujolais Cru Brouilly Terre de Combiaty is 100% Gamay.
Parcels are in the place called “Combiaty”, within the village of St Etienne la Varenne. The soils are dry, made of pink granite, which gives the wine its typicity. Yield is 45-50hl/ha
Nice ruby color, subtle red fruit aromas of raspberry and wild strawberry with floral hints of hyacinth and violet. Full bodied with soft tannins, this Brouilly is best enjoyed young.
Manoir du Carra Beaujolais Cru Fleurie Clos des Deduits is made from 100% Gamay grapes coming from the lieu dit "Montee de la Tonne".
The vineyard measures 1.5 hectare and the average age of the vines is 50 years. Yield: 48 hl/ha
Manual harvest; Semi-carbonic maceration for 10-12 days; Aging in Foudre for 3-4 months; Slight filtration.
Intense red color, subtle fruity and floral aromas of violet, berry and cinnamon. Ample in the mouth, fruit flavors. Even better after a few years of cellaring.
Excellent with red and game meats, and cheeses.
Jean-Michel Sorbe Quincy Blanc is made from 100 percent Sauvingon Blanc.
The first nose is expressive and opens up to notes of acacia, citrus (lemon, grapefruit). Full on the palate with lovely freshness. This wine boasts nice balance and good length.
The vines are 15 to 20 years old and are located on the left bank of the Cher River, southwest of Quincy. This vineyard enjoys good exposure to the sun and overlies hillocks composed of sandy alluvial deposits and gravel dating back to the Quaternary Period. Each terroir is managed with minimal intervention in an environmentally friendly approach. Vinification: Slow pressing. Fermentation took place under controlled temperatures (18°C).The wine was aged on fine lees for a minimum of 4 months. It was filtered only once before being bottled.
Pair with crustaceans, asparagus, or goat's cheeses.
After pouring, allow the wine to breathe for a few moments in the glass before enjoying so that it may fully release all of its aromas.
This classy and poised Pinot Noir displays an array of dark berry notes, including raspberry, blackberry, blueberry, and ripe cherry, along with a hint of baking spices. Balanced tension and refined tannins on the palate make the wine both elegant and effortlessly delicious, with subtle flavors of cedar and cassis lingering on the finish.
Review:
Bright and perfumed aromas of raspberries, potpourri and orange peel. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and bright acidity, giving notes of blackberry bush, dried herbs and earth. Balanced and fresh.
- James Suckling 93 Points