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A Week In Provence
Although Peter Maille spends most of the year in Provence, and you may be acquainted with his charming journal, ‘A Year in Provence’ WWOL was only able to spend a week in the Provencal region of France enjoying the sights, locals, food and of course, wine sipping in this amazing region where the Mediterranean mixes with the influence of the Atlantic Ocean making for an interesting climate for grape growing. The Romans spent a great deal of time rummaging through the area planting some wonderful vineyards dating back some 2000 years ago. In fact, Provence is very reminiscent of Tuscany with its ever present cypress trees and amazing olive groves it is no wonder the Romans found this area so intriguing.
Tasting Notes:
All of the wines referenced would be perfect for the upcoming holidays and they are light enough to transcend each course.
A highlight of the trip was visiting Domaine du Pegau meeting both Paul and Laurence Feraud, a
father and daughter winemaker team and owners of this prestigious estate. The winery is located in the Rhone Valley and is quite famous for producing some of the finest Chateauneuf-du-Pape wine on the market. Laurence Feraud and her father are very unassuming winemakers which seems to be characteristic of the French-they do what they do and it is all about the grape and terroir. Laurence operates this winery along with her semi-retired father, Paul. The Estate has doubled in size since she assumed formal partnership and, along with her husband, they are continuing to produce new wines from their vineyards just outside the du-Pape area. A wonderful Domaine Du Pegau wine that is on the market stateside and one tasted is the Domaine du Pegau Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2006 (Cuvee Reserve). This was a very elegant and fresh white wine with hints of mineral, lingering lemon and citrus tones finishing with exotic spices. It would go perfect as an opening act for Thanksgiving dinner and even stand up to the turkey entree as well. Simply lovely and retails for around $36.00. WWOL was given the privilege of barrel tasting vintages that have not been released and bottled. The Domaine du Pegau, Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2005, was a real crowd pleaser and it should be on the market in 2008. This is predominately made from the Grenache grape and is blended with Syrah and other allowable grapes of the domaine. Already the 2005 vintage is being touted as another great year for this area so keep your eyes open for this one, it is amazingly luscious with ripe blackberry and spicey tones-a must have wine for the cellar.
Mas de la Dame:
Mas de la Dame (farm of the women) is located on the outskirts of Les Baux de Provence. The microclimate and soil are ideal for producing some par excellent Rosé and red wines. The wonderful thing about Mas de la Dame is that it is owned by two sisters, Madame Misoffe and Madame Poniatowski. All of the wines are made certified organic and are very expressive and complex. An outstanding and value wine tasted was the Rosé du Mas, it is a tender pink colored Rosé and wonderfully satisfying with subtle flavors of fresh berries, fennel and a flowery finish. It would go nicely with grilled turkey. This is made up of 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 20% Cinsault. The Coin Cache Rouge which is their flagship wine that comes from a single vineyard and is hand-picked is amazingly full-bodied and very concentrated on the palate with flavors of black cherry and currant and has a long and lingering finish. This would go very nicely with cranberry relish and mashed potatoes. This wine is comprised of 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah. The wines were very pure and unadulterated. WWOL is currently locating importers who may ship to Michigan.
Chateau du Donjon:
Minervois. It is named for the ancient city of Minerve named after the Goddess Minerva. WWOL’s gracious host and winemaker was Jean Panis who operates the Chateau with his wife Caroline and is a 3rd generation winemaker/owner. Highlights of the tasting was the 2006 Chateau du Donjon, Grande Tradition that is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Carignon (typical blend for these types of wines). It was very powerful and well balanced, with very ripe berry hints. It was excellent and the good news is that this is exported to the U.S. (Good for us and a value wine at that.) Another stand out was the 2006 Domaine la Galiniere Merlot a very soft and elegant wine with flavors of blackberry and black currant and just a hint of spice. There is no oak on this Merlot, and for right around $10.00 a bottle, it is stellar with at least 5-8 years of aging potential. WWOL would take it over any California Merlot .Created: 11/7/2007 Edited: 4/13/2008