In love all over again
Welcome to the May edition of the l’Art du Vin wine club!
How wonderful it has been to see some real sunshine on our shores this month! I know I often discuss the weather in this monthly letter but it really does have a great effect on the styles of wines we sell here at l’Art du Vin.
The first hint of sunshine always sees our rosé sales soar! And why not?! A glass of rosé in the sunshine is one of life’s great pleasures. With that in mind, I hope you have had a chance to crack open the rosé from Domaine du Météore we included last month – I certainly have and I thought it was delicious!
This month, we are headed back to the south west of France, to the region of Corbieres. There we find Chateau Ollieux Romanis, headed by the dynamic Pierre Bories.
We have worked with the Ollieux Romanis team for a long time at l’Art du Vin but have recently fallen in love with their work all over again. I think they produce perfectly balanced wines – an increasing challenge in an environment that is growing warmer each year. As a result, their wines are gastronomically-friendly and beautifully refreshing – perfect for this time of year!
I hope that you enjoy the selection and, as always, we welcome any feedback you may have.
Cheers!
Philippe
Château Ollieux Romanis, Corbieres
The region of Boutenac in the south of France has played host to winemaking estates since the time of the Romans.
While the lineage of Château Ollieux Romanis doesn’t stretch back quite as far as that – it has been owned by the Bories family since the mid 19th century – the estate continues to produce wines in a traditional manner that pays homage to the history of their region.
From vines located on a sheltered hillside, the Ollieux Romanis team produce a range of wines that focus on the typical black grape varieties of this region; Carignan, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre, along with the classic white varieties of Roussanne and Marsanne.
Their 60-hectare estate is situated at Monseret in the heart of the region. Vines are planted on red clay soil and face south east on a sheltered hillside. The winery and wine cellar were built in 1896. Built from stone quarried from within the property, they still stand proud today.
Corbieres Blanc ‘Cuvée Classique’ 2022
Tasting Note
This is a versatile and flavourful white Corbieres, comprising a blend of Marsanne, Roussanne, and Bourboulenc grapes from vineyards that are over 30 years old. It is pale yellow in colour with aromas of white peach and lemon, backed up by floral notes. On the palate, it is fresh and lively with a good balance of fruitiness and acidity.
Food Pairing
Perfect with grilled white meats, fresh summer salads and simple white fish dishes.
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‘Lo Petit Fantet d’Hippolyte’ Blanc 2022
Tasting Note
A blend of Roussanne and Marsanne, the two key local white grape varieties of the region. The fruit character is full and ripe, with flavours of apricot, papaya and banana. A delightful, rich white that is full of sunshine.
Food Pairing
Try with slightly richer dishes – think creamy pasta, meatier fish or cheese-based recipes.
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‘Cuvée Alice’ 2020
Tasting Note
A blend dominated by 70% Carignan, topped off with 30% Grenache. On the nose, expect sweet blackberries, strawberries and damsons, followed by a soft, juicy palate with a touch of black pepper.
Food Pairing
Thanks to its bright acidity, powerful tannic structure and pronounced savoury notes, Carignan-dominant blends are an excellent partner for richer meat dishes such as lamb meatballs, beef brisket, or roasted pork.
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‘Lo Petit Fantet d’Hippolyte’ Rouge 2022
Tasting Note
A blend of old vines Carignan with Syrah and Grenache grown on limestone-clay. After undergoing a winemaking process called carbonic maceration to extract as much fruitiness as possible, the wine is then vinified in cement without sulphur and using indigenous yeast.
It is cherry-red with violets glints, possessing an intense nose of sweet raspberry and kirsch fruit. Despite its power, this wine is wonderfully well-balanced, with good acidity and a delicious herbal quality.
Food Pairing
With this wine, its best to plump for rustic foods. We could recommend sausages, lentils, mature cheeses or hearty stews.
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