French Wine Gift - Unique Wines from Independent French Growers

Wines of the Month: April 2005

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The descriptions found below are the ones our members will find with their monthly shipment of two bottles of fine wine from the French Wine Club.

Red: Clos Bagatelle St Chinian 2002

Label Wine of the Month April 2005 Red Clos Bagatelle is an estate owned by the Simon family since 1963. They possess some of the best vineyards in the appellation St Chinian. It is located on the rugged foothills of the Cevennes, North of the city of Beziers. Clos Bagatelle's vineyard was first planted in the 17th century.

All grapes are harvested by hand. The soil is primary schist, which tends to give wines of a fruit-forward style. It is a blend of 80% Syrah and 20% Mourvedre. 60% of the Syrah undergoes carbonic maceration to bring out the bright, juicy quality of the fruit. The balance sees traditional fermentation and vatting for 25 days. The Simons aim to produce an intense fruity and complex wine reflecting the character of the appellation. The dense rich texture and the bright cassis and dark fruit flavors make the Clos Bagatelle a very versatile and attractive wine.

To order, click here: Bottle ($14.75), Case ($141.60 - 20% off!).

White: Apremont 2003

Label Wine of the Month April 2005 White Pierre Boniface is a typical mountain guy, short, stocky and strong. But “Bony face” is a misnomer. “Chubby cheeks” would be more like it. The ruddy complexion is matched by a sunny personality, which comes from living in an incredibly beautiful place and working hard every day to make delightful, refreshing wine. If any wine can be described as cheerful, Apremont is it. It is probably the best wine the Savoie region has to offer.

The grape used for the Apremont brand is the Jacquere. This wine is very light in color, straw-like pale. The aroma is a beautiful cocktail of fresh summer fruits, including peach, tangerine and, amazingly enough, wild strawberry. There is also a delicate but distinct flowery element, reminiscent of the nearby Alpine meadows. On the palate, the wine is feather-light. It is dry but not tart, flowery but not as heavy as perfume. Early bottling captures a little CO2 for a touch of petillance (or spritz, if you prefer). The wine is particularly smooth, inviting another sip. The finish is long and pleasingly dry. It is infinitely refreshing.

Wine writer Robert Parker has repeatedly said that "Drinking Boniface's Apremont is like drinking from a cool mountain stream laced with wine".

Suggested food pairings with Apremont are Raclette Savoyarde, Pate en croute, or a simple Provence-style shrimp sautee flavored with a dash of Pernod.

To order, click here: Bottle ($14.75), Case ($141.60 - 20% off!).

Previous 12 Wine of the Month Selections:

March 2005:
Red: Domaine de Costebonne 2001, Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence
White: Vin de Pays des Côtes de Thau, Sauvignon Blanc “Hugues de Beauvignac”

February 2005:
Red: Château Rauzan Despagne 2003
White: Colombelle 2003

January 2005:
Red: Arrogant Frog 2003
White: Domaine de Valensac 2001

December 2004:
Red: Cossart de Margaux 1999
White: Clos des Verdots Bergerac 2003

November 2004:
Red: Pelican 2003
White: Ballade en Straminer 2002

October 2004:
Red: Réserve Grand Veneur, Côtes du Rhône 2003
White: Domaine Trois Frères, Chardonnay 2002

September 2004:
Red: Merlot d’Hauterive 2002
White: Domaine des Cassagnoles, Cuvée Gros Manseng 2003

August 2004:
Red: Domaine du Sacré-Coeur, St-Chinian 2000
White: Domaine de la Bachellery, Vin de Pays d'Oc 2003

July 2004:
Red: Shiraz 2002 Laurent Miquel Nord-Sud
White: Viognier 2003 Laurent Miquel Nord-Sud

June 2004:
Red: Clos de L'Escandil 1999, Minervois La Livinière
White: Domaine Lalanne 2002, Vin de Pays des Côtes de Gascogne

May 2004:
Red: Les Domaines Paul Mas “Vignes de Nicole” - Cabernet Sauvignon-Syrah 2001
White: Les Domaines Paul Mas “Vignes de Nicole” - Chardonnay-Viognier 2002

April 2004:
Red: Cuvée de Pena 2001
White: Vin de Pays de l'Aude: La Noble

March 2004:
Red: Côte Chalonnaise 1999
White: Domaine Schlumberger, Pinot Blanc 2002

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