French Wine Gift - Unique Wines from Independent French Growers

Wines of the Month: September 2005

Warning: Please make sure first that the address where you would like your order delivered is in a State where such deliveries are legal. For the time being, we can only deliver in Alaska, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Washington DC, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming. See our delivery map.

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: Domaine des Entrefaux Crozes-Hermitage 2002

Domaine des Entrefaux is located in the small village of Chanos-Curson. It is part of the “Appellation Crozes-Hermitage Controlée”, a well-known name in the North Cotes du Rhone region. It is own by Charles and Francoise Tardy.

At 45 degrees North latitude on the left bank of the Rhone, the vineyard enjoys a temperate climate that combines Mediterranean influences from the South with the continental climate from the North, ideal for grape growing.

The harvest (100% Syrah) is done by hand. 80% of the grapes are destemmed and then fermented in temperature-controlled concrete tanks. After malolactic fermentation is completed, the wines age for eight to ten months in 3 year old barrels.

Domaine des Entrefaux has flavors of ripe black fruit, stewed raspberry and pepper notes. It is round with silk tannins and a light acidity that brings a nice freshness. Aging potential of 5 years.

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

White: Domaine de la Salette 2004

The wine enthusiast who passes through the Gers country will always find a hearty welcome at Michel Dufour's, owner and winemaker of Domaine de la Salette. The vineyard is located in the Cotes de Gascogne, close to Eauze, also in Armagnac country (a direct cousin of the famous Cognac).

The continental climate which Domaine de la Salette enjoys, ensures optimum ripening of the grapes. After harvesting, the grapes are destemmed and lightly crushed. The grapes skins are allowed to remain in contact with the grape juice for 18 hours at a temperature of 15° celcius (59° F). The enzymes which exist naturally in the grapes bring out the aroma. This process is called "maceration pelliculaire". The grape juice is left 10 days on lees where the alcoholic fermentation takes place at low temperatures. The grape varieties are vinified separately. The blending is done on tasting to obtain the wine.

Domaine de la Salette is made of 75% Colombard, 15% Ugni Blanc and10% Gros Manseng. It is a very fruity and aromatic wine. It has a good weight and flavor with a long clean finish.

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

Previous 12 Wine-of-the-Month Selections

(Important note: in general, only cases of past Wine-of-the-Month selections are available, and even so, we cannot guarantee that they will be accessible after a certain amount of time. Please call or e-mail us to check on availability before ordering.)

August 2005:
Red: Château Reignac de Tizac (Bordeaux) 2000
White: Château Hélène “Pénélope” 2004

July 2005:
Red: Domaine des Romarins, Côtes du Rhône 2002
White: Picpoul de Pinet, Domaine des Lauriers, Côteaux du Languedoc 2004

June 2005:
Red: Domaine de Coussergues, Mourvedre 2003
White: Domaine La Bastide, Viognier 2004

May 2005:
Red: Domaine La Millière 2003
White: Chardonnay du Bugey, Domaine Plantaz 2001

April 2005:
Red: Clos Bagatelle St Chinian 2002
White: Apremont 2003

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

frenchwinegift.com
511 West Valley Parkway
Escondido, CA, 92025, USA
Tel. (760) 489-8666 Fax. (760) 489-8663
E-mail: michel@frenchwinegift.com
WWW: www.frenchwinegift.com