Xavier – the kind of well-ironed man all mothers want their daughters to bring home (sorry gals he’s married).
The lovely Xavier from Domaine de la Clapière, Montagnac, braved the cellars of George Street and treated us to a breakfast time tasting session. He and his wife, Sophie, took over the 60 hectare estate several years ago. Since then, they have increased the output to 250 000 bottles per year. Different grape varieties are vinified separately and a mixture of modern and traditional wine making techniques are used. There is also a guest house on site where a lady called Agnès will look after you, she recommends 3 circuits round the vineyards to work up an appetite. And to the wines….
Rosé Jalade – Cinsault
There was a subtle spiciness to this wine that I adored. Also, savoury notes of fennel and redcurrant would make this rosé perfect with heavier vegetable dishes, such as ratatouille. Watch out for magnums of this stuff appearing in a nightclub near you. (Or so Xavier hopes…)
Jardin de Jules – Merlot, Syrah, Carignan
Uncomplicated black fruit flavours, with a hint of spice. Medium bodied and refreshing – very enjoyable indeed. The Merlot doesn’t have that ”overly cooked” flavour that some southern French Merlots are prone to. Give it a go with roast ham.
Domaine de la Clapière 2005 – Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet
Another Merlot dominated wine, yet this time aged in new oak for 12 months. The result: a richer, fuller, more complex tipple. Aromas of black fruits, spice, vanilla and a touches of smoke and spice. A really tasty, opulent wine, that could be left in your cellar for another 10 years. They suggest osso bucco or chicken casserole as food matches.
