November Wine of the Month

The producer:

Mas des Quernes
An unusual project that began with a search for the best organic wines. The results were not always satisfying, as growers struggled to realise the full potential of their vineyards. Good wine starts in the vineyard. Mistakes in the cellar can ruin good wine, but even the best cellar cannot make good wine from poor juice. Always searching for distinctive wines, Peter Riegel gradually decided to try making his own. He was supported by Jean Natoli, an accomplished oenologist from Montpellier. Finding a suitable vineyard was not easy and took several years, but the lengthy search paid off. They found what they were looking for near Montpeyroux, inland from Montpellier. This exceptionally beautiful spot comprises 12 hectares of wilderness, olive trees and vineyards, an unusual mix in a Languedoc dominated by monoculture. The previous owner, a charming older man, had tended the vineyards lovingly, which proved a real advantage. It still took a great deal of work and organisation before they could vinify the first vintage. The first harvest yielded considerably less than expected, but the quality surpassed their most optimistic hopes. Even the musts tasted promising, and it is now clear that good wines are maturing, the best of them in barriques.

The Wine:
Le Blaireau Vieux Carignans

Carignan was the grape of southern France. It has a reputation for being rather rustic unless the vines are very old, the grapes are left to ripen fully and the winemaking brings out their fruit. All of that applies here. The vines were planted in 1956 and yield this pure Carignan. The nose recalls dark fruit such as blackcurrant. The palate is fruity, with blackcurrant, blackberry and wild berry notes, a fine-grained texture, and a softness that comes with plenty of freshness. A long finish rounds off this lovely French red.

instead of €9.99, now only 9,19 €

Price incl. VAT, plus delivery. 1 l = 11.05 €