Quartet of wines from France Domaines
One red and three white wines are the latest releases from Domaine du Tariquet.
Les 4 Réserve 2007 (12% abv) is a blend of Gros Manseng (40%), Chardonnay (30%), Sauvignon Blanc (20%) and Sémillon (10%). A well balanced wine with good acidity and freshness, Les 4 is complex with a multitude of fruity aromas of yellow peach, vanilla and exotic fruits enhanced by a touch of wood. It should be served slightly chilled, either as an aperitif or as an accompaniment to fish, poultry, other white meats or cheese.
Made from 100% Petit Manseng, the late-harvest regional grape variety that produces the highest-quality wines of any in the Manseng family, Les Dernières Grives 2008 (11% abv) is a sweet wine that can be enjoyed at any time.
The mature grapes produce a rich, sweet wine with a fresh, intense flavour. Elegant and full-bodied, this wine's open bouquet reveals well balanced acidity, fruit and ripe grapes with hints of vanilla. The 2008 vintage is intense and highly aromatic with a note of white truffles and mellow oak.
The 2007 vintage of the Chardonnay Tête de Cuvée (12% abv) is a very different style of wine that is made from the oldest Chardonnay vines on the Tariquet estate. It is produced in limited quantities only when the vintage permits (1999, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2007) and about 1,000 cases each vintage.
This exotic expression of Chardonnay has an intense bouquet, with vanilla and ripe grape aromas, fresh pineapple and coconut milk. It is perfect to be drunk on its own or tried with sweetbreads and wild mushrooms.
One of only two reds made by the Grassa family, the Domaine du Mage Tête de Cuvée 2007 (12% abv) is made from 100% Syrah grapes with low yields that do not exceed 50 hectolitres per hectare.
The wine is deep in colour, and the first bouquet is quite discreet, with notes of vanilla and blueberries. Once open, there is a full sensation of stewed dark fruits, light caramel and spice. It is a well balanced wine with a long finish that is best served at cellar temperature with meat dishes or cheese.
To buy it, callFrance Domaines020 7935 1551
