Domaine Girard

Cotes de la Malepère

 

Not far from the historic city of Carcassonne, where the rolling countryside of this area is rich in pretty terracotta-roofed villages and beautiful orchards, there are stunning views of the Pyrenees.  It is here that the slopes and terraces of vines alternate with cereal production and oak woods.  The climatic and geological situation (sandstone and limestone outcrops and clay hillsides) in the West has led to planting of Merlot, Cabernets and Malbec, varieties from Aquitaine. On the dryer soils the Mediterranean varieties of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault are grown.  The region of Malepère has had a VDQS classification for many years but the consistent high quality of the wines resulted in its elevation to full appellation status just two years ago.

Alaigne

This Spring we visited the Girard family in the pretty village of Alaigne for the third year running.  Vine growing has been in the family for several generations with the grapes being sold to the local cooperative.  More recently Philippe, one of two brothers of the new generation has started to vinify and sell his wine separately.  Each year that we have visited I have been more impressed by the results and this year we have shipped a selection of some of his wonderful wines.

We are offering a mixed case of 3 bottles of each of -

Domaine Girard Chardonnay 2008                                                                                                                              £5.75  Vin de Pays d’Oc                                                                                                                                                                      This lovely, unoaked, pure Chardonnay makes a wonderful aperitif, and a perfect partner for fish dishes. Growing the grapes at 200 metres of altitude allows them to maintain their acidity, avoiding the frequently overblown, blowsy style of some Languedoc Chardonnays.  It has a vibrant green apple nose with hints of summer hedgerows, while on the palate there is good concentration with great purity of fruit, and steely acidity. Delicious!

Domaine Girard Pinot Noir 2006                                                                                                                                     £6.50 Vin de Pays d’Oc                                                                                                                                                                   Pinot Noir is rarely successful in the Languedoc. However, the higher altitude of this vineyard permits more even ripening of the grapes and thus avoids the jammy style that often occurs with this variety in the South.  It has a bright, light purple colour, while on the nose there are mouthwatering aromas of cherries and griottes with hints of rose petal. On the palate it has lovely strawberry fruit, with a cherry finish and very soft tannins.  This is a great quaffing wine. Try it gently chilled for an hour - it adds to its vibrancy.

Domaine Girard Cuvée Tradition 2007                                                                                                                         £6.50 AC Malepère                                                                                                                                                                               Made from 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc, this has deep, young colour.  The nose is full of cassis and chocolate, which leads into a big mouthful of supple, ripe cassis and black fruits, finishing with soft tannins. A great every-day soft, juicy red!

Domaine Girard Cuvée Néri 2006                                                                                                                                 £8.95 AC Malepère                                                                                                                                                                               This is also made from 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc, but from the best cuves which are then aged in oak. It is deeper in colour, with a nose of cedar and hints of nutmeg. This leads into a rich mouthful of concentrated fruit, with greater complexity.  There are underlying flavours of fruitcake, spice, cinnamon and cloves, and it finishes long. This is very much a food wine, and the greater structure will ensure it will keep for five years, if you so wish.

It has won the Coup de Coeur for three successive vintages in a row in the legendary Guide Hachette – a sure sign of its great quality!

 Mixed Case Price : £83.10

 - As usual please email, fax, phone or write to place your orders –