Azille

 

It was a pleasure to revisit the The Guéry family in the Spring and taste their new wines.  They have been producing wine over eight generations since the 18^th century in the delightful little Southern village of Azille.  Their 30 hectare Minervois vineyard is situated at the foot of the Montagne Noire between Carcassonne and Narbonne, and enjoys excellent drainage and exposure to the sun.  We were particularly bowled over by the reds this year.  Their Syrah is the best we have tasted from them, and the top of the range Les Eolides is as brilliant as ever. 

 

René-Henry and his mother, Madame Guéry

 

What really blew us away was a new wine from them - L'Esprit d'Eloi, a wine made from the rare Petit Verdot.  This is a grape variety that used to be found in Bordeaux, where it is usually added to the blend to add colour and perfume.  It is currently undergoing something of a renaissance in Bordeaux, where more and more châteaux are planting it again. But, in the Minervois because of the Appellation laws it can only be labelled as a Vin de Table - something reminiscent of the Vino da Tavola wines that represent some of Italy's best wines.  The Guéry's wine is really something exceptional and different!

 

We have put together a case of our favourite three reds -

 

Serre de Guéry Syrah 2005                                                                                                                 £6.75

Vin de pays d’Oc

From, a single site or lieu-dit, this is made from 100% Syrah, , and is partially oak-aged.  It is a Vin de Pays as the AC of Minervois does not allow 100% Syrah. It is deep in colour, with a fresh, minty, almost Northern Rhône nose.  It has superb concentration with ripe, raspberry/cherry flavours and a lovely silky texture.  Delicious and a fantastic buy for a wine of this quality!

 

L'Esprit d'Eloi 2005                                                                                                                                  £7.25

Vin de Table

René-Henry, the current son of the Guéry family has made his second vintage from this startlingly different wine, made from 100% Petit Verdot, which is aged for 12 months in oak barriques - one third is new and two thirds is in 2 year old barrels.  It is deep in colour, with an enchanting perfumed nose of red fruits. On the palate is bursting with blueberry fruit flavours, with hints of sloes, and supported by ripe tannins. It cries out for food and will be perfect alongside a gigot of lamb.  It has the potential to age for another five years.

 

Château Guéry Les Eolides 2005                                                                                                        £8.25

AC Minervois

Made from a majority of Syrah with a little Grenache, this is also oak-aged and has a deep colour.  It has a smoky/minty nose with layers of silky raspberry/damsony fruit on the palate.  There are ripe tannins at the finish, and the finish is long.  It is another food wine, this time a steak or venison would be ideal.  It is lovely now but could be kept for another five years.

 

Mixed Price : £89.00

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

More Info on http://www.chateau-guery.com/