Domaine de Marotte

Côtes du Ventoux

Dentelles de Mirmirail

Situated near the Dentelles de Mirmirail are some of the loveliest vineyards in the Southern Rhône.  These slopes allow maximum exposure to the sunshine while affording good drainage, and all the while they are overlooked by the mighty Mont Ventoux - both feared and respected by cyclists the world over.  The wines from the appellation Côtes du Ventoux are traditionally fruitfully, gluggable and good value, but a whole new generation of winemakers is starting to exploit this marvellous terroir, producing wines of much greater character and individuality.  There is even a move afoot to produce a higher appellation of Côtes du Ventoux Villages, which will recognise these higher quality wines.

 Daan and Elvira van Dijkman, a Dutch couple, who moved to the area in 1987, took over this estate in 1997.  We have been visiting the vineyard for the past five years and have observed the enormous improvements that have taken place.  Daan’s background is in food technology and Elvira's background is in horticulture.  Marotte translated literally means “favourite hobby” and there could be no better description for this vineyard, as they have taken to viticulture and winemaking with unbridled enthusiasm. 

 

Two years ago we shipped their wines for the first time and they were enormously successful.  We have selected four new wines from their portfolio - a white, a Rosé and two reds.  We think that they represent the best of what is new and exciting coming out of this rejuvenated region.  Each wine has tremendous character and individuality, and all four make delicious current drinking.

A mixed consists of three bottles of each of

Cuvée Luc Blanc 2007                                                                                                                                            £5.95 Vin de Pays de Mediterranée                                                                                                                                                The last vintage we bought was made from Grenache Blanc, Viognier and Roussanne. Daan purchased a parcel of old Clairette  last year, and the addition to the assemblage has added great finesse. It has a fresh, floral nose, while on the palate there are rich, concentrated, tropical fruit flavours with lovely mouthfeel, finishing long with crisp mineral acidity. Perfect summer drinking and very elegant.

Cuvée Jules Rosé 2007                                                                                                                                               £5.95 Vin de Pays de Mediterranée                                                                                                                                            This is one the best Rosés that we've found all year. Made, unusually, from 100% Mourvèdre the grape variety that is the base of the world-famous Bandol Rosé, it is a bright, pale pink colour.  The nose is vibranty fruity with hints of violets and orange zest, while the palate is bursting with cassis, black cherries and raspberries.  It finishes crisply and is just far too easy to drink!  A beautiful summer wine.

Cuvée Niels 2006                                                                                                                                                      £5.95 AC Côtes du Ventoux                                                                                                                                                       This is made from Grenache Noir 50%, Syrah 15%, Carignan 15%, Mourvèdre 15%, and Cinsault 5%.  Daan has improved the structure in this vintage by aging just 10% of the wine in oak barrels. It has a bright young colour with a nose of strawberries and cherries.  On the palate, there are lots of supple, juicy damsony/blackberry flavours, with hints of pepper, underpinned with gentle tannins. A perfect every day glugging red!

Cuvée Vieilles Vignes 2006                                                                                                                                          £7.95 AC Côtes du Ventoux                                                                                                                                                           Two years ago Daan was able to purchase a plot with old Grenache vines, planted in 1902.  This superb Cuvée is made from 50% of this Grenache  and 50% old Carignan, and is enhanced by some  gentle oak ageing in large foudres – to avoid too much oak contact. This is a much bigger, juicier, more concentrated wine with supple tannins. It will age well for anothe five years but is gorgeous now!  Very much a Châteauneuf-du-Pape in style, but not in price!

 Mixed Case Price : £77.40

 And there is more..........................!

Single Domaine Olive Oil                                            £7.95 for 500ml

For years we have been looking for some top quality olive oil to ship with one of our wine orders.  I had almost given up hope of finding a vineyard with a commitment to make both excellent wine and olive oil.  But, two years ago we shipped their first harvest of extra Virgine olive oil and it sold out in the first two weeks. This is made from the first pressing and is sublime!  Compared to boutique olive oils of similar quality, it is very reasonably priced!  Add a bottle to your order and be amazed.