Domaine South
French Wine Tasting
Amazing new releases from Becky Wasserman!
Special Guest, Alaina Nielsen of International Wines
Friday, August 14th, 4pm - 6pm
$20 per person
256-759-9952 to Reserve
The Wines
2024 Emile Balland Les Beaux Jours Coteaux Du Giennois Blanc, Loire Valley, France $24.99
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Vine Age: Planted in 2000
Terroir: Bonny-sûr-Loire, Beaulieux-sûr-Loire; clay-limestone with silicates over a limestone bedrock.
Viticulture: Sustainable, 6,500-7,936 vines/ha.
Vinification: Ambient yeast fermentation and aging for 6 months on the lees in temperature-controlled tanks, monthly bâtonnages, fined with clay.
2024 Agnes Paquet Bourgogne Chardonnay, Burgundy, France $39.99
The nose displays a mix of white orchard and citrus fruits mixed with notes of white flowers. On the palate, flavors of green apple and lime zest are wonderfully balanced by vivacious acidity and a subtle mineral undertone. The finish is crisp and refreshing. Enjoy with fish and chips or lemon-herbed, roasted chicken.
he story began in 1980, when Jocelyne and Michel Paquet created Domaine des Valanges. The estate, located in Davayé, a small village in the Mâconnais region, which initially covered 6 hectares, continually grew. Recognized for its Saint-Véran, the estate’s wines were soon being exported around the world. Over the years, Jocelyne and Michel transmitted their love of the vineyards and winemaking to their three sons, Jean-Baptiste, Mathieu and Camille.
In 2014, the estate expanded with the acquisition of a 2-hectare estate in Solutré-Pouilly, mainly in the Pouilly-Fuissé appellation. The brothers then took over 10 hectares in the Mâcon appellation, which extended the range and brought a new dimension to this family adventure. It was also an opportunity to express the diversity and richness of the terroirs of the Mâconnais region, from north to south.
In 2016, the three sons took over the 12-hectare family property. Today, Camille manages the vineyards and winemaking, while Mathieu & Jean-Baptiste are responsible for the marketing and sale of the wines. The new generation is working hard to perpetuate the family history, by acquiring new vines and moving to a less interventionist approach to winemaking, respecting the principles of organic growing. Lovers of their Mâconnais terroirs, the three brothers share a common vision: to produce high-quality fine Burgundy wines and make them accessible to all.
Strong in their convictions and their attachment to the land, the estate is committed to a viticulture that respects people, nature and the soil. Gradually, the estate is converting to ORGANIC AGRICULTURE. 2021 will mark the first certified vintage.The start of 2019 marked a turning point as the estates were merged into one: “Famille Paquet”. By bringing the range together under a single label, the brothers want to build the image and reputation of the wines crafted by the “Famille Paquet”.
2023 Domaine Des Boissieres La Quille De Rouge, Marcillac, France $39.99
Variety: Mansois
Terroir: Liassic limestone scree, southeast-facing.
Viticulture: Organic (AB)
Vinification: 100% de-stemmed. 10-15 day ambient yeast fermentation in stainless steel tank, aged for 12 months in 228 L (50%) and 600 L (50%) used barrels, no fining, no filtration, 10 ppm SO2 added before bottling.
Moreish Mansois from Marcillac, from young vines planted in red sandstone and clay-limestone. 8 months in demi-muids. Deep purple with notes of fleshy blackberries, blackcurrants and spice. Supple with soft tannins and a pine-fresh finish. Pair with pâté, charcuterie and spontaneous suppers.
2023 David Moreau Les Gryphees Maranges Rouge, Burgundy, France $35.99
Variety: Pinot Noir
Terroir: From four parcels: 1er Cru Aux Roueres, Le Goti, En Creveche, Sur Le Bois
Viticulture: Sustainable
Vinification: 20% whole cluster, gravity transfer to concrete tank. Ambient yeast fermentation with no added SO2, one punch-down daily until mid-fermentation and one pump-over daily until the end of maceration. Aged for 12 months in barrels (15% new), followed by 5 months in tank. SO2 added after malolactic fermentation and at bottling. Bottled on a root day, waning moon.
2023 Les Vins De Vincent Yseult Mon Amour Syrah, Rhone Valley, France $35.99
Variety: Syrah
Vine Age: Planted in the 1960s
Terroir: From the south of Ardèche, 450 meters elevation, clay-limestone.
Viticulture: Purchased grapes, organic (certified)
Vinification: 100% whole cluster, 2-3-week ambient yeast fermentation and maceration, no punch-downs or pump-overs, pressed with a vertical press, aged for 8-10 months in stainless steel tank, minimal SO2 added after vinification, less than 12 ppm total at bottling.