The Quiot Family own and manage a remarkable portfolio of premium vineyards and attendant wineries in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Provence, and other reaches of Southern France. All are in or near the Rhone Valley. The family’s winemaking roots in the region date back more than 260 years. With each generation since 1750 the holdings have expanded to include ancestral properties joined by marriage. More recently, the outright purchase of additional top sites has expanded the volume of wine and the diversity of Estate Bottled appellations exclusively controlled by the Quiots. Jerome Quiot has overseen recent expansions along with modernization of fruit handling and winemaking. While doing so, he has helped to protect the prestige of some France’s oldest and most traditional wine regions.
On Thursday May 7th Jerome will lead us in the tasting of a spectrum of his wines paired with dishes from the Wine Cafe kitchen. Chef Elizabeth Bardsley has designed a menu to greet the following selections.
Domaine Houchart Sainte Victoire Cotes de Provence Rosé 2007 ($16.99) Is an example of all that is charming about dry rosé, clean and crisp with the aroma of fresh strawberies and a rich mineral laden finish. Sainte Victoire is a specific appellation in the shadow of the famous rocky mountain of the same name. Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, and Mourvèdre dominate this blend.
Chateau du Trignon Cepage Roussanne Cotes du Rhone Blanc 2007( $19.99) Is a white Rhone wine made solely of Roussane grapes at Chateau du Trignon, an estate purchased by Quiot in 2006. In contrast to the regional tradition of blending grapes (even blending red and white grapes) in most wines, this is 100% varietal Roussanne. The dried-fruit aroma of the grape is rounded out with a full texture and a dry finish.
Chateau du Trignon Cepage Marsanne Cotes du Rhone Blanc 2007 ($19.99) Is similarly unblended varietal Marsanne. While clearly showing the faint honey and floral aromas of the grape, this wine hints at partial barrel fermentation with nutty complexity. The wine is fresh, but finishes long.
Chateau du Trignon Rasteau Cotes du Rhone Rouge 2005 ($24.99) Is a traditional Cotes-du-Rhone of very high order entitled to the Village name Rasteau as well as the name of the Estate. The blend is entirely Grenache and Mourvèdre given extensive skin contact during fermentation. The flavours and aromas alike are admixtures of Provencal herbs and concentrated black-fruit. Robust and in its prime.
Domaine du Vieux Lazaret Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2006 ($35.99) This is the most immediately flavorful and easy-going Chateauneuf-du-Pape of its class. While rich and deep textured, this wine is undeniably smooth for a young red of its stature. Dark black fruit and herbs abound but fall short of the now too common “fruit bomb”. A crowd pleaser of the modern era, with classic structure from the blend of 13 regional grapes, primarily Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault.
Domaine Duclaux Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2004 ($44.99) This is the big wine of the night. Although 13 grape types are once again employed, Grenache and Mourvèdre dominate. From a classic Chateauneuf-du-Pape estate, this is the most cellar-worthy of the bunch. Big and rich with a hint of cedar-like edge to the finish, this is a great red just coming into its own. |