Domaine de la Provenquiere, Languedoc, France

I don't think I have the words to describe how instrumental Marquis Wine Cellars ( http://www.marquis-wines.ca/ ) has been to my development as an aspiring sommelier. That being the case, I still feel the need to at least try, so here goes...



the tower at Domaine de la Provenquiere



     Last week, I had a catering function on Wednesday from 1pm until 9pm. Some of you know that I still attend school part-time for sommelier studies, and of course, school is on Wednesday evenings at 6pm. Earlier in the week I got a short email from Marquis Wines inviting any and all down for a little tasting with Domaine de la Provenquiere ( http://www.provenquiere.com/ ), and that a representative from the winery would be present to answer questions.

     Poses a bit of a dilemma doesn't it? Conundrum is what that's called.

     And so I did what any self-respecting student would do: I worked myself into a stupor, making sure everything was set at the restaurant, ran to the tasting for an hour, then ran back to the restaurant - finished the function and closed the kitchen... I was once told that a person needed to suffer for their art .

     May I confide in you? Seriously? If Marquis Wine Cellar ever sends you an email about a free tasting (any tasting) and you have a schedule conflict, err on the side of the wine.

     I found myself in great company, have madly insightful conversations about wine (in French), laughing, and enjoying myself far too much for someone who should have been at work. But work I did! Full notes on four wines, and with such variety and skill as one could scarcely believe for the price.



the Languedoc (thank you Wikipedia)



     A note about Domaine de la Provenquiere though; tucked away in their little corner of the Languedoc-Rousillion, the brother and sister wine making team is developing quality far beyond their modest price points.

     We know that wine has been made on this estate since the fifteenth century, and much like with anything, that has it's ups-and-downs. The estate has changed hands over the centuries, and only in the past 60 years has it come to the Robert family. This, in French terms, is only yesterday. Brigitte and Claude Robert are now carrying legacy begun by their grandparents, and giving a new legacy to the next generation.

2009 Chardonnay (Les Fruits Defendus label)

13% ABV, $15   *** EXCELLENT VALUE ***

http://www.marquis-wines.ca/

100% Chardonnay

TERROIR: planted in 1986 on clayed-calcareous slopes among which some planted in gravelly soils are trellised in order to develop a wider foliation.

VINIFICATION: This wine is made by skin contact maceration followed by a very low temperature fermentation, in order to keep all the aromas.

• visual:   clean; pale straw with gold highlights
• nose:   clean; fully intense youthful aromas of Golden Delicious apples, straw, mild honey and floral background, string presence of butterscotch oak and grilled pineapples
• palate:   clean; dry, fully intense (lime) acids, full ABV, light body, moderate+ intense youthful flavors mimicking the nose quite well. Very well balanced, Excellent structure, moderate length
• conclusion:   drink now, will not develop with cellaring
• PAIRINGS:   use as an appero (palate opener), or salad with seared scallops, fine herbes and a chevre crostini

2009 Cuvee P White, Semillon-Vermentino blend

12.5% ABV, $15   *** EXCELLENT VALUE ***
TERROIR: calcareous soils facing north.
VINIFICATION: Must from direct pressing and extended fermentation at a very low temperature

• visual:   clean; ultra pale straw core with an abundance of gold highlights
• nose:   clean; light to moderate- intense youthful aromas of dry raisins, a vague solera feeling, honey, light savory herbs and a bounty of small summer wildflowers
• palate:   clean; dry, full+ (lime) acids, moderate+ ABV, light body, moderate+ intense youthful flavors mimicking the nose. Very good balance, Excellent structure and Very good length
• conclusion:   drink now, will not improve with cellaring
• PAIRINGS:   either fresh asparagus or artichokes with sauce hollandaise!

2009 Rose, cuvee "P"
13% ABV,   *** Very Good Value ***
Cinsaut (Cinsault) and Cabernet Sauvignon
TERROIR: calcareous soils facing north.
VINIFICATION: Must from direct pressing and extended fermentation at a very low temperature

• visual:   clean; pale cherry blush with watery rim
• nose:   clean; moderate- intense youthful aromas of cherry, cherry blossoms, light dusty terroir
• palate:   clean; dry, full+ intense (lime) acids, light (slightly grippy) tannins, moderate+ ABV, light body, moderately intense youthful flavors that mimick the nose. Good balance, fair structure, fair to good length
• conclusion:   drink now, will not improve with cellaring
• PAIRINGS:   because it is mild in flavor, with some soft cherry notes it pairs well with pork (prosciutto). The acids will play off fat of course, but especially as a nice twist on fish! try Grilled fish with melon, melon and prosciutto, prosciutto wrapped halibut, and even Thai food!

2009 Syrah, Les Fruits Defendus
100% Syrah with 100% Shiraz
13% ABV,   $15   *** EXCELLENT VALUE ***
TERROIRS: Clayed calcaerous and calcaerous hillside facing south.
VINIFICATION: twenty day maceration. Microbubbling before and after malolactic fermentation.

• visual:   clean; pale ruby core with pale cherry rim
• nose:   clean; fully intense youthful aromas of the Languedoc; garrigue, gamey meat, red and black currants
• palate:   clean; dry, fully intense (red currant) acids, fully intense (slightly grippy) tannins, full ABV, light+ body, moderate+ intense youthful flavors mimicking the nose but with the addition of savory lavender. Good balance, Very Good structure, Good length
• conclusion:   drink now but will cellar for two or three years easily
• PAIRINGS:   A natural for the game-meats such as venison, perhaps a flank served with a slightly sweet compound butter (cinnamon?) and some Swiss chard

     And so, a brilliant tasting of economical wines that completely and utterly overdeliver... and if you don't like my food pairing ideas? Marquis Wine Cellars has a very talented and diverse team who will be sure to inspire you as they have me.

CINCIN~!!!     SLAINTE~!!!     CHEERS~!!!