Explore SOUTH-WEST FRANCE thewinesociety.com/swfrance SFNOV17
EXPLORE EXPLORE Red wines SOUTH-WEST France Laplace, Tannat-Syrah Aramis, Vin de France The Laplace family are leaders in Madiran, one of South-West France s most famous regions, and have an innate understanding of tannat, its signature grape. 25% syrah adds fruit and roundness, making this a lovely everyday red with real sud-ouest character. 13% ref SF-FC33461 6.95 bottle 83 dozen The wines of South-West France are ripe for exploring and have truly never been better. This selection is far from exhaustive but reflects some of the wines that I ve enjoyed most on my recent travels to this region, situated between Bordeaux, Languedoc and the Pyrénées, with Rioja and Navarra not far away over the hills. Historically this region s wines were plundered to add body to wines of more established names. But the birth of France s appellation system brought independence and new life to regions like this, finally giving recognition to some of the country s lesserknown but most fascinating wines. This year I ve chosen to focus especially on the sprawling district of Gaillac, almost a whole wine region in itself, growing a wide choice of grapes and producing almost every style of wine imaginable. There are five mixed cases to help you explore, plus a fabulous vintage Armagnac and a Gaillac sparkling wine (a first for The Society), just in time for Christmas. Domaine du Mage, Merlot-Syrah, Vin de Pays de Gascogne The ripe vintage produced many lovely surprises, such as this delightful, fruity, plummy merlot-syrah blend from the Tariquet estate, made by the talented Grassa family who also supply our Society s Côtes de Gascogne. Well worth trying. 12% ref SF-FC33451 6.95 bottle 83 dozen Cedrus Malbec, IGP Lot This is a lovely, deeply coloured malbec from Cahors, where this grape OUS excels and has been at the heart of this region s success. Plummy, round and ripe-tasting, this attractive red is perfect for a hearty midweek stew. 12.5% ref SF-FC33391 7.25 bottle 87 dozen Bergerac Rouge, Château Tour des Gendres Vibrant, grippy, fruity merlot-malbec blend. Despite Bergerac s proximity to Bordeaux, Luc de Conti tries to make wines with definite South-West identity, hence the use of malbec Cahors is only an hour away, after all. Serve chilled with grilled meats, cheese or pâté. 13.5% ref SF-FC32531 8.75 bottle 105 dozen Cahors as seen from Mont Saint-Cyr in Lot, Midi-Pyrénées Marcel Orford-Williams Society Buyer Key - Bone dry to intensely sweet Screwcap Synthetic closure Rosé Sparkling wine White wine 2
Cahors, Château Haut-Montplaisir 2015 Ripe and rich in 2015, this fruit-packed, balanced Cahors is made in collaboration with Jean-Marc Verhaeghe of Château du Cèdre. Made from 100% malbec. 13.5% ref SF-FC33491 Gaillac, Les Gravels, Domaine Rotier 2015 A characterful, rustic red from the south-east of the region, made using local grapes braucol, duras and prunelart, plus the better-known syrah. Deeply coloured, spicy and structured, this would be perfect with duck confit. 13% ref SF-FC33401 Perfect with duck confit Cahors Petit Clos, Clos Triguedina 2014 This outstanding estate makes some of the best wine in Cahors. The Petit Clos cuvée is made from young malbec and merlot vines, raised for a short time in used barrels, in a fresh, full and fruity style for drinking young. Now to 2021. 13.5% ref SF-FC33001 10.50 bottle 126 dozen Marcillac Vieilles Vignes, Domaine du Cros 2015 Made from some of the oldest vines of the local mansois grape, this is a top example of Marcillac with the added benefit of an exceptional vintage. Typically characterful and full-flavoured with deep berry fruit set against a rich, rounded texture. Now to 2023. 13% ref SF-FC33301 11.50 bottle 138 dozen Madiran, Domaine Pichard 2009 A sunshine-packed vintage yielded a ripe, dark and brooding Madiran, the wine made famous for its apparent health benefits. Full, well-built and tannic, this is perfect for fattier meats like pork belly or lamb shoulder. Now to 2019. 14.5% ref SF-FC29451 12.50 bottle 150 dozen Bergerac, Gloire de Mon Père, Château Tour des Gendres 2015 This outstanding red Bergerac is made from equal parts malbec, cabernet sauvignon and merlot, and is splendidly fruity and rich in 2015. Produced by the talented de Conti family, who cultivate their vines biodynamically. Now to 2024. 13.5% ref SF-FC33601 12.50 bottle 150 dozen Gaillac Rouge Renaissance, Domaine Rotier 2015 Made using old-vine plantings of mostly the local duras grape, plus some syrah, this has concentration and great length of flavour with plenty of weight and delicious wild-berry flavours. Now to 2022. 14.5% ref SF-FC33591 12.95 bottle 155 dozen Irouléguy, Domaine Brana 2012 Ripe, deep and savoury cabernet franc-tannat blend made by brother-and-sister team Jean and Martine Brana at the largest and historically most important estate in the Basque country. Tannat usually dominates the Irouléguy region s reds, but Jean is convinced that cabernet franc (70% of this blend), here called axeria, is better suited. Now to 2023. 13.5% ref SF-FC33481 21 bottle 252 dozen ORDER NOW FOR DELIVERY BY 7TH DECEMBER FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN ONE of 250 bottles of champagne thewinesociety.com/prize Domaine du Cros 3 3
EXPLORE White wines Gaillac Perlé Esprit de Labastide, Cave de Labastide de Lévis With more of a prickle than a sparkle, this is a light and refreshing dry white from north-east of Toulouse, made from local grapes mauzac and loin de l oeil with a splash of sauvignon. 12% ref SF-FC32541 6.25 bottle 75 dozen The Society s Côtes de Gascogne A fruity, thirst-quenching white with just a hint of roundness on the finish. Light and easy enough to be enjoyed on its own, this is the consummate party white, and is deservedly popular with members year after year. 10.5% ref SF-FC31911 6.25 bottle 75 dozen Duo Des Mers Sauvignon-Viognier, Vin de France Singled out by Decanter Magazine as a must-try white, this is a fragrant, fruity, dry and refreshing white made with sauvignon from Gascony and viognier from the Languedoc. 12% ref SF-FC31921 6.50 bottle 78 dozen Singled out by Decanter Magazine Laplace, Colombard-Sauvignon Aramis, Vin de France A delectably fresh and invigorating blend of colombard and sauvignon from Gascony, made by the talented Laplace family of Château d Aydie, enviably situated with the Pyrénées as its backdrop. A lovely, light aperitif. 11.5% ref SF-FC33611 6.75 bottle 81 dozen Côtes de Saint-Mont, Les Vignes Retrouvées 2015 This full-flavoured white from Gascony makes use of local gros manseng, courbu and arrufiac grapes, and is a versatile, food-friendly wine with hints of grapefruit and honey. The 2015 vintage has added weight and richness, and is really quite stunning. 13.5% ref SF-FC33631 8.50 bottle 102 dozen Côté Tariquet Chardonnay- Sauvignon, Domaine du Tariquet The two best-known white grape varieties combine here to make a refreshing, light and fruity white, versatile enough to enjoy on its own or accompany a range of dishes, from salmon to charcuterie. 11.5% ref SF-FC32891 8.75 bottle 105 dozen Harvest time in Madiran Jurançon Sec, Chant des Vignes Domaine Cauhapé A fruity Pyrenean white, made with the gros manseng grape, from one of the top estates in the Jurançon region which pioneered the production of dry whites here. This is exhilarating and fresh with flashes of grapefruit and pineapple. 13.5% ref SF-FC32411 Bergerac Blanc La Cuvée des Conti, Château Tour des Gendres Made from semillon and sauvignon blanc, with a little muscadelle for good measure, this is a full-flavoured white, pale gold in colour with citrus and peach on the palate and good length. A must with trout dishes. 13% ref SF-FC33521 Gaillac Blanc Sec, Les Gravels, Domaine Rotier This vibrant and refreshing Gaillac white is a 60/40 split between the local loin de l oeil grape and sauvignon. Full-flavoured, creamy yet crisp with lingering aniseed flavours, this is great sipped solo but also a left-field match for fish and chips. 12.5% ref SF-FC33501 MINIMUM PURCHASE APPLIES Thewinesociety.com/collect Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh Sec, Odé d Aydie, Laplace This full-bodied, rich white from Gascony is a blend of both gros and petit manseng grapes. With citrus and candied pineapple character and pleasing concentration and length of flavour, it s perfect with crayfish or good pork pâté. Now to 2022. 14.5% ref SF-FC33381 11.50 bottle 138 dozen Cabidos Petit Manseng Sec, Cuvée Gaston Phoebus, Pyrénées Atlantiques 2013 Located in the Bearn appellation in the southwest of the region, Château de Cabidos is an ancient estate with a long and eventful history. This is their top, Jurançon-like dry white, incisive and full-bodied with a touch of succulent roundness. Now to 2019. 14.5% ref SF-FC31431 11.95 bottle 143 dozen Irouléguy Blanc, Domaine Brana A weighty, full-flavoured white from the Irouléguy region in the Basque Country, with scintillating freshness and pineapple flavours fronting its tropical-fruit character. A special bottle to try with seafood or goat s cheese dishes. Now to 2021. 13.5% ref SF-FC33511 19 bottle 228 dozen 4
EXPLORE Other wines Gaillac Rosé, L Enclos de la Roze This gorgeous pale-salmon-pink rosé, from the beautiful Gaillac region of France s sun-soaked south-west, is now at its best after six months extra bottle age. Its refreshing, delicate flavours will transport you back to warm summer evenings. 12% ref SF-FC32971 8.50 bottle 102 dozen Cabidos Vin Doux, Cuvée Saint Clément, Petit Manseng 2014, 50cl Pure southern French nectar, sweet yet balanced by tingling freshness. This is made from late-picked petit manseng grapes and comes from a lost world amidst rolling countryside near the Pyrénées. Equally delightful with crème brûlée or a rich pâté. 11.5% ref SF-FC32821 Gaillac Méthode Ancestrale, l Enclos des Roses Brut NV Fermented just the once in bottle, this is a refreshingly light sparkler made by the talented father-and-daughter team of the Balaran family. The typically apple-flavoured mauzac grape makes this a lovely, original aperitif. 11% ref SF-SG2361 13.50 bottle 162 dozen Gaillac Vendanges Tardive, Renaissance, Domaine Rotier 2013, 50cl An almost mythical wine, having won countless awards, this is made from the local loin de l oeil grape, picked once noble rot has concentrated the sugars. Intense and concentrated with sweet apricot and quince flavours, it s delightful with blue cheese, fruit desserts, and even Christmas pudding. 12% ref SF-FC33531 16.50 bottle 198 dozen Bas-Armagnac, Château du Tariquet VSOP This amber-coloured seven-year-old Armagnac has a bouquet of prunes and baked bread, and is smooth and well rounded with a fine oakand-vanilla finish. 40% ref SF-BY371 27 bottle 324 dozen Bas-Armagnac, Domaine de Rieston, Selection Darroze 1994 Vintage Armagnac, bottled at cask strength, and made with baco, a grape variety that always makes an intensely fragrant, full-flavoured spirit. This is very complex and rich with layers of dried fruit and spice. A real treat for brandy lovers. 49% ref SF-BY451 69.50 bottle Great for Christmas ORDER NOW FOR DELIVERY BY 7TH DECEMBER FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN ONE of 250 bottles of champagne thewinesociety.com/prize Château du Tariquet 5
MIXED CASES FREE UK DELIVERY SOUTH-WEST FRANCE REDS CASE A dozen delicious bottles showcasing this region s diverse, charming and intensely food-friendly reds. A 12-bottle case containing two bottles of each of the following: Laplace, Tannat-Syrah Aramis, Vin de France Domaine du Mage, Merlot-Syrah, Vin de Pays de Gascogne Bergerac Rouge, Château Tour des Gendres Cedrus Malbec, IGP Lot Cahors, Château Haut-Montplaisir 2015 Gaillac, Les Gravels, Domaine Rotier 2015 ref SF-MX17296 99 SOUTH-WEST FRANCE WHITES CASE A varied selection to help you explore this region s fresh, full-flavoured and characterful whites. A 12-bottle case containing two bottles of each of the following: Laplace, Colombard-Sauvignon Aramis, Vin de France The Society s Côtes de Gascogne Duo Des Mers Sauvignon-Viognier, Vin de France Côtes de Saint-Mont, Les Vignes Retrouvées 2015 Gaillac Perlé Esprit de Labastide, Cave de Labastide de Lévis Côté Tariquet Chardonnay-Sauvignon, Domaine du Tariquet ref SF-MX17297 85 SOUTH-WEST FRANCE CLASSIC REDS CASE A round-up of benchmark reds from some of the region s finest producers. A six-bottle case containing one bottle of each of the following: Marcillac Vieilles Vignes, Domaine du Cros 2015 Cahors Petit Clos, Clos Triguedina 2014 Madiran, Domaine Pichard 2009 Irouléguy, Domaine Brana 2012 Bergerac Gloire de Mon Père, Château la Tour des Gendres 2015 Gaillac Rouge Renaissance, Domaine Rotier 2015 ref SF-MX17298 79. 50 Products and prices are valid until Tuesday 19th December, 2017 while stocks last. Please order as early as possible to ensure your wines are delivered in time for Christmas. SOUTH-WEST FRANCE CLASSIC WHITES CASE Expertly made whites from some of the region s best-known names. A six-bottle case containing one bottle of each of the following: Cabidos Petit Manseng Sec, Cuvée Gaston Phoebus, Pyrénées Atlantiques 2013 Jurançon Sec, Chant des Vignes Domaine Cauhapé Irouléguy Blanc, Domaine Brana Bergerac Blanc La Cuvée des Conti, Château Tour des Gendres Gaillac Blanc Sec, Les Gravels, Domaine Rotier Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh Sec, Odé d Aydie, Laplace 69. 50 ref SF-MX17299 EXPLORING THE SOUTH-WEST MIXED DOZEN Six reds and six whites, spanning the length and breadth of this fascinating, bountiful and often underappreciated wine region. A 12-bottle case containing one bottle of each of the following: Red Bergerac Rouge, Château Tour des Gendres Marcillac Vieilles Vignes, Domaine du Cros 2015 Domaine du Mage, Merlot-Syrah, Vin de Pays de Gascogne Madiran, Domaine Pichard 2009 Cahors, Château Haut-Montplaisir 2015 Gaillac, Les Gravels, Domaine Rotier 2015 White Laplace, Colombard-Sauvignon Aramis, Vin de France The Society s Côtes de Gascogne Duo Des Mers Sauvignon-Viognier, Vin de France Jurançon Sec, Chant des Vignes Domaine Cauhapé Côtes de Saint-Mont, Les Vignes Retrouvées 2015 Bergerac Blanc La Cuvée des Conti, Château Tour des Gendres ref SF-MX17300 99. 50 THE SOCIETY S PROMISE Uncork with confidence The Wine Society is a mutual organisation, so our members satisfaction is paramount. If, for any reason, you haven t enjoyed a wine we want to hear about it and will happily offer a credit, a replacement or a refund. thewinesociety.com/promise