French Wine Gift - Unique Wines from Independent French Growers

Wine of the Month: March 2005

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The descriptions found below are the ones our members will find with their monthly shipment of two bottles of fine wine from the French Wine Club.

Red: Domaine de Costebonne 2001, Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence

Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence received the AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) rating quite recently, in 1985, but it has built a good reputation through the planting of better variety of grapes and careful attention to the wine vinification and aging process.

The Domaine de Costebonne comprises 75 acres located very close to Baux-de-Provence. Built in the 17th century, Costebonne is the oldest house in Eygalieres, a very ProvenÁal site.

This 2001 vintage is a blend of 50% Grenache, 20% Cinsault, 10% Mourvedre, 5% Carignan and 15% Syrah. It has a deep garnet color. The nose, surrounded by notes of smoke, is complex with lots of red fruit and spicy aromas. On the palate the wine is powerful and full-bodied with smooth tannins, which will give this wine good aging ability (6 to 8 years).

Enjoy it with game, beef and most cheeses.

To order, click here: Bottle ($14.75), Case ($141.60 - 20% off!).

White: Vin de Pays des Côtes de Thau, Sauvignon Blanc "Hugues de Beauvignac"

The Languedoc-Roussillon region is the biggest vineyard in the world. It is very well known for its unique landscape, a lot of sun and touristy cities such as Montpellier, BÈziers and Sete. In 1932, wine producers founded a cooperative to help them market their wines. It has now grown to 400 participants and is known for producing quality wines. Among them is the Picpoul de Pinet, also produced there (and part of the selection we offer).

The Hughes de Beauvignac is a 100% Sauvignon Blanc. It has an intense nose. It is fresh, grassy, with scents of exotic fruits mixed with berry flavors.

It will accompany well shellfish, pasta, and grilled chicken.

To order, click here: Bottle ($14.75), Case ($141.60 - 20% off!).

Previous 12 Wine of the Month Selections:

February 2005:
Red: Château Rauzan Despagne 2003
White: Colombelle 2003

January 2005:
Red: Arrogant Frog 2003
White: Domaine de Valensac 2001

December 2004:
Red: Cossart de Margaux 1999
White: Clos des Verdots Bergerac 2003

November 2004:
Red: Pelican 2003
White: Ballade en Straminer 2002

October 2004:
Red: Réserve Grand Veneur, Côtes du Rhône 2003
White: Domaine Trois Frères, Chardonnay 2002

September 2004:
Red: Merlot d’Hauterive 2002
White: Domaine des Cassagnoles, Cuvée Gros Manseng 2003

August 2004:
Red: Domaine du Sacré-Coeur, St-Chinian 2000
White: Domaine de la Bachellery, Vin de Pays d'Oc 2003

July 2004:
Red: Shiraz 2002 Laurent Miquel Nord-Sud
White: Viognier 2003 Laurent Miquel Nord-Sud

June 2004:
Red: Clos de L'Escandil 1999, Minervois La Livinière
White: Domaine Lalanne 2002, Vin de Pays des Côtes de Gascogne

May 2004:
Red: Les Domaines Paul Mas “Vignes de Nicole” - Cabernet Sauvignon-Syrah 2001
White: Les Domaines Paul Mas “Vignes de Nicole” - Chardonnay-Viognier 2002

April 2004:
Red: Cuvée de Pena 2001
White: Vin de Pays de l'Aude: La Noble

March 2004:
Red: Côte Chalonnaise 1999
White: Domaine Schlumberger, Pinot Blanc 2002

February 2004:
Red: Château la Bastide, Cabardes, 1999
White: Domaine de Rieux 2002

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