Showing posts with label beaujolais. Show all posts
Showing posts with label beaujolais. Show all posts

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  • Date publishedSunday, September 3, 2023

Cellier du Château de la Chaume Chablis 2022 and Beaujolais 2022 (France) - Wine Reviews



Cellier du Chateau de la Chaume Chablis 2022 (91+ pts) and Beaujolais 2022 (88 pts)
wine reviews are a pair of delicious wines that are brand new to the LCBO, arriving earlier this summer as General List wines that are widely available at LCBO outlets across Ontario right now.

Both of these wines are produced by Cellier du Château de la Chaume, a very old Maison that is located in Burgundy, in the commune of Corgoloin, Côte de Nuits, and is surrounded by a 10 hectare park of trees. The castle belonged to the very influential Marey-Monge family from Beaune, while the Monge name was known because of Gaspard Monge (1746- 1818), a famous mathematician who created descriptive geometry. Some time later, the castle was sold to the former owner of Corgoloin's famous quarries. The high-quality marble from these quarries was distributed throughout the world to build monuments, squares, and roads.

Cellier du Château de la Chaume strives to work closely with winegrowers that share their values, which most importantly is the desire to create wines of excellence. The vines are trained while respecting viticultural tradition and methods in order to obtain high-quality and mature grapes. Partnership winegrowers are asked to favour working the soil and limit synthetics in order to favour environmental balance, while seeking Burgundy terroir and climate expressions.

The wines are vinified in the cellar of Château de la Chaume, which was created in 1993, and the winemaking facility was completely redesigned and modernized with a stainless steel wine storehouse. Each vintage is different, thus the wines are vinified according to the climate of the vintage, with length of maceration and extraction more or less pronounced, as well as ageing in tank and barrel, in order to highlight the terroir and qualities of the vintage, while trying to obtain wines with the best balance. The wines are carefully vinified to develop and amplify the original organoleptic qualities of the wines, resulting in wines that are rich, delicate, attractive, refined, complex, and smooth.

Cellier du Château de la Chaume has four ranges of wines across Burgundy (and Beaujolais) - Regional, Village, Premier Cru, and Grand Cru. The Beaujolais would fall under their Regional appellation range, while the Chablis is from their Village appellation range. The Village appellation wines are meant to be the first introduction to the complexity of Burgundy terroir, with limited yields that deliver nice concentration. The grapes are grown on clayed-chalky soils, hand harvested, and de-stemmed prior to fermentation in stainless steel or wood tanks, followed by ageing in mostly used barrels.

From a 2022 vintage that was very good in both Beaujolais and Burgundy, let's see how these two wines are tasting tonight...

Tasting Notes:

CELLIER DU CHÂTEAU DE LA CHAUME CHABLIS 2022 - AC, Burgundy, France (#32568) (XD) - $35.95
From clayed-chalky soils, this Chardonnay has elegant, concentrated, and medium-high intensity aromas of ripe lemon citrus, apple, and pear with hints of stony minerality. It's light-to-medium bodied on the dry, ripe, and lightly honeyed palate with lemon citrus, apple, pear, and floral flavours, plus touches of oyster seashell mineral notes. Gently spicy on the mid-palate. It's all supported by crisp, bracing acidity. Juicy and lip-smacking, with seashell mineral notes lingering on the long finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 91+ pts

Cellier du Chateau de la Chaume Chablis 2022 (91+ pts)

CELLIER DU CHÂTEAU DE LA CHAUME BEAUJOLAIS 2022 - AC, Beaujolais, France (#32624) (XD) - $18.95
100% Gamay. Fresh, medium-high intensity aromatics offer red and black cherry, wild berry, pomegranate, and raspberry fruit aromas that are accented with dried herbs and spice. It's medium-bodied on the dry and very ripe palate with fruit forward red and black cherry, raspberry, pomegranate, and currant flavours with hints of dried herbs. Juicy acids are well-balanced, while the light tannins offer a supple, lightly grippy texture. Fruity with a savoury, mineral edge on the finish, with very good length. Score: 88 pts

Cellier du Chateau de la Chaume Beaujolais 2022 (88 pts)

Other delicious wines by Cellier du Château de la Chaume can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.


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  • Date publishedSaturday, December 18, 2021

Albert Bichot Sélection Parcellaire Beaujolais-Villages 2018 (France) - Wine Review

wine review is this lovely Gamay from Beaujolais that was slated to be released as a new arrival during the summer as part of the LCBO VINTAGES Release but actually never made it into stores back then. However, it did arrive on shelves a few weeks ago and there are plenty of bottles still available.

It is produced by Albert Bichot, a family whose roots go back to the year 1214. In 1350, the Bichot family settled in Burgundy and their coat of arms and symbol, a doe (biche), has not changed since. Wine entered the picture in 1831 when Bernard Bichot founded a wine trading business. His grandson, the first Albert Bichot, gave the family business momentum in the late 19th century and settled in Beaune in 1912. The second Albert Bichot was born in 1900 and was a pioneer in international commerce, introducing the family's wines to wine lovers around the world. In the second half of the 20th century, Albert's four sons, one of which is the third Albert, inherited the know-how and began an era of expansion with the construction of a new winery, bottling centre, and ageing cellar.

The Beaujolais appellation is located in southern Burgundy and spread across the administrative departments of Rhône and Sâone-et-Loire. This particular wine is from the Beaujolais-Villages appellation, the majority of which is located in the Vauxonne and Ardières valleys and represents 25% of the Beaujolais region's total production. The vines from the Beaujolais-Villages AOC are under the influence of several microclimates, which enhances the characteristics of the wines. This red wine is made with 100% Gamay grown on granite-based and sandy soils, with some clay. It was fermented in stainless steel tanks and then aged for 6-7 months in vats.

Beaujolais-Villages wines first attained their glory and reputation in Lyon's bouchons, or small family-run restaurants, and are perfect for convivial meals and appetizing dishes. The 2018 vintage was considered the ideal vintage as it combined good volume and excellent quality. Let's see how this Gamay is tasting tonight...

Albert Bichot Sélection Parcellaire Beaujolais-Villages 2018 (88+ pts)

Tasting Note:

ALBERT BICHOT SÉLECTION PARCELLAIRE BEAUJOLAIS-VILLAGES 2018 - AC Beaujolais, France (#18781) (XD) - $13.95
Crafted with 100% Gamay, the medium+ intensity nose has attractive aromas of strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, wild berry, and spices with a touch of savoury wet earth. On the medium+ bodied palate it is spicy with raspberry, strawberry, blackberry, and clove flavours in a dry profile. It has very good, juicy acidity and light, fine-grained tannins adding a nice texture to the mouthfeel. Clove spice and earthy notes linger on juicy finish, with very good length. Highly recommended buy. Score: 88+ pts

Other delicious wines from Albert Bichot are available at the LCBO, as well as through their Agent - Dionysus Wines & Spirits.


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  • Date publishedTuesday, April 20, 2021

Domaine de Côtes Rémont 2018 (Beaujolais) - Wine Review

wine review is a lovely Gamay from the Chénas Cru in Beaujolais, France. This red wine is a new arrival to the LCBO that landed on shelves across Ontario as part of the LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Domaine de Côtes Rémont is a small family estate in the north of Beaujolais, in the town of Chénas. The Estate had been practicing polyculture for more than 250 years until devoting itself to viticulture in the middle of the 20th century. In this green setting on steep slopes above the La Mauvaise river, they have 4 hectares of vines at 350 metres above sea level with exposure to the south and southwest. The family has a desire to craft authentic wines, while also having respect for nature and the environment. They practice sustainable viticulture and is committed to leaving the land in a better condition for future generations.

Located in northern Beaujolais, Chénas (pronounced Shay-nah) is the smallest of the 10 Beaujolais Crus. The area was once filled with dense oak forests that were gradually cut down first by the Gallo-Romans, then monasteries, and finally under orders by Philippe V., all of the remaining trees on the slopes of Mont Rémont were cut down and replaced with vines. By the 18th century, the vineyards in Chénas were producing highly valued that were exported to Paris and a favourite of Louis XIII.

This particular bottling is 100% Gamay from a 4 hectare contiguous site on steep slopes on the western side of Chénas with granite soils, from vines that are nearly 40 years of age. Let's see how this lovely Gamay is tasting tonight...

Domaine de Côtes Rémont 2018 (90 pts)

Tasting Note:

DOMAINE DE CÔTES RÉMONT 2018 - AP Chénas, Beaujolais, France (#18368) (XD) - $20.95
This 100% Gamay pours a fairly deep ruby-purple colour. The medium-high intensity nose is rich, complex, and ripe with cran-cherry, raspberry, strawberry, blackberry, and spice aromas. The light-to-medium bodied palate has ripe, tangy red fruits, raspberry, plum, cran-cherry, and currant flavours with subtle spice and floral notes. There is fresh, juicy acidity and some structure to the light tannins. Tangy red fruits with spice and floral notes linger on the long, structured finish. Enjoy this highly recommended buy over the next 5+ years. Score: 90 pts

Other lovely wines by Domaine de Côtes Rémont can be ordered through their Agent - Rare Earth Wines.


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  • Date publishedThursday, May 30, 2013

Beaujolais BBQ at Acadia Restaurant

Trio of Beaujolais Wines I attended an exclusive tasting of Beaujolais wines paired with items off the BBQ. This event was done in advance of a special promotion that will be out soon at the LCBO, just in time for the upcoming - or finally arrived? - BBQ season. The luncheon was hosted at Acadia Restaurant in Little Italy, with the food items prepared by chef Patrick Kriss. Leading the tasting was head of marketing of Inter Beaujolais - Anthony Collet. The twitter tag for this event was #BeaujolaisBBQ.

We started off the event with a Chardonnay from the region's most widespread appellation - Beaujolais AOC (yes, there is a Beaujolais appellation within the Beaujolais region). Chardonnay makes up less than 1% of all production within Beaujolais (the region), so it was a nice treat to sample something we probably wouldn't get a chance to taste, and a nice starter before getting into 11 straight Gamay Noirs.

CHÂTEAU DES JACQUES BEAUJOLAIS GRAND CLOS DE LOYSE 2010 (#11094399) (XD) - $19.75
Served as an apertif. This Chardonnay has medium-intensity aromas of orchard fruit, citrus and smoke. Lime and citrus on the palate with refreshing acidity. Finish was medium-long. It's available at the SAQ in Québec. Score: 87 pts

Next up were a couple of light, easy-drinking reds to be paired with Creole Shrimp and handpicked Anson Mills Grits. Porridge immediately came to mind when diving into this dish.

Creole Shrimp and handpicked Anson Mills Grits

GEORGES DUBOEUF BEAUJOLAIS FUN 2009 - (#228155) (XD) - $10.95
This red wine is fruit forward with low- to medium-intensity cran-cherry and strawberry aromas. Bitter cranberry, sour cherry and fruity flavour profile. Good acidity, slightly hot finish. Easy drinking, good BBQ wine. Would probably have been more "fun" last year. Still managed to pair well with the shrimp dish, as grits provided good texture balance. Score: 86 pts

LOUIS JADOT BEAUJOLAIS-VILLAGES COMBE AUX JACQUES 2011 - (#365924) (D) - $17.95
Medium-intensity strawberry and cranberry aromas. Spice, cranberry and slightly chalky tannins on the palate. Good acidity for pairing with food. Clean and smooth medium-length finish. A bit too big and sweet for the Creole Shrimp. Score: 87 pts

The 2nd course on this lovely afternoon was Piri Piri Chicken Leg with Yogurt that was topped with a Pickled Anaheim Chilly. The piri piri sauce was a lot milder than I am accustomed too, and worked well with a couple of the wines for this pairing.

Beaujolais and Sweet Corn Bread

Joseph Burrier Saint-Amour Côte de BessetPiri Piri Chicken Leg with Yogurt and Pickled Anaheim Chilly

BOUCHARD AÎNÉ & FILS BEAUJOLAIS SUPÉRIEUR 2011 - (#009431) (XD) - $11.95
Not very aromatic, but shows some sour cherry, strawberry and oak aromas. Spice, cranberry and black fruits on the palate. Good acidity and a lingering finish. Spice from wine paired really well with the mildly-spiced Piri Piri Chicken. My favourite pairing! Score: 86 pts

JACQUES DÉPAGNEUX CÔTE DU PY MORGON 2011 - (#299925) (XD) - $18.95
Low intensity aromas of cherry, strawberry and mild spice. Light- to medium-bodied with pleasant aroma replays. Balanced overall with integrated tannins and a medium-long finish. Could be cellared 1-2 years, but enjoyable now. Tannins and spice were a bit much for the Piri-Piri Chicken. Score: 87+ pts

JOSEPH BURRIER SAINT-AMOUR CÔTE DE BESSET 2009 - (#11154419) (XD) - $25.85
Fresh, ripe cherry, raspberry, strawberry and plum aromas. Spicy red and black fruits on the palate, with some oak showing through as well. Good acidity and quite complex. Good pairing flavour-wise with the Piri-Piri Chicken, but alcohol (14%) shows through on the medium-length finish. Score: 88 pts

Up next was a Grilled Eggplant that was placed on top of a Peanut, Coconut & Curry Condiment that reminded me a lot of a South Asian happy hour snack called chevdo. As we move further along in this tasting, the wines are getting bigger, with more tannins that require more substance in your meal to balance out the tannin. I must say, I was caught off-guard a bit as I had not tasted anything from Beaujolais in many years.

Grilled Eggplant with Peanut, Coconut & Curry Condiment

CHÂTEAU DE PIERREUX BROUILLY 2011 - (#005496) (XD) - $18.95
Medium intensity violet and floral aromas. Black fruits, currant and violet flavours, with spice kicking in mid-palate, and finally giving way to dark fruits on the medium-length finish. Good tannins, could reward ageing 1-2 years. Score: 87 pts

VILLA PONCIAGO FLEURIE LA RÉSERVE 2011 - (#299917) (XD) - $21.95
Highly expressive aromas of ripe red fruits, cherry and blueberry. Medium-bodied with chalky tannins, flavour profile consists of blueberries and red currants. Well-balanced with good acidity and a medium-long finish. Delicious. Score: 88+ pts

GEORGES DUBOEUF BEAUJOLAIS-VILLAGES 2010 - (#122077) (XD) - $12.95
Aromas are very fruit forward and of medium-high intensity - bing cherry and strawberry come to mind. More red fruits on the soft palate. Medium-level tannins and balanced overall with hints of spice on the finish. Score: 86 pts

The previous flight of wines raised my expectations for this final flight. All 3 wines in this flight were big Gamays, with good acidity, lots of tannin, and could have been opened now or enjoyed in a couple of years. Perhaps it's no surprise given that these 3 wines hail from three neighbouring Cru Beaujolais appellations - Moulin-à-Vent, Chénas, and Juliénas - all of which reside in the northern part of Beaujolias, where the soil is mostly granite. These wines were paired with Korean Short Rib and encrusted with Crispy Rice, Sesame & Chili. Red meat and big wines are a natural pairing.

Korean Short Rib Encrusted with Crispy Rice, Sesame & Chili

DOMAINE MANOIR DU CARRA JULIÉNAS 2010 - (#290981) (D) - $19.95
Medium-intensity aromas of oak, blackberry and currant in this red wine. Medium-full bodied with flavours of black fruits, cedar, currant and cinnamon. Mouth-watering acidity and a medium-long finish. Chalky tannins will allow cellaring for 2+ years. This is a big Gamay. Score: 88 pts

DOMAINE DU VISSOUX MOULIN À VENT LES TROIS ROCHES 2010 - (#11154427) (XD) - $24.75
Medium-intensity fruit forward aromas of sour cherry along with some steely notes. Medium-chalky tannins and woody, red fruit flavour palate. Balanced with a medium-length finish. Age-worthy wine - could be cellared 2 years. Score: 88+ pts

DOMAINE PIRON-LAMELOISE CHÉNAS QUARTZ 2009 - (#240481) (XD) - $22.50
Nose seemed rather closed but shows black fruits and violet aromas. Medium-bodied with flavours of red fruits, cranberry and sour cherry. Finish is short-medium in length. Structured, big tannins will reward ageing 1-2 years. Score: 88 pts

And last, but not least, we had a scrumptious dessert. No wine pairing was offered for the Dark Chocolate Ganache with Chantilly Cream & Caramel Popcorn dessert. Might I suggest, if it exists, a Late Harvest Gamay?

Dark Chocolate Ganache with Chantilly Cream & Caramel Popcorn

Anthony Collet, Inter Beaujolais

Our table at #BeaujolaisBBQ


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  • Date publishedSaturday, April 23, 2011

2009 Cave des Vignerons de Bel Air Beaujolais-Villages - Review

Opened this light, easy drinking Beaujolais - which was purchased from the latest LCBO Vintages Release - last night for guests who prefer red wines with little-to-no oak.

CAVE DES VIGNERONS DE BEL AIR BEAUJOLAIS-VILLAGES 2009 - AC, Beaujolais, France (#208058) - $13.95


Tasting Note:
Cherry, strawberry aromas and flavours. Some pepper notes. Finishes a touch smoky. Light-medium bodied with a medium-long finish. A lighter style of wine that appears unoaked and ready to drink now. Tasty!


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