Woo hoo. 2 months old (seems like longer!)

Wow, we have been so busy it does seem like more than 2 months that we have been trading. We do appreciate all of our customers, especially those who have already purchased for a second time. We have been pleasantly surprised at the number of people who have, for example,  bought a mixed half dozen and then called to buy a straight dozen or dozens of their favorites.

Special mention to 1. GiGis of Beechworth who put our Domaine Lagrezette on their specials board and have had to reorder due to a postive response and 2. Beaux Bar in Sydney Rd Brunswick. Open for one day  Beaux Bar wanted our wine as THE dessert wine on their list- the Pacherenc du Vic Bilh from Domaine du Crampilh. Made from manseng grapes, Pacherenc du Vic Bilh is the name given to white wines from the Madiran region. They are late harvest wines, often with the grapes picked in October or November. Congratulations to James and the team for having the vision to give this one a go. Big name and big taste- apricots, tropical fruit/mangos, honey, spice, not too sweet and a perfect match with dessert (or goes perfectly well with cheese/pates). And a bargain! In fact as a result we decided that we should make it the wine of the month. 

Pacherenc du Vic Bilh Moelleux-Cuvée Celeste

Domaine du Crampilh

2007

Pacherenc-du Vic Bilh are the white wines of the Madiran region. We are not so sure on the pronunciation but we are sure this is an incredible late harvest wine! Luscious and complex with a honeyed and harmonious finish. Where has it been hiding?

Region/Terroir: Pacherenc du Vic–Bilh (sub-region of Madiran). The wines of this region date back to roman times but were made famous by pilgrims passing through the region. Winemakers of the region can draw on centuries of cumulated experience to ensure optimal viticulture practices. Modern techniques have brought out the best from this wine.

Grapes: Like the wines of Jurançon these are made from petit manseng and gros manseng.

Wine making techniques: The wines are not botrytised, in fact it is said that the thick skin of the manseng grapes protects against rot.  A long dry autumn allows the wines to dry on the vine and concentrate flavours. The grapes are harvested by hand in November. As a consequence small volumes of concentrated juice is produced. Fermentation takes place in new oak barrels with batonage occuring for 10 months.

Our tasting notes: On the nose there are tropical fruit aromas. The palate is well balanced with fresh tropical fruit flavours and honeyed tones. A great structure gives balance, freshness and length with a lovely not too sweet finish.

This wine can be enjoyed on its own or with rich foods such as pate, cheese and it is perfect with fruit desserts.
We are not alone at loving this wine. It has consistently been rated in the Guide Hachette.

By purchasing this wine you confirm that you are over 18 and accept the terms and conditions of sale.

Price: $25.99

Size: 500ml

and here are some recent photos of the winery and the madiran region. oo, la la!

                                                                                   

  

South-West v Laguedoc

We have noticed some confusion about the wines of the south-west and the wines of the Languedoc. The Languedoc is in the south-EAST of France along the mediterannean coast, and is a warmer climate. The wines we sell are from the Boredeaux region in the south-WEST of France. The south-west region consists of a diverse number of terroirs/sub-regions (Bordeaux, Madiran, Bergerac, Jurançon, Cahors etc) but all have in common the more cool-climate Atlantic influence.

Social Media

We are told its important for business in the 21st century, so we are trying to learn about social media. We are on facebook,have a twitter account and are linked in and of course you can follow our blog! If you are so inclined we look forward to interacting with you soon. You can even phone us (0260206016) or email (info@discovervin.com.au)!

Upcoming events

Feel like a weekend of culture, wine and food in the North-East? The travelling Alliance Française Film Festival is coming to Albury-Wodonga, the last weekend of May. The Friday night opening session includes nibbles and wines from DiscoverVin. Tickets available now from the Regent Cinema Centre in Albury and may sell out due to limited capacity. Hopefully see you there!

From all of us again at DiscoverVin , thanks for your support !

Next edition sustainable practice, biodynamic wine, carbon credits and more. Vote on our carbon offsets poll- results in the next newsletter!

New Poll

So what do you think? Would you like the option of paying a few more dollars in carbon offsets to ship your  wines? yes, no , don't care
see the poll on our contact us page

Events:

An Evening of Wine and Cheese

from the South West of France

Discover new wines and new flavours

Divine food and wine combinations

Ossau Iraty cheese served with a rich red from Madiran

and

Basque Country Blue Vein served with luscious Jurançon stickies.

Monday 11th April

Where:       1860 Luxury Accommodation

    4 Surrey Lane, Beechworth

Time:          6.00pm – 8.00pm

Cost:           $20 per person

RSVP:         The Larder (Florence) 5728 2299

     Or DiscoverVin (Mary) 5728 2606

                             Or DiscoverVin (Helen) 02 6020 6016

       

One month old but already in Michelin Star restaurants!

Thank you to all for your support. After opening for business one month ago, we are very pleased with the response. A high proportion of people who have tasted the wines have bought them and indeed many have re-ordered. A common response has been " I bought a sample pack. Loved these particular wines and can I buy some more of them please?!"

Several retailers have taken the wine, validating our view that despite this being a very crowded market our wines are great value for money, unique and ready to take their place in the aussie market.

We hope to announce listings on some well known restaurants in Melbourne soon (the other capital cities we are yet to visit).

We asked our suppliers which restaurants in Europe stocked their wines and we were pleasantly suprised with the response. So you may have worked out the answer to this question.....

What do Paul Bocuse, Guy Savoy, Helene Darroze, Alain Ducasse, Pierre Gagnaire and Juan Marie Arzak all have in common?

Answer... Their Michelin starred restaurants all serve wine stocked by DiscoverVin!

We knew we had stocked some great tasting and value for money wines but the number of highly rated restaurants stocking the wines is stunning and emphasises what quality and value for money they represent.

Here are just three appearing in Michelin rated restaurants in Paris, London , Geneva or elsewhere...

Château Tour des Gendres

Le Moulin des Dames

White 2009

AOC Bergerac Sec

A fabulous complex dry white wine from a great producer (Luc De Conti) from a great vintage.  This wine was served to us in Helene Darroze's one Michelin star restaurant in Paris -at this price it is a steal!

Grapes: 70% Sauvignon, 30% Semillon

Our tasting notes: A pale, shiny gold colour. The nose reveals all the maturity of the wonderful 2009 vintage, with notes of crystallised fruits (apricot and pear) mingling with citrus fruit aromas, which bring freshness to the wine. The final is extraordinarily lengthy.

This wine will be perfect served with creamy fish dishes, poultry, truffles, oriental cooking, blue cheese and goats’ cheese. May also be served as an aperitif or at the end of the meal.

Domaine Lagrézette

Chateau Lagrézette 2005 

Cahors

750ml

From the exceptional vintage of 2005, this is textbook Cahors Malbec from Domaine de Lagrézette. This wine has won many awards and accolades. Best with food, if ever there was an excuse needed to fire up the barbie-this wine is it!

Region/Terroir: Chateau Lagrezette is produced from grapes grown in the best locations in Cahors. The vineyards are perched above the Lot River. The soil is a mixture of limestone and clay.

Grapes: Malbec 87%, Merlot 12%, Tannat 1% 

Our Tasting Notes : From the exceptional vintage of 2005, this is textbook Cahors Malbec. Inky purple colour. On the nose blackcurrant, truffles, violets. On the palate lovely blackcurrant and plum fruit, spice and minerals. Beautifully balanced, mid-weight, with fine chalky tannins, great structure and balance, long and satisfying. Could be cellared for several years but enjoy now with red meats, white meats, cheese and indeed a range of dishes.

Some accolades: Chateau Lagrézette 2005, Rated 90 points

“An intensely concentrated wine with tannins that floats in an inky sea of dense berry fruit. The wine is smooth, the edges softened by wood, but the fruit tannins pour out of the glass.” WINE ENTHUSIAST MAGAZINE, March 2010

  

Domaine De L'Ancienne Cure

Monbazillac 2005 (l’Abbaye))

500ml

Early in the 20^th century the wines of monbazillac were considered (and fetched the same prices ) as the famous chateaux of sauternes. Possessing an exception terroir and microclimate suitable for the production of late harvest wines we see now why this region is considered to be a rapidly evolving and improving region and critics are whispering about the “new” sauternes. From renowned winemaker Christian Roche the wines of Domaine de l’Ancienne Cure are made with passion, attention to quality and considered amongst the best in the region this wine.

Region: Monbazillac

Grapes: 25% Muscadelle, 75% Semillon

Winemaking: handpicked selected botrytis affected of very good quality. Fermentation in new oak barrels for 24 months.

Our tasting notes. Fine nose hinting at the complexity of fruit-tropical fruits, pineapples apricots and coconut wood and honey. Concentrated sweet fruit and honey on the palate. Extraordinary mouth feel, length and balance.

Highly rated by the Guide Hachette (3 vintages including this one have received a “coup de coeur (‘our favourite”) rating. Similarly the Wine Review of France called it a “remarkably accomplished wine” and “close to a good sauterne”. Again great value for money. Shhh don’t tell anyone, stocks are limited.

So again, thank you for your support. Enjoy the wine!

Next month: DiscoverVin, biodynamic wines and sustainability

DiscoverVin is open for business!

DiscoverVin™ is pleased to announce it has commenced trading!

We are delighted to welcome you to our website and our unique range of wines from the Bordeaux region and South West of France.

We are Australia's premier source of well made and value for money wines from this region.

We look forward to sharing our passion for quality French wines from the South West of France with you.

We are gradually adding more information and content to the website www.discovervin.com.au

We also have a facebook page discovervin wines. Check it out.

Where to start ? Below are some suggestions for the summer. We are really pleased that the wines seem to be flying out the door. Several customers have ordered the wines and then after tasting them have immediately  re-ordered bigger volumes! We certainly appear to be on track to achieve our aim of bringing well-made quality and value for money wines to Australia. Our wines are unique and are not available elsewhere in Australia.

So have a look at these 3 wines and the fabulous range from ZETTE....

If you are looking for a refreshing drink during this hot and humid weather now is the time to try some of our light, crisp and fruit driven wines.

Château Jolys Jurançon Sec Blanc ($17.99) is delightful, complex and dry, offering great value for money. From the excellent 2009 vintage, it is a blend of Gros Manseng and Petit Manseng its similar in style to a Sauvignon Blanc, but with floral and fruity aromas and much more ELEGANCE.
Could this be the next big thing after New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc? Discover for yourself!



Château Tour des Gendres - Le Moulin des Dames White 2009 ($39.99)
This is the wine to drink with your summer meals or as a pre-dinner drop. Once again it would be of interest to those that like a Sauvignon Blanc. This is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon with more ELEGANCE, greater COMPLEXITY and possibly more FLAVOUR and FINISH than those you may be used to. This is a very classy wine Discover for yourself.

Chateau La Rayre Bergerac Rosé 2009 ($16.99)
Rosés are meant to be consumed when young and fresh and that means discover them NOW . The La Rayre is REFRESHING, enjoyed by itself and versatile with a range of foods, from salads to steak, Thai to Chinese.
One of our suppliers in France described this wine as one of the best rosé wines that he had ever tasted! It is made from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

And last but not least.. check out the ZETTE range... the coolest wines this summer!

We would like to thank our suppliers, business associates and family and friends for their encouragement and support.

We welcome any feedback on the wines or the content of our website and facebook page! info@discovervin.com.au

A night at Boire

A night in Melbourne during the Australian Open tennis season, without a restaurant reservation booked months in advance, can be a nightmare.  But not for us on this lucky occasion.  We arrived at our hotel in Fitzroy, dumped our bags and headed straight out to Smith Street where we had heard of a fairly new restaurant called Boire, which didn't require a reservation.  With kids in tow we arrived to find one table vacant (don't be fooled by the empty outside tables as they don't have a license to serve alcohol out on the street - very un-French!).

Boire is a very lively place with the tables turning over frequently.  Long painted blackboard wall down one side with changing menu and wine list. Several whites and reds are served by the glass and a longer list by the bottle.  Polished concrete floors and long white wall down the other side with an interesting variety of hooks, paintings, an antique clock and paper hand towel rolls (a novel alternative to serviettes) provide an interesting and useful mix.  All the hard services and the volume of customers make for a noisy space which in turn is heightened by the choice of background music..... or maybe I'm just getting old!

Wine buckets brought to the tables fit into a snazzy compartment in the centre of the round tables. Bottles of cold tap water are provided without asking.  Air-conditioning and service weren't at their best on this occasion, despite the floor staff doing their best to keep pace.

But enough about the place!  It was the food and the wine that we were most interested in.  For entrée we ordered the olives, saucisse (salami), free range rustic porc paté and mussels served at room temperature with pastis, tomatoes, basil and parsley - mmmmm.  All delicious and served with a rustic sourdough.  We enjoyed these dishes with wines by the glass.  I was not disappointed with my selection of Chantegrave blanc "Caroline" 2007 (Bordeaux Sauvignon Semillon), a dry white 'Graves' with buttery tones and a palate of tropical fruits - great on its own or with food.  We also tried the Marionnet Touraine Chenin Blanc Vinifera 2008, a non grafted grape from the Loire Valley.

For our main course we enjoyed two reds by the glass -  the Sainte Foy Franc de Ferrierie 2006 (Bordeaux Cabernet Merlot) and the Cosse-Maisonneuve 2004 from Cahors (Lot et Garonne, Malbec) which were both perfect with the with the duck (Duck breast and leg paupiette with green beans, nectarine, almonds and pink potatoes).  The vegetable dish (Roasted yellow courgettes with breadcrumbs, aubergine puree, chickpeas, tomatoes and shallots) was a delicious accompanyment.  For dessert I couldn't resist the Chocolate Trio, whilst the husband had a dessert wine by the glass -  Gaillac Doux - not too cloying and would have been fantastic with cheese or a fruity dessert.

Our kids also loved the salami, olives, paté, mussels and boiled eggs, followed by the creme caramel.  Oh, and they were delighted to be offered the homemade lemonade from the elegant wine glasses that we also enjoyed.  All in all a good night out and we all went home with contented tummies and palates!

Now .... anyone for tennis?

Chateau Dassault

After Laurence had insisted we visit her at Chateau Dassault we didn't need any more encouragement and organised a visit towards the end of our stay with Mary joining us. We drove through the vineyards of Pomerol and St Emilion on a beautiful summers evening, past chateaux, farmhouses, villages and roman ruins. And for miles there was a carpet of vines, all meticulously trimmed and trained upright. Green fields like we haven’t seen for 10 years. We were greeted by Laurence, who by chance had just hosted the buyers from Fortnum and Maison, and so just happened to have opened some great bottles, 2006, 2001, 1999, 1995, 1994. First we had a tour of the winery and like every French winery we had visited in the region we were impressed with how meticulous and high tech it was. She spoke passionately about the terroir, canopy/vineyard management, hand picking, hand sorting and using concrete tanks in preference to stainless steel and the use of technology to control of fermentation. There are a number of myths I think that are common in Australia regarding French wines and French wine making techniques which may be based on past practices (or perhaps just ignorance).

Then the wines! Beautiful, opulent, complex, balanced, gorgeous wines. We had to recover with dinner in Saint-Emilon sitting in the courtyard of a lovely bistro well frequented by the locals, under the bow of an ancient fig tree, besides the wall of a 14^th century church, sipping a bottle of St Emilion and eating perfectly matched seasonal food, locally grown and light in style. The decanter was the most fantastic we have seen - a large bowl on a long stem with a lip for pouring. Looked like one massive glass of wine!

Laurence had told us she thought that the 2001 wines were ready to drink and of good value so that’s what we drank from Ch Laroque.

We again felt so privileged to have had experiences like this. We coined a new phrase. The only good thing about leaving Bordeaux was knowing that we would definitely be returning again.

In the instance of that restaurant and St Emilion we loved it so much we took our good friends from Australia, Libby and Ian there for lunch the following Sunday!