Domaine de l'Arjolle Tasting Jan21/2014 Toronto

The Date and Time: Tuesday, January 21, 11AM to 1PM

The Event: Tasting a selection of wines from Domaine de l'Arjolle, represented in Ontario by HHD Imports [www.hhdimports.com]

The Venue: LCBO Summerhill Store #10

The Target Audience: wine writers

The Availability/Catalogue: only two wines are in the Ontario marketplace (the Zinfandel and the Sauvignon Blanc/Viognier) – the rest are private orders.

The Quote/Background: the tasting was led by Geoffroy de la Besnardiere, winemaker for the domaine which is owned in conjunction with Chateau Massamier La Mignarde and Chateau La Croix Martelle. The wines are from the IGP Cotes du Thongue appellation of the Languedoc, and are reflective of biodiversity naturalness. While the rules of the Thongue appellation allow for a free choice of grapes (such as zinfandel), the overarching rules of France's appellations prohibit more than a Vin de France label. Their one hectare of zinfandel, planted in the 1980s, is still the only growth in France.

The Wines:

 

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Domaine de L'Arjolle Z Zinfandel 2011 Vin de France, 14% ABV, +346072, $19.95.

 

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Domaine de L'Arjolle Equilibre Viogner Sauvignon Blanc 2013 [60/40] $15.95 Private

-Domaine de L'Arjolle Cabernet Merlot 2012 [60/40] $15.95 Private order

-Domaine de L'Arjolle K Carmenere 2010 Vin de France, $19.95 Private order

-Domaine de L'Arjolle Cabernet 2011 [70CS/30CF] $21.95 Private order

 

*** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-L'Arjolle Sauvignon Blanc Viognier 2012 [60/40], +348904, $11.95.

-L'Arjolle Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 [60/40] $11.95 private order

 

The Food: pate, two blue cheeses, breads, summer sausage.

The Downside: it was a cold day

The Upside: a chance to talk with the winemaker, who had an extensive q and a with us.

The Contact Person: info@hhdimports.com

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89.

 

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com