Country: France Region: Languedoc Appellation: Minervois La Liviniere
Varietal: Syrah /Grenache /Carignan
Vintage: 2017 Colour: Red Style: Dry
Producer: Chateau Mignan
Description:
Not actually a castle, but a long-established family winery currently run by Christian Mignard, his wife Carole and their three children in the little village of Siran, between La Livinière and Pépieux in France’s Languedoc.
Siran lies in the AOC Minervois-La Livinière, and so do just over half of the family’s 12 ha of vineyards, with the remaining 5 ha just outside in AOC Minervois. All are on the sought-after “high terrace” of Minervois, which skirts the southern foot of the Montagne Noir range.
Tasting Note:
Minervois lies in the Western Languedoc, the sunbaked heart of the Midi. It’s a large appellation with various climatic zones, but the best wines come from limestone terraces in the centre of the region, at the foot of the Montagne Noir range to the north, which is itself the southwestern end of France’s Massif Central. In 1999 this central region was granted its own appellation of Minervois-La Livinière, making it effectively a Premier Cru within Minervois.
Just a couple of kilometres east of the small village of La Livinière itself lies the even smaller village of Siran, home to Château Mignan, producers of this wine. Most of their vineyards lie within the Minervois-La Liviniére AOC, but 5 hectares fall just outside, though still on the “high terrace” that produces the best wines. These produce their entry-level red and white Minervois, both called Cuvée Pech Quisou.
This is the red, made from a blend of 73% Syrah and 27% Grenache, grown on the deep limestone and clay soils characteristic of the high terrace, with pebbly gravel on top. The top layer drains very well, keeping the grapes dry and free from rot, and forcing the vine roots deep in search of moisture. The deep clay subsoil acts as a reservoir for winter rains, allowing the vines to survive the hot dry su
Country: France Region: Bordeaux Margaux
Varietal: 33% Merlot, 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petit Verdot
Vintage: 2015 Colour: Red Style: Dry
Producer: Chateau Angludet
Description:
What a lovely, rich and fresh wine. Ch. Angludet is always one of the most reliable châteaux. The rich concentration is so generous and rewarding. I love the sweetness at the front of the palate. Good depth, a bit of intensity and lovely tannins that harmoniously combine with an appealing acidity on the finish. Often described as a traditionalist's wine, this is actually rather delicious. Cabernet provides the power here, but it is so restrained, floral, perfumed and flavoursome. Margaux performed very well in 2015 and this wine is reflective of the quality of the vintage. Given that the price is always appropriate to the quality of the wine here, we have no hesitation in recommending it.
"Big earthy fruit though a touch leathery, with old vines evident in structure and depth. A serious wine on the masculine side of Margaux."Steven Spurrier - decanter.com