France – Domaine Monts et Merveilles Le Grand Vert 2014

Domaine and vineyard

 

The domaine Monts et Merveilles is above all the story of Laure and Julien. She manager of wine cellar, sommelier him, they decide to settle in the Minervois, in the Languedoc region, to undertake an activity that is not simply a winery but also an environmental education center where retrieve a direct contact with nature.

The first vintage is 2012, lived as a big party with the joint participation of relatives, friends and neighbors winemakers. Winegrowers who dispense advice, lend tools, provide parts of their cellars to this pair of dreamers to help them realize their project. After the first harvest the "solidarity" of local producers has not failed to help Laure and Julien create their wines.

The vineyard covers a total area of ​​4.20 hectares divided into 5 parcels. The grape varieties are Syrah, Grenache Noir, Carignan Noir, Marsanne and Roussanne. The work in the vineyard is oriented to the maximum respect for nature and the overall conduct of the vineyard is organic and biodynamic.

The wine

The Domaine Monts et Merveilles Le Grand Vert 2014 is a 100% Marsanne. The grapes, once harvested, ferment and mature during 12 months in three vintages old barrels to reduce the impact of the wood on the final taste. To be well appreciated it has to be opened at least two hours before and left breathing. This wine is produced only in special vintages and in very limited quantities (average 2000 bottles).

Tasting Note

Date	25 February 2016
Wine name	LE GRAND VERT	Vintage	2014
Nation	France	Region	Languedoc
AOC-DOC	//	Grape Varieties	100 % Marsanne
Serving temperature	10-12° C	Alcohol	13
Price (in euro)	14	SO2 (in mg/l)	Nd

Visual Examination		Taste analysis
Limpidity	Limpid	Body	Full
Color	Straw yellow	Balance	Balanced
Consistency	Quite consistent	Soft sensations	Quite Warm – Quiet Soft
Effervescence	//	Hard sensations	Quite Fresh – Quite tasty
		Flavors intensity	Intense
Olfactory analysis		Flavours	White Peach, Honey
Aroma intensity	Intense
Complexity	Complex	Finish/Persistence	Persistent
Quality	Fine	Overall evaluations
Aromas	Honey, White Peach,	Development	Ready
	White flowers, Almond paste	Harmony	Harmonious

Food and wine pairing

This wine is great during an aperitif with nibbles and creams. Other nice pairing is with shellfish, grilled fish and white meats. I had it with pasta with cauliflower sauce gratin and cooked in the oven: very nice pairing, too!

Once again an extra-ordinary wine from this producer. Marsanne grape variety is delicate and this version highlights the soft side of these grapes. Aromas of honey and white peach are wonderful, and the taste is round and delightful. It makes you looking for another glass!

If drunk slightly too warm the wine has a bit of acidity.

Great wine.

Official website: www.domainemontsetmerveilles.com