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In the beginning of the 20th century, these vineyards were part of a huge estate of 750 acres belonging to the family of Henry de Monfreid, a famous writer and adventurer. This domain is situated in the villages of Lespignan and Colombiers in the Herault district of France. Henry de Monfreid was a French adventurer and author. He was the son of artist-painter Georges-Daniel de Monfreid and knew Paul Gauguin as a child. He sailed the treacherous routes from the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa coast from Tanzania to Aden. In his various expeditions as adventurer, smuggler and gun runner, he found an interest in wine, and though never made it himself, he left a legacy for his family to continue. Positioned on a gentle slope, this beautiful vineyard benefits from good exposure. Although planted as one unit, it is divided into several parcels of land where different grape varieties are grown. Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Cinsault and, since 1995, Pinot Noir all grow on different plains but share the same attention to detail in winemaking. The estate is 100% organic. To qualify as officially organic in France is just as strenuous as it is in the United States. It's a guarantee that the grapes were grown without pesticides or herbicides-a rather labor intensive and expensive process-but it comes out in the quality of the wines. The landscape of Herault starts craggy and beautiful in the southern part of the Massif Central and descends gently until it opens like an amphitheatre onto the Mediterranean coast. With its lakes and saltwater lagoons, gorges and rivers, mountains and beaches, sunny climate and cultural attractions, Herault is a magnet for tourists from all over Europe. Lovely pale yellow color. Intense fruits including gooseberries, passion fruit, green tomatoes, wild strawberries and lemon. Pleasant floral scents and mineral nuances from the limestone soil. Very fresh, good acidity. Finish is rich, round and well-balanced. Try with lobster or crab. February 2012 Limited Series Newsletter (.pdf) Limited Series for February 2012 from Wine of the Month Club on Vimeo. |
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