Martine Sauvage and Hélène at the gates of Ch. Beauferan

We are delighted to bring back the crisp, refreshing, food-friendly wines from Château Beauferan. Many Members have been asking when we would once again feature these little treasures from the Côteaux d’Aix en Provence appellation. Well, now is the time.

Château Beauferan

Château Beauferan is located in the Velaux hillside just a few kilometres away from Aix-en-Provence, the beautiful city of fountains where Cezanne spent most of his life.

After a number of years of helping to operate the family lumber business in Liberia (many exotic woods can be found around the winery) Martine and her partners acquired Château Beauferan in 1989 and immediately started a major replanting, renovation and modernization program. The 170 hectare property includes 72 hectares of AOC

Côteaux d’Aix-en-Provence classified vines and produces a wide range of grape varieties including Syrah, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon and Carignan for the reds and rosé and Grenache Blanc, Sauvignon and Vermentino (Rolle) for the white. Respect for nature, aggressive pruning (32 hectolitres per hectare), careful selection and impeccable winemaking have all helped Château Beauferan produce a series of superb, highly acclaimed, award winning wines.

Côteaux d’Aix en Provence

Martine, the gracious host - guess who’s on this side of the table?

Situated between Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and Mont Sainte-Victoire (much painted by Cezanne) this 10,000 acre appellation forms the borders of the historic capital of Provence. Apart from the wealth of its history, the terroir of Côteaux d’Aix-en-Provence provides the ideal conditions for vines to flourish: clay limestone soils, the famous “Mistral” winds and plenty of sunshine (nearly 3,000 hours per year!). Capitalizing on these natural assets, today’s winemakers combine age-old savoir faire with modern agricultural methods to produce quality wines with a wide range of personalities. Full-bodied reds with ample character and powerful bouquet; delicate and aromatic whites with distinctive elegance and; fruity rosés with refreshing and supple flavours.

The Wines of Château Beauferan = Fine Value

Château Beauferan 2010 “Tendre” Rosé – 12.0% Alc./Vol.                      $16/$96 case of 6
This is a light rosé that is very stylish in France (particularly Paris) these days. It is made by the saignée method and is 25% Syrah, 35% Grenache and 40% Cinsault. It is a lovely light pink fuchsia colour and displays lively red fruit (strawberries and raspberries) on the nose. The red fruit persists in the mouth and is joined by hints of coconut and pineapple. The finish is surprisingly long with a refreshing, lingering trace of citrus fruit. This wine is a perfect lake or poolside sipper and will go brilliantly with grilled fish, oriental dishes and sushi. Order some now!!

Château Beauferan 2010 “Océanide” Blanc – 11.5% Alc./Vol.                  $18/$108 case of 6
This light, round, well balanced little beauty is produced in very small quantities. It is made from 60% Grenache Blanc, 20% Rolle (Vermentino) and 20% Sauvignon Blanc. It is a brilliant pale yellow with glints of green and gold. It has a very pleasant aroma of ripe pears with a touch of pineapple, jasmine and lime which continue in the mouth to be joined by floral, citrus and mineral notes. This very fresh, crisp wine can be enjoyed as an aperitif or with seafood (raw oysters) and white meats. Get yours now!

Château Beauferan 2006 Tradition – 13.0% Alc./Vol.                                $18/$108 case of 6
The 2006 Tradition is a blend of 50% Syrah, 25% Grenache and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and it sees no oak. It is ruby red with flashes of violet and has a pleasing nose of red berries with a hint of leather, spices, pepper and liquorice. Soft and round in the mouth, it is very well balanced with refined tannins. This lovely, understated wine will go well with grilled meat and pizzas! Secure some for yourself now!

Château Beauferan 2005 Étiquette Noir – 13.0% Alc./Vol.                        $24/$144 case of 6
From a classic vintage, the 2005 Étiquette Noir is made from 40% Syrah, 30% Grenache,  20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Carignan and was matured in small oak barrels for over a year. A medium ruby colour, this little beauty offers up a medley of aromas including fresh cut wood, wild cherries in chocolate, Provençal spices, vanilla and a hint of licorice. It is a most pleasing in the mouth, full, round and beautifully balanced with supple tannins. It has been festooned with medals including a Médalle d’Or at both the Concours des Vignerons Independants and the Concours Agricole Paris. It will provide an excellent accompaniment to roast beef and lamb as well as medium cheeses. Order your award winning beauty from the Côteaux d’Aix now.

Martine’s Beauferan Sampler                                                                        $20/$120 case of 6
This is a perfect way to sample the lovely, unique wines from Château Beauferan. You get one bottle each of the 2010 ‘Tendre” Rosé and “Océanide” Blanc and two bottles of each of the reds - the 2006 Tradition and 2005 Étiquette Noir. Get your six-pack of taste treats now.

Please note that the above prices include a buck a bottle for administration and other hard work!

Soon to Emerge from Arthur’s Cellar

It is springtime and naturally one’s thoughts turn to robins … Château Robin that is, the terrific, well-priced Bordeaux from the Côtes de Castillon. And then it will be the fan-pleasing wines from Domaine Chabrier Fils including the ever popular, marvelous white with the impossible name - Duché d’Uzès “La Garrigue d’Aureillac” Blanc from the splendid 2009 vintage.

If you know anyone who you think might enjoy some light and lovely wines from the Côteaux d’Aix-en-Provence, please pass this note on to them.

Many thanks and cheers, 

Jim & Hélène
www.arthursellers.com
jaswalker@arthursellers.com
hbuisson@ofrance.ca