“The wine of Uzès is the best in the realm.”

(Racine – 1661)

We first found out about Domaine Chabrier Fils and the ebullient Chabrier brothers, Patrick (at left hosting a riotous Swiss fondue party) and Christophe from our friend and vinous mentor Christian Esparza, owner of the Inter Caves wine emporium in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. From our first visit to their modern winery near Uzès (a beautiful town situated roughly between Avignon and Nîmes near the majestic Roman aqueduct called Pont du Gard) we fell in love with these big, bold expressive wines (not unlike their creator, Patrick!), particularly the Duché d’Uzès La Garrigue d’Aureillac Blanc – the wonderful white with the impossible name. It has since become our top selling white wine by far.

Hélène and Patrick in the chais

A Brief History of Domaine Chabrier Fils

Before describing the wine, here is a little background about the winery. Grandfather Louis Chabrier settled in Bourdic (a small village near Uzès) in 1925 and became one of the founders of the local wine co-op in 1928. He left the estate to his sons, Louis and Robert who replanted the vineyards with new grape varieties. Louis’ sons, Patrick and Christophe took over in 1988 and they built the current modern winery in 1998 when they decided to produce their own wine from the best grapes (about 20 percent – the remainder still goes to the co-op or is shipped to other producers around the world). They own 60 hectares of vineyards (a mosaic of terroirs) and grow a wide variety of grapes including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Marsanne, Grenache Blanc, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet-Sauvignon, Grenache Noir, Carignan and Muscat Petits Grains. The Chabriers produce about 4,000 hectolitres of wine each year. Their new winery contains all of the modern winemaking equipment and the Chabriers meticulously maintain their vineyards with minimum chemical intervention.

Working slavishly with Patrick Chabrier

This Offering of the Wines from Domaine Chabrier Fils

Of course we are featuring the splendid 2009 La Garrigue Blanc, the fruitier, unoaked 2010 Vin de Pays Duché d’Uzès Blanc, the most pleasing 2009 Duché d’Uzès “La Garrigue d’Aureillac” Rouge, the value priced 2010 Vin de Pays Duché d’Uzès Rouge and most refreshing 2010 Vin de Pays Duché d’Uzès Rosé. These wines come in six-bottle cases. 2009 and 2010 are both very, very good vintages in the Duché d’Uzès region. We expect orders to be brisk and we are on a strict allotment basis with the winery whose wines are extremely popular worldwide. We will be taking your orders to the LCBO on Wednesday, June 29th.

2010 Vin du Pays Duché d’Uzès Blanc – (13.5% Alc./Vol.)          $20/$120  case of 6
Over the years, this little beauty has filled up the Chabrier Brothers’ trophy cabinet with countless awards. This vintage has already won a silver medal at the Concours Général Agricole Paris 2011. It is made from 70% Viognier, 20% Grenache Blanc and 10% Marsanne and is not oaked. The yield is a low 40 hectolitres per hectare. It is a straw colour with hints of pale green. The nose is filled with peaches, passion fruit, pineapple, smoke and sage. In the mouth it is very fresh, beautifully balanced and surprisingly complex with a gentle finish. It would go wonderfully with any white fish and, as a special treat, with a pélardon de Cévennes (a wonderful goat cheese from the mountains not too far from Uzès). This is an absolutely superb sipper at a most reasonable price. Order this little treasure now.

2010 Vin du Pays Duché d’Uzès Rosé – (13.5% Alc./Vol.)           $18/$108 case of 6
This is a really good, lively Rosé made from equal parts Syrah and Grenache. It is a lovely medium salmon colour with a fresh and lively nose of raspberries, strawberries, vanilla and a trace of violets. In the mouth it is full, round, almost unctuous (without being cloying) and very refreshing. Not only a hot weather sipper, this lovely rosé will go smashingly well with oriental cuisine, pork (particularly ham) and most omelettes. It won a gold medal at the Concours Général Agricole Paris 2011.   Order your bottles of cheerfulness now.

2010 Vin de Pays  Duché d’Uzès Rouge – (13.5% Alc./Vol.)        $19/$114  case of 6
This lovely red is fashioned from 80% Syrah and 20% Grenache. An intense ruby colour with glints of purple, it has aromas of red berries, cassis and vanilla. In the mouth it shows lots of fresh fruit along with mocha and tobacco. It is medium bodied, very well balanced and shows amazing length. It is a simply delightful wine and veritable bargain at this price. Perfect with all red meats, it won a gold medal at the Concours Général Agricole Paris 2011. Order your most satisfying red now.

2009 Duché d’Uzès “La Garrigue d’Aureillac” Blanc – (13.5% Alc./Vol.)               $22/$132case of six
This is one of my very favourite whites and has been a huge success with our wine club Members over the years. This truly wonderful white wine is made from 70% Viognier, 20% Grenache Blanc and 10% Marsanne with an average yield of only 35 hectolitres per hectare. Half of the Viognier was fermented in new oak barrels and left on its lees for a year. It is a medium straw colour with an intense nose of almonds, papayas and vanilla with a hint of hyacinths, anise and lavender. In the mouth it is full, buttery and very well balanced with pronounced flavours of stewed apricots and a hint of pineapple. It is elegant, full and long. It would work well as an aperitif, go wonderfully with any shellfish and, as a special treat be a divine partner with warm goat cheese. I find that it is better balanced and more pleasing than the 2008 version – very reminiscent of the glorious 2007 vintage. Order now – always sold to us on a strict allotment basis - first come, first served.

2009 Duché d’Uzès “La Garrigue d’Aureillac” Rouge – (13.5% Alc./Vol.)                 $21/$126 case of six
This luscious red won a gold medal at the Concours Gardois des Vins – Nîmes 2011. A high-end red, it is a blend of 80% Syrah, 15% Grenache and 5% Carignan – all aged in various types of used oak containers. It is a beautiful purple colour with violet tints. The nose is complex with aromas of plums, myrtle and roasted coffee beans. The attack (first impression in the mouth) is silky with smooth, agreeable tannins followed by a symphony of ripe berries, plums and exotic spices. It lingers in the mouth, is long and elegant. This is an amazing wine, particularly considering the price. It will go wonderfully with leg of lamb, magret de canard and roast pork. Highly recommended! Try some for yourself and see

Note: The above prices include a one dollar per bottle handling fee.

We would be most grateful if you would pass this note on to others you think might enjoy some delightful wines from Uzès.

Soon to Emerge from Arthur’s Cellar

Our next featured wine will be Château Robin, the terrific, well-priced Bordeaux from the Côtes de Castillon (right next to Saint-Émilion). Shortly after will be the glorious whites and lively fizzes from Château Rives-Blanques.

Many thanks and cheers,

Jim and Hélène

jaswalker@arthursellers.com
hbuisson@ofrance.ca
www.arthursellers.com