“The wine of Uzès is the best in the realm.”
(Racine – 1661)

We will be taking your orders for the superb wines from Domaine Camp Galhan, to the LCBO this Friday, November 30^th. As Robert Parker remarked in issue 173 of his ‘Wine Advocate’ (he always seems to discover notable wines before I do), “Lionel and Alain Pourquier defy their entitlement to only a Vin de Pays appellation with wines of extraordinary value.” I urge you to at least try these wines via the Camp Galhan Sampler – only $132.

Domaine Camp Galhan

Located near the village of Ribaute les Tavernes, not too far from bustling Uzès, the Camp Galhan vineyard is situated high above the banks of the Gardon River in the foothills of the bucolic Cévennes Mountains. The winery gets its name from the Roman camp, “Galhan”, that was located next to the present winery. The 40 hectare property and vineyards have been in the Pourquier family since the early twentieth century and they have long be renowned for their superb grapes that were sent each year to the local co-op. But Lionel tired of giving his great grapes to the co-op only to have them make mediocre wine. So, in 2001 he built a modern winery into the side of a hill, designed so that gravity moves the grapes and juice during vinification (thus avoiding the use of much harsher mechanical pumps) and started to produce his own wines.

Lionel Pourquier

But, as they say, at least eighty percent of great wine- making occurs in the vineyard. Lionel has worked hard to isolate the best vineyard sites in the hill sides above the valley and to update his winemaking techniques. He farms his vineyards using organic methods in the ‘lutte raisonnée’ manner, and green harvests in the spring to decrease yields. Lionel then hand selects only the best fruit to go into his wines, which most recognize as being among the very best in the region (along with Domaine Chabrier Fils and Les Vignes du Lys in my opinion!).

By the way, Lionel also grows durum wheat in the valley which he sells to high-end pasta producers, mostly in Italy. He is currently president of the durum wheat growers association for the region.

The ‘Camp Galhan’ Sampler  - 14.0% Alc./Vol.                               $22/$132 per case of six
This is a great way to try all of the Domaine Camp Galhan vinous treasures. You get a bottle of the 2011 Amanlie Blanc, two bottles of the 2009 Ripa Alta Blanc, a bottle of the 2011 Pérassières Rouge and two bottles of the 2010 Les Grès Rouge. I do hope that every one of our members will order this Sampler to taste for themselves the great values that come from southern France. Order your six-pack of pure drinking pleasure now.

Wine Ratings Update

2010 Mantus Merlot – Máté Winery:  James Suckling – 91 Points  “Wonderful aromas of blueberries and cream follow through to a full body with well-integrated tannins and a medium finish. Sleek structure with a caressing mouthfeel. Pretty wine from a favorite producer of Brunello di Montalcino. Better in 2015.”

Non-Vintage 1^er Cru Brut – Champagne Forget-Brimont: Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator – 90 Points  “Firm and focuses by racy acidity, this is lightly chalky in texture, offering tightly knit flavors of ripe Gala apple, anise, black current candy, fresh ginger and biscuit. Shows fine balance. Drink now through 2018. 16,500 cases made.

If you know anyone who would be interested in some glorious wines from the south of France, we would greatly appreciate it if you would pass this bulletin on to them.

Cheers,

Jim and Hélèn
jaswalker@arthursellers.com
hbuisson@ofrance.ca