Candace and Ferenc Máté

Coincidentally, we have decided to stop offering our vintners’ wines to LCBO VINTAGES, the sales channel that could significantly enhance the distribution of Máté Wines in our Provence. Our experience with this up-market LCBO division has simply been too unpleasant and unproductive (300 straight submissions without a single acceptance – 10 for Máté in the past two years) to continue pursuing.                                                                                                                                 

Now then, to the exciting offer at hand. Candace sincerely appreciates the orders that our wine club Members have given her over the past two years and wants to offer a very special price for her highly rated 2008 Brunello di Montalcino as a farewell gesture - $44 the bottle. Please see all the delicious details below. 

 Máté Wines – Montalcino, Tuscany
At Máté Wines the Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah grow contentedly in their own separate plots, 3,000 vines per acre crammed together in the finest part of the Montalcino appellation. Yields are kept extremely low by means of three annual green prunings to concentrate the flavours.  Then the grapes are hand picked at fullest maturity and fermented in small temperature-controlled stainless steel vats or new wooden barrels. The grapes are punched down by hand to extract colour and tannins while the must is kept cool to maintain the rich aromas of fruits and spices. The wines are aged for up to thirty months in Allier oak barriques and tonneaux. Whether in the vineyards or the winery, Ferenc and Candace are fanatical about every aspect of the creation of their wines. As a result, their wines exhibit great refinement, depth and an abundance of unforgettable flavours.

2008 Brunello di Montalcino – 15.0% Alc./Vol.                  $44/$264 six-bottle case
This outstanding Brunello di Montalcino is made from 100% Sangiovese that rested 30 months in two, three and four year old Allier oak. It then remained eighteen months in the bottle before release. Here’s what the ‘experts’ say about it:

The Wine Spectator: Full of eucalyptus and balsamic notes, this red boasts a core of cherry and raspberry fruit, with tobacco and leather flavors. Firm and well-proportioned, delivering a lingering aftertaste. Very approachable and harmonious. Best from 2014 though 2028. 93/100

James Suckling on jamessuckling.com: Lots of sweet berry fruit with hints of prunes. Full body, with dried fruits and velvety tannins. It’s long and pretty. Drink or hold 91/100.

: A raw note of spice and tobacco give this Brunello a brawny, masculine personality. Cherry cola, licorice, savory spice, smoked bacon and black currant hint at the many years of cellar aging that have shaped the evolution. Those flavors also add to the overall finesse and silkiness of the finish.90/100

Tom Hyland: Pale young garnet; dried morel cherry, paprika and thyme aromas. Medium-full with very good concentration. Generous mid-palate; lengthy finish with notable persistence. Very good acidity, refined tannins and subtle spice notes in the finish. I have liked this producer’s previous examples of Brunello, but this is a step up, as there is a more developed mid-palate and the wine overall is a more complete example; I applaud the style and quality of this 2008. Best in 12-15 years – perhaps longer.

KYLE PHILLIPS’ Italian Wine Review: Almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is moderately intense, with smoky cedary notes mingled with some hardwod ash and tart berry fruit and citric acidity. On the palate it’s bright, with lively sour cherry fruit supported by tart berry fruit acidity and by tannins that are smooth and flow into a clean sour cherry finish. Pleasant, and will already drink nicely with succulent red meats, though it also has the capacity to age nicely for a numer of years. 2 stars (highest score)

John M. Fedora – Tuscan Vines: Nestled in a small corner of Montalcino, the Mate winery is a tiny, artisan endeavor but is quickly garnering attention, especially among the local Montalcinese.  The 2008 Mate Brunello is a vibrant violet color with a deep ruby core.  The wonderful aromatics leap from the glass.  There's a large frame of crushed red fruits supported by comfortable broken-in leather, sweet pipe tobacco, and flowers.   On the palate the wine displays impressive concentration with a monstrous core of rich, ripe berry fruit, tobacco and savory Tuscan herbs.  This is so delicious.  Wonderful balance, and although only moderately tannic, the acids create a lively, mouth watering sensation.  This is great wine.  93 points.

What more can I say? Order your tantalizing Tuscan treat now. We will be taking your orders for the stunning 2008 Brunello di Montalcino to the LCBO on Friday, June 14th.

Please note that the above price includes a small handling fee.

Let us know if you would like the coordinates for the Máté’s new agent in Ontario. We really enjoyed our two years working with Candace and hope to soon see many of her wonderful wines on VINTAGES’ shelves and restaurant cartes des vins throughout Ontario.

Cheers!

Jim and Hélène

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