The question we receive most frequently these days is, “When are you going to order some more of that wonderful white with the impossible name?” Our Members, of course are referring to the Duché d’Uzès La Garrigue d’Aureillac from Vignobles Chabrier Fils, a real mouthful, but as those who have tried say, “And, so is the wine!”

So, last week we contacted the winery and managed to secure their last forty six-bottle cases of the 2006 La Garrigue that was not only thoroughly enjoyed by so many of our Members, but also by patrons of Jake’s Grill & Oyster House in Burlington (it was their white wine of the month for May), La Bodega and Le Sélect Bistro, both in Toronto.

When we visited Patrick and Christophe Chabrier at their winery just outside Uzès in Southern France last January, we sampled their 2007 Vin de Pays Duché d’Uzès from the tank. This white wine was staggering. We told the brothers that we would like to include it in our next order in the summer. “Too late” they warned us, “It has almost all be spoken for already. You will have to commit now and the most we can let you have is thirty cases.” We grabbed them all on the spot.

Both wines come in convenient six-bottle cases. We plan to take your orders to the LCBO on Friday, August 26^th. Don’t wait till the final notice … both of these big value wines are going to sell out very quickly. Find out more about Vignoble Chabrier Fils in our June 2007 issue of ‘Selections’ and by visiting their website www.chabrier.fr.

2007 Vin de Pays Duché d’Uzès (Blanc) - (14.0% Alc. by Vol.)                           $17.95/btl.: $107.70/6-btl. case

Over the years, this little beauty has filled up the Chabrier Brothers’ trophy cabinet with countless awards. The 2007 vintage has already garnered the Grand Prix d’Excellence aux Vinalies Nationales 2008! It is made from 70% Viognier, 20% Grenache Blanc and 10% Marsanne. The yield is a low 40 hectolitres per hectare. It is a straw colour with hints of pale green. The nose is filled with grapefruit, passion fruit and lemon/lime. In the mouth it is very fresh, beautifully balanced and unctuous and surprisingly complex. 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 some of this little treasure now.

2006 Duché d’Uzès La Garrigue d’Aureillac (Blanc) - (14.0% Alc. by Vol.)       $19.95/btl.: $119.70/6-btl. case

This truly sensational wine is made from 70% Viognier, 15% Grenache Blanc and 15% Marsanne with a yield of only 35 hectolitres per hectare. Half of the Viognier was fermented in new French oak barrels and left on its lees for a year. It is a pale yellow with an intense nose of anise and dried apricots. In the mouth it is full and very well balanced with a pronounced flavour of stewed apricots and a hint of pineapple. It would work well as an aperitif, go wonderfully with any shellfish and with old Gruyére. This is a great wine from a very good year. If I could only have one more bottle of white wine costing less than twenty dollars a bottle, this would be it. Order your wonderful white with the impossible name now.

Please note that the above prices include a $1 per bottle administration fee.

Know any white wine lovers? If you do, please pass this note on to them.

Many thanks and cheers,

Jim and Hélène
jaswalker@arthursellers.com
www.arthursellers.com