Rugby, skiing, wine: an interesting combo and I think it is fair to assume that many of you have an interest in at least 2 of the 3! Preface is a story of 3 guys: Serge, Julien and Thomas linked by these 3 interests. Serge owns a ski chalet in Morzine and we know some of you have stayed there enjoying the craic and the skiing as well as Serge’s fine cuisine and very fine wine cellar. Julien is the winemaker with a great little estate in the hills behind Beziers. Thomas is the accountant in the triangle – enough said!
On a recent visit to his pals in County Armagh (a certain rugby playing family going by the name of Best), Serge took the opportunity to show us his new wine. We tasted the 2014 Preface red with Serge and Simon Best and they explained the idea behind the project. The Preface wines are organic and grown in the best plots of Julien’s estate in the eastern Languedoc. It is unusual to find Cabernet Sauvignon in this part of France but the argilo-calcaire soils here seem to suit the grape and they thought it made an excellent blending partner for the Syrah. The 2014 is their first vintage and the boys are very pleased with the results. All the grapes are hand harvested.
Preface Red 2014, AC Coteaux de Beziers
Bottle Price - £12.95 / €18.95 Offer Bottle Price - £11.00 / €16.10
70% Syrah, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon with the Syrah spending time in barrel and the Cabernet Sauvignon in Stainless steel before blending, then bottling. Blackcurrant and spice on the nose with layers of chocolatey black fruit and spice on the palate, a firm structure and long, spicy, fresh finish. Drinking now but will keep 2- 3 years.
Preface White 2015 AC Coteaux de Beziers
Bottle Price - £11.75 / €17.50 Offer Bottle Price - £9.99 / €14.87
70% Grenache Blanc, 15% Vermentino, 15% Chardonnay – an interesting blend of Southern French varietals. The Grenache gives a richness to the palate with flavours of apricot and pineapple while the Vermentino lends acidity and the Chardonnay a creamy core. Rounded mouthfeel with a lingering, tangy finish.
