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2011 Jean-Francois Merieau Cent Visages Touraine Cot

2011 Jean-Francois Merieau Cent Visages Touraine Cot

Wine Details for 2011 Jean-Francois Merieau Cent Visages Touraine Cot

Type of Wine France (Other) : No words exist that could accurately portray France's influence on the world of wine. This isn't a problem for us mortals, as a single sip of an elegant, classic French wine speaks directly to one's soul in a hitherto unfamiliar language. Whether you're enjoying a classy Cabernet Sauvignon or a charming Chardonnay, your mind drifts just a bit closer to heaven.
Varietal Malbec : When one door closes, another opens; such is true for the magnificent Malbec grape varietal. Though it originated in Southwest France and was originally one of the five main Bordeaux grape varietals, its history in that country is a troubled one. But…In the last few decades Malbec has been rejuvenated and has once again been thrust into the global spotlight. The star of Argentina is not native to South American, nevertheless has found a home, fame and success in its terroir.

The geographical origin of Malbec is not known with certainty; however, most sources and DNA testing have concluded that Malbec most likely originated in the vineyards surrounding the Lot River in Southwest France near the town of Cahors. The “black wines” from Cahors were incredibly popular with the medieval clergy and royalty and were reputedly served at the 1152 wedding of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II of England. In 1225, Henry III refused to allow Bordeaux authorities from taxing wines sent by Cahors’ merchants who were under his protection. Pope John XXII (born in Cahors in 14th century) used vintages from the area as sacramental wines in Avignon (when Papal court resided in France).

Malbec had become immensely popular in Southwest France and eventually migrated to Bordeaux in the 1700’s where the varietal found success and greatly influenced blending in the Right Bank as well as the Medoc. Malbec was a major component to Bordeaux blends prior to the 19th century and may have greatly impacted the official 1855 Classification. During the early 1800’s, it is thought that some estates used as much as 50% in their blending.

When the phylloxera epidemic crippled most of Bordeaux’s vineyards in 1869, much of the vines devoted to Malbec were destroyed. Due to the grapes natural susceptibility to various diseases, frost, mildew and coulure (viticultural hazard resulting from changing weather patterns) most of the major replanting in the region was in favor of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The final fall from favor for Malbec in Bordeaux occurred after the devastating frost of 1956.

During the time of its fall in Bordeaux, Malbec was on the rise in the most unlikely of places, Argentina. It is thought to have been brought to South America in the 1850’s by Michel Pouget where the varietal prospered in optimum climate and terroir. The inky black-blue and thin-skinned Malbec grape requires specific climatic conditions to fully ripen. In Mondoza, Argentina, it found these requirements and much more.

The grape is adaptable to a variety of soil types; however, Malbec reaches its true zenith in the terroir of rocky, sandy soils of Mendoza which are low in fertility, but perfect for viticulture. This kind of soil forces the vines to work harder for hydration and nutrients, producing smaller berries. The result is fruit that is highly concentrated and flavorful. Where Malbec is adaptable to a variety of soils, making terroir less of a concern, it is however quite sensitive to consistently changing weather patterns and temperatures. Malbec thrives in dry climates, sunny weather and high elevations, perfectly describing the natural climate and terrain of Argentina. In Mendoza, Malbec enjoys the hot sun, most likely because of its high vigor and dense leaf canopy. The warm evening temperatures contribute to the reduction of grape acids, so that Malbec in Argentina is not as acidic as that in France. Furthermore, growers have observed that older Malbec vines in Mendoza’s higher altitude areas produce Malbec grapes with intense color, flavor and structure. The introduction of Malbec to Argentina is considered one of the greatest contributions to South America and its winemaking and growing industry.

Today, Malbec is the undisputed star of Argentina, where the fruit reaches its best expression. Since the 1990’s Malbec from Mendoza has created a stir on the wine market with consumers clawing to get bottles from star producers such as Catena Zapata and Cheval des Andes. It is nearly ironic that Bordeaux producers have begun partnering with proprietors in Mendoza but the result of this union has done great things for both the country’s wine industry as well as the production of quality bottlings for consumers who have become tantalized by the inky-black wines produced there. When ripe, it adds dark color, tannin and spicy characteristics to the wine, producing deep-colored, rich wines with freshness, balanced acidity, lush, round and supple textures with flavors of plum and blackberry.

Despite its demise in Bordeaux and its great accomplishments in Argentina, Cahors remains the spiritual home for Malbec. AOC (controlled designation of origin) laws dictate that no less than 70% of the variety be included in the blend. Malbec continues to enjoy a long history in Southwest France, particularly the appellation of Cahors, which could date back to the ancient Romans. It remains a symbol of success in Southwest France and a budding star of Argentina.

Country France : Wine is the lifeblood that courses through the country of France, pulsing with vigorous pride and determination. Viticulture is not just a hobby or an occupation in France; it is a passion, a cherished tradition that has been passed down through generations of wine stained hands. Winemaking is a beloved art that has been ingrained in the culture, an aptitude instilled in sons by fathers and the hallmark for which France’s reputation was built, allowing it to be renowned as, arguably, the most important wine producing country in the world.



For centuries, France has been producing wines of superior quality and in much greater quantity than any other country in the world. It boasts some of the most impressive wine regions, coveted vineyards and prestigious wines on earth. The regions of Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhone, Sauternes and Champagne have become the benchmark, for which others aspire to become. Legendary producers such as Chateaux Margaux, Domaine De La Romanee Conti, Chapoutier, d’Yquem and Dom Perignon are idolized world-wide.



France has stamped its name on nearly every style of wine, from the nectar-like sweet Sauternes to hedonistic Chateauneuf Du Papes classic Bordeaux and Burgundy, to its sparkling dominance in Champagne. Many of the most infamous grape varietals in the world, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay originated in France and are not only beloved, but utilized in the creation of some of the greatest wines on earth. French wine production commands the attention of the wine market year after year. With over 860,000 hectares under vine, and numbers close to 50 million hectoliters of wine produced annually, France dominates the market and sets the standard for not only product quality, but also quantity.



France’s many contributions to the world of wine have been absolutely indispensable. The country is the originator of the term “Premier Cru,” coined the term Terroir (a French term so complex there is no literal translation) and has laid the blueprint for a structured appellation system, which others have implemented in their own countries. French vineyard techniques and winemaking practices are mimicked world-wide. California vintners have been replicating Rhone style wines for decades, South America has adopted the French varietal of Malbec and countries around the world are imitating Burgundian styled Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.



With vast diversity in terroir, France is home to some of the most hospitable winegrowing locations on earth. The combination of topography, geology, climate, rainfall and even the amount of sunlight combined with the long historical tradition of winegrowing and making, has allowed the vintners of France to not only hone their skills, but learn from nature to create a product that like the world in which it resides… is very much alive.


Region Loire : Loire Valley has it all. Whether you prefer some of the most famous grape varieties worldwide, or you like to be surprised with secretly brilliant wines, Loire Valley will make you return any time you have a chance. It's unquestionably one of the most diverse, and sometimes unjustly neglected, wine regions in France. Located on the banks of the Loire river, these vineyards are home to some of the most exquisite French wines. And not only does Loire Valley provide us with top-rated wines each year, but it also deserves applause for the number of bottles it produces.
The most prominent grape varieties of Loire are Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, and Melon de Bourgogne. They are undoubtedly the crown jewels of this region, although reds, such as Cabernet Franc, Bourgueil, or Pinot Noir don't fall much behind.

With such exceptional grape varieties, it's impossible to think the Loire wouldn't treat us all with absolutely magnificent wines. It offers a wide palette of crisp and refreshing whites, as well as dry, elegant reds. To feel the magic and the impeccable quality of Loire wines, we recommend Domaine Didier Dagueneau, Foreau Domaine du Clos Naudin, or Domaine Huet of Le Haut Lieu.

Overview

Producer J-FMerieau

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