A delicious 6-bottle case of southern French wine - for just £49.95 incl delivery

07/04/2008

Behind every good wine there’s a tale waiting to be told. And this is the story of St Chinian – and the English connection that has helped make it such a highly respected wine.

In 2005 Catherine Wallace decided to buy a vineyard in the south of France at Chateau de Combebelle, the highest vineyard in St Chinian. But the English connections go back even further. She took over the 17 hectare vineyard from Bertie Eden, a highly reputed winegrower and the great nephew of Sir Anthony Eden.

The vineyard lies on rugged rocky limestone hillsides which force the vines to search deep for moisture and nutrients, while the surface pebbles and stones warmed by the day's sun reflect heat up into the vines by night, which is important for vineyards at altitude.

Combebelle has three distinct “terroirs” (or soil structures) of red clay, sand, and brokenstone (schist). This coupled with the micro-climate of each individual parcel of vineyard results in the expression of complex subtle flavours and tannins in the wines.

Combebelle’s vineyards and winery are situated in a natural, clean and
unspoilt environment surrounded by “garrigue” which is full of wild flowers, plants and herbs that impart some of their flavour into their wines as well as providing natural protection against many diseases. No chemical pesticides or fertilizers are used and the wine is produced as naturally as possible.

At 265-300 metres, Catherine’s vineyard has dramatic views to the Mediterranean and the distant Pyrenees, and is frequented by a variety of wildlife including deer and wild boar. At this altitude the vineyard is cooler and protected from the roasting summer heat in the plains below, allowing for a longer ripening period in which the grapes can absorb more of the complex characters and mature flavours of the terroir before the harvest begins.

Hand picking ensures that only the best grapes are used. Production volume is kept deliberately very low (25-30hl/ha) to ensure depth and refinement in the final product.

Tasting Notes:

Lovely deep purple colour with soft, ripe mulberries and blueberries on the nose and lush velvetiness to the tannins. The fruit has a peppery, spicy edge and builds to a powerful finish. The wine gained a Silver Medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2007.

The offer

The award winning 2005 Chateau de Combebelle, AOC St Chinian normally sells for £7.49 per bottle. Ethical Fine Wines, through Mature Times is offering a case of six bottles, plus a free Ethical Fine Wines jute bag ideal for carrying bottles and/or shopping AND delivery - all for £49.95.

To take advantage of this offer, click on the link below.

Relevant links

• Ethical Wines (Opens a new window)