
VINALIA
December 2023 Release
2014 DEBAS-COMIN SAPHIR CHAMPAGNE
GRAND CRU BLANC DE BLANCS
“A harmonious balance, delighting the senses.”
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Debas-Comin is located in the Champagne region of northeastern France, renowned for producing the world's most celebrated sparkling wines. This region is characterized by a cool climate and chalky soils—ideal conditions for growing the grapes that go into producing exceptional sparkling wines. The winemaking process at Champagne Debas-Comin reflects a dedication to quality and tradition. Using the Méthode Champenoise (Champagne/Traditional Method), the wine undergoes secondary fermentation in the bottle, contributing to the fine and persistent bubbles that define the characteristic effervescence of Champagne. Debas-Comin lies within the village of Chouilly, only 5km from Epernay, in the Cotes des Blanc sub-region— famously named for the Chardonnay vines. Being located in this sub-region allows producers the option to add the historical Grand Cru title to their label.
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REGION: Chouilly, Champagne, France.
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VARIETY: Chardonnay.
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WINEMAKING: The wine spends a minimum of 3 years ageing on the lees to add texture and complexity. Overall, the 2014 vintage was a good year with a warm/dry Spring and Fall. The rain and cooler temperatures mid-summer allowed the grapes to retain fresh acidity.
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TASTING NOTE: A lively and refreshing palate, with notes of crisp green apples, citrus zest, and a hint of brioche from lees ageing. The wine lingers on the palate with subtle creaminess.
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PAIRING: Cucumber based appetizers, smoked salmon, charred scallops, and aged parmesan. Drink now, but will develop nicely with 5+ years bottle age.
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2021 BASTIDE DU CLAUX L’ODALISQUE BLANC
“An excellent wine which combines elegance and purity.”
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Bastide du Claux was founded by Sylvain Morey, the son of Jean-Marc Morey, an admired vigneron in Chassagne-Montrachet, Burgundy. Sylvain wanted to expand his horizons and fell in love with the lesser-known region of Luberon, Southern Rhône. During this time, he was able to purchase interesting, low-yielding old-vine parcels that were no longer valued, and today, produces high-quality wines that authentically represent the region. The picturesque Luberon region is known for its favourable climate and diverse terroir for grape growing. The region is influenced by the Mediterranean Ocean, contributing to the unique characteristics of the wines produced here. Sylvain believes in maintaining tradition while also showing respect for the environment, and implements organic and biodynamic practices. The resulting wines are high quality, and well-balanced.
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REGION: Luberon AOP, Southern Rhône, France.
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VARIETIES: Vermentino, Grenache Blanc, Clairette.
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WINEMAKING: All of the fruit for Sylvain’s wines are hand-harvested, with a rigorous selection made in the vineyards. Fermentation starts on its own from indigenous yeast. Once fermentation is complete, the wine is aged in 600l barrels, for 20 months, before being bottled with minimal filtration. Only 5,000 bottles are produced annually.
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TASTING NOTE: Flavours of green apple and lime, heightened by refreshing acidity, good richness and medium body.
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PAIRING: Seared shrimp, goat cheese, brown-butter gnocchi. Drink now or age 3-5 years.
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2020 BERNABELEVA CARRIL DEL REY
“A high quality, expressive red wine”
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Bernabeleva was founded in 1923 in the town of San Martín de Valdeiglesias, Madrid. Today, it is a renowned winery producing wines which showcase the unique character of the local grape variety, Garnacha. Bernabeleva, literally, means the path of the bear which is displayed in their logo to represent the goddess of hunting in ancient times. This 2020 Carril del Rey embodies the character of high-altitude Garnacha of the region, delivering a delightful and memorable drinking experience. Carril del Rey is Spanish for The King’s Lane that started at the Royal Palace in Madrid and ended at the western limit of the vineyard. This particular vintage has received critical acclaim for its exceptional quality, from an excellent growing season.
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REGION: Vinos de Madrid, Spain.
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VARIETIES: Garnacha (aka Grenache in France).
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WINEMAKING: The fruit from the 80-year old Garnacha vines are is hand-harvested. Maceration on the skins lasts over 40 days followed by malolactic fermentation in neutral French oak barrels. The wine remains in the barrels 11 months which adds structure and complexity. It rests in stainless steel for 6 months prior to bottling. Only 1000 bottles are made annually.
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TASTING NOTE: A vibrant ruby colour, aromas of red fruits, such as cherries and raspberries, accompanied by savoury spice and earth. The palate is rich and velvety, with a perfect balance between fruit and acidity.
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PAIRING: Grilled portobello mushrooms, red meat, and wild game. Drink now, but potential to age 5-10 years.
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