Grape: Grenache, ABV (16%)
Produce of: Maury Roussillon, France
Producer: Nicolas Batlle
Case of 6, £87.00 (750 mls)
Equivalent to £14.50 per bottle, saving £0.96
Best with: Stilton
, Roquefort
Ideal Drinking Occasions:
Celebrations,
Special Meals,
Laying Down,
Parties,
Before Dinner,
After-Dinner
Tasting Notes...
This Maury from Domaine Mas de Lavail is a vin doux naturel; a Port-like fortified wine similar to Banyuls, in this case made from 100% old-vine Grenache.The colour is a very intense purple/black, and the nose has a lovely perfume of violets and old roses, with a kirsch-like cherry fruit, plenty of spice, and a gentle note of toffee and brown sugar. On the palate it is just delicious: a big, warming, beautifully sweet slick of luscious red fruits floods over the tongue, backed up by a warming core of cinammon and clove, and a fudge-like, sweet and marmalady background. There`s a spritely edge of tannins and a lovely acidity that dries the sides of the mouth and counteracts the sweetness, to leave an elegant and very, very long, poised finish. Terrific and delicious stuff and a great price for southern France`s equivalent of a single-quinta vintage Port
We say...
The intense hot, dry climate means small harvest, but wonderfully concentrated fruits. Mas de Lavail wines are outstanding: powerful, well balanced with wonderfully rich aromas, fine tannins and glorious colours.
The wine is recommended to be served at 18°C as aperitif, with blue veined cheeses or chocolate desserts.
