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What We Say 2005 Sincérité
TOP SECRET SPY DEAL:
This is an exceptional deal! There are few Cab Francs (especially from the Loire) that are this good and “cloaked” in such a (deceiving) price point. At this price, this is an excellent wine to stock up on for the holidays. PLUS get a Free Copy of The Instant Wine Connoisseur on any order of six or more. This is a great book that is full of excellent tasting information and recipes that compliment the various wines described. A $20 value – yours free while supplies last.
Mission Codename: L’Espion Qui M’aimait
Operative: Agent Sparkle
Objective: Explore the Loire for a great value Cabernet Franc
Mission Status: Accomplished
Current Winery: Joseph Mellot
Wine Subject: 2005 Sincérité
Winemaker: Joseph Mellot
Backgrounder:
Cabernet Franc, the genetic predecessor of Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the five primary grapes of the Bordeaux region. It is usually blended to make Bordeaux and Meritage but has become a primary varietal in such regions as the Loire and Chinon in France, as well as California. Known for its aromatic qualities of tobacco, raspberry, cassis, green peppers and even violets it is also lighter in color than Cabernet Sauvignon.
Wine Spies Tasting Profile:
Look – Beautiful ruby and garnet red with pink hues along the edge with excellent clarity. Nice long slender legs.
Smell – Very aromatic with tart and tannic fruit, pomegranate, oak and green peppers.
Feel – Structured and acidic with tannins that stretch across your entire mouth.
Taste – Flavors of raspberry, pomegranate and tart cherries with hints of oak.
Finish – The bright acidity and tannins contribute to a long finish.
Conclusion – The structure and aromatic qualities of Cabernet Franc make it ideal as a contributing varietal in blends, but also has the character to stand up on its own. Joseph Mellot’s Sincérité is an excellent example of one of those that stands on its own. Its a nice wine that can stand up to a variety of food pairings.
Wine Spies Vineyard Check:
The location of the Jospeh Mellot Winery in Sancerre, Loire, France can be viewed in this satellite photo.
What the Winery Says
Joseph Mellot
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About This Wine:
This sort of balance and structure usually commands a premium. Instead, it’s all bright cherry and herbal notes with the kind of fresh acidity that makes it a natural on the table.
Tasting Notes:
Very deep red colour. Very attractive nose, powerful and harmonious, combining floral notes (violets) with fruity aromas (red fruits). The initial impression on the palate is frank, evolving into a more supple style. The tannins are well-integrated. This cuvée, with its lovely ripe aromas and roundness on the palate, is characteristic of the vintage. This is a very pleasant wine, perfect for sharing with friends.
This cuvée, with its lovely ripe aromas and roundness on the palate, is characteristic of the vintage. This is a very pleasant wine, perfect for sharing with friends.
Vinification:
Partial destemming, fermentation at 28°C for one week.
The free-run wine and the press-wine are matured separately, and the wine is lightly filtered before bottling.
Serving Suggestions:
Can be drunk chilled. A good choice if you want to drink a single wine throughout a meal, as it goes well with many different dishes (terrines, grilled fish, red meat, game, cheese and red fruit tarts).
The ideal serving temperature is 8° to 10°C.
A Family History That Goes Back to 1513
The Mellot dynasty was founded in Sancerre almost five centuries ago by Pierre-Etienne Mellot and, since then, the family has always been involved in winemaking. In fact, in 1698, César Mellot, was entrusted with the weighty task of advising King Louis XIV on his choice of wines. Throughout the years, each new generation has continued to enrich and perfect the family’s winemaking skills.
