Reviewed by
Evelyn
My VitiBox is a French wine subscription box that can be enjoyed by those who appreciate fine wines and want to learn more about their origins. Every month, you’ll receive two bottles of wine that have been hand-picked by the famed sommelier Philippe Defleur (former sommelier of La Tour d’Argent and the Élysée Palace), and these are carefully packaged in a shockproof sturdy box to ensure a safe arrival straight to your door.
Inside the box, you’ll also find a set of Tasting Notes by Philippe to help you get the most out of the wines included. This month’s selection features a bottle of red and a bottle of rosé, as part of My VitiBox‘s Colours And Flavours subscription.
Domaine Haut-Loubier 2016, Saint Chinian
History: Dating back to the early 19th century, the Domaine Haut-Loubier already owned 20 hectares of vineyards and olive estates on a grand estate in the south of France, and this has been extended upon by its current owners, Jean-Marc Loubier and his family. The soil of his lands is made of a blend of clay and limestone which yields firm tannins to the wines and allows them to age much longer.
Grape: A triple blend of 20% Mourvedre, 30% Grenache and 50% Syrah gives this Cuvee a unique taste that’s bursting full of flavour and the soil composition also produces grapes that have a low level of acidity for a fresher and smoother sensation on the palate.
Senses: I love the beautiful colour of this wine which is a bright and shiny apricot in the glass. It has a pleasant aroma that’s very fruity and when you first sip this wine, you’ll notice strong notes of Blackberries and Red Fruits, seasoned with a dash of Black Pepper spice. It’s wonderfully dry and fresh, pairing well with many vegetarian dishes such as fresh Goat’s Cheese, Black Olives, Stuffed Tomatoes and Morello Cherry Tartlets.
Les Oliviers 2016, Maison Denuzière, Côtes du Rhône
History: Planted since 1876 in the village of Condrieu, Maison Denuzière situated in the famous Côtes du Rhône, offers a huge selection of fine wines from this popular northern region. The terroir here is typically Mediterranean with hot and dry summers, and mild winters. This weather allows the clay-based soil to produce grapes which are extra fruity and fresh!
Grape: Very common in the Côtes du Rhône appellation, this red boasts 60% Syrah and 40% Grenache grapes for a classic taste of what this region has to offer. This combination gives structure and an intense flavour to the wines grown here.
Senses: In the glass, this wine has a dark cherry red colour that’s clear and shiny. Its aroma is pleasant and expressive, with dominant fruity notes of Morello, Plum, Blackberries, Pepper, Licorice, Thyme and subtle hints of Coffee. On the palate, this wine is such a delight; it’s bone dry, medium bodied with pronounced tannins and a smooth texture. Perfect served with Saint-Marcellin cheese and sweet desserts that feature Nougat.
