Reviewed by
Emma
With less than one week to the big day, it’s time to crack open the December box from Le Petit Ballon; get warm, cosy albeit quietly merry. This month’s box brings a bottle each of red and white: The red, a Domaine d’Homs Tradition 2014 and a white, a Domaine Papillon Cuvee Popillon 2015.
As well as the wines, the box also includes the usual wine tasting cards that help and guide you to make the most of your subscription; these tasting cards also offer insight into a brief history of their origins. I also received the festive December edition of Le Petit Ballon’s monthly Gazette magazine, which has a special champagne feature – including 8 fun facts you might not have known.
Did you know: “The (moderate) consumption of Champagne improves memory and prevents cognitive degeneration. One study also suggests there may well be benefits to your heart as well” ? Ok, if I must! Someone, please pass the bottle……….
All wines that feature in Le Petit Ballon boxes have been carefully selected by Jean-Michel Deluc, a master sommelier, formerly of the Ritz, London.
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Domaine Papillon – Cuvée Papillon 2015 – AOP Mâcon Péronne (13.5%)
This white wine is beautifully light, silky and smooth yet packed with stunning citrus fruit notes. Refreshing and aromatic. Le Petit Ballon suggests this wine as an aperitif, for lovers or at dinner with the family. Perfect!
The tasting notes are as follows:
Eyes: The wine has a green-gold colour with silver reflections giving it a beautiful shine. A fresh and visually stimulating wine.
Nose: On the nose, the wine offers a delicate aromatic palette with aromas of white fruits, citrus fruits, fresh butter, flowers and white mint.
Mouth: On the palate the wine is finery balanced between the weight of the flavours and the aromatic freshness. Pleasant, refreshing and mineral at the same time; a lovely wine.
Visit Le Petit Ballon to buy this wine.
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Domaine d’Homs – Tradition 2014 – AOP Cahors (12.5%)
This full bodied red is exceptionally dark, rich and packed with plenty of dark fruits – giving this wine it’s stunning colour. Character driven with an abundance of layered flavours on the palette; Le Petit Ballon recommend enjoying this by the fire this Christmas with friends and family, certainly a special bottle for a cosy celebration.
The tasting notes are as follows:
Eyes : This wine has a ruby colour with incredible intensity, suggesting a wonderful extraction during the winemaking. The slight hint of red towards the rim suggests the first signs of evolution.
Nose : On the nose this is aromatic and generous, with notes of ripe black fruits, peony, freesia, licorice and tobacco. Charming!
Mouth : The wine is full bodied and enormously drinkable, with flavours of black fruits, licorice and cherries. The tannins are still quite fine and tight.
Visit Le Petit Ballon to buy this wine.
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Summary
Every month you’ll receive the following in your Le Petit Ballon box:
Two bottles of wine carefully selected Former Sommelier Chef at The Ritz.
Tasting advice and super tips With handy posts and videos.
The Gazette The magazine that tells you everything there is to know about wine without all the waffle!
There are 2 subscription options available to you:
- Grape Expectations – £24.90 per month, Including Shipping. This subscription brings you unknown, but great value wines chosen by the master sommelier Jean-Michel Deluc.
- Age of Raisin – £39.90 per month, Including Shipping. This subscription delivers prestigious labels for connoisseurs, chosen by the master sommelier Jean-Michel Deluc.
By subscribing you’ll also receive 20% off future wine purchases on their site, all delivered straight to your door.
By Mary 
By Evelyn 
