Reviewed by
Evelyn
Do you enjoy trying out fine French wines? Want the very best of what France has to offer delivered straight to your door every month? Why not try My VitiBox – a popular French wine subscription box which has some incredible wines selected exclusively for its subscribers by the famed sommelier Philippe Defleur (former sommelier of La Tour d’Argent and the Élysée Palace)?
Every month, you’ll receive two bottles of specially selected wines, as well as a copy of My VitiBox‘s leaflet which includes Philippe’s helpful tasting notes, so that you can fully appreciate and learn more about the wines that you’re tasting. The wines are sent in a ‘shockproof’ box, and arrive via courier from France into the UK.
July’s My VitiBox is a real treat because it includes a bottle of rosé, as well as a bottle of red, as part of the Colours and Flavours subscription.
Rosé de la Chevalière 2017, Mas la Chevalière, Pays d’Oc
History: The story of Mas la Chevalière began in the 80s when Michel Laroche, a winemaker in Chablis in Burgundy, discovered the great potential of the terroirs of Languedoc. The altitude, the diversity of the soil, the exhibition, everything was brought together to elaborate great wines! Then, a few years later, he decided to buy Mas la Chevalière, this beautiful property of character, and its 40 hectares of vines. Ever since the winery has become known for the quality of its wines.
Grape: This cuvée de la Chevalière is Phillipe’s personal favourite rosé wine of the year, so what a treat to be able to taste it! Made from an interesting vintage blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah which are the main grape varieties of the Languedoc rosés. Grenache brings opulence and roundness, Syrah its spices and aromas of red fruit, and Cinsault the suppleness of tannins.
Senses: In the glass, this wine is the most beautiful pale salmon pink and it has an expressive and pleasant aroma of red fruits, citrus fruits and spices. On the palate, it is wonderfully fresh and summery with subtle flavours of Strawberries, Grapefruit and Pear coming through. It goes down easily (perhaps a little too easily!) and pairs well with dishes such as Nicoise Salad, Goats Cheese and Strawberries and Cream desserts.
Mas d’Anglade 2015, Languedoc-Montpeyroux
History: Montpeyroux is a rising appellation in Languedoc, thanks to the minerality of the soils and the vast generosity of its wines and winemaker families. The village of Montpeyroux has old houses set up along the narrow streets which conceal wine cellars away from the prying eyes of the public, yet magic is made behind those closed doors. This cuvee from Mas d’Anglade is an exceptional example of the quality of the wines that are produced in this quiet area.
Grape: Out of the three grape varieties that make up this wine, Carignan is certainly the least known. However, it often completes the blend of great southern wines, especially when it’s from old vines. Carignan wines are appreciated for their power, their generosity and the elegance of their tannic structure.
Senses: I haven’t tasted a Carignan wine before so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, however, when I opened the bottle, I was pleased with the open and expressive fruity aroma. In the glass, it has a deep purplish-red colour and on the palate, it has an interesting full-bodied flavour which is bursting with Morello Cherries, Blackberries and a good dose of Pepper to spice it all up. The strength of the tannins is perhaps a little too much for me though, yet it pairs nicely with Black Olives, Courgette Flan and decadent Pecan Chocolate Brownies.
