February 2017 Imported Wine: 2014 Chateau Latour de Beraud, Cotes de Nimes Red, Southern Rhone-France
fine Wine Source Wine Club
February 2017
Chateau Latour de Beraud: Château La Tour de Béraud is located in the southern part of the Rhône Valley in AOP Costières-de-Nîmes. The estate lies in the historical geographically important area between Nîmes, Arles, and Avignon. La Tour de Béraud is an ancient fire tower. Its roof was open so that everyone could easily see when a fire was set into it. It was built by in the eleventh-century on the top of the Costière (Coast). Dominating the large plain of Beaucaire, one could see 50 miles away down to Camargue…where there were other fire towers. Part of a large network of watchtowers from the Mediterranean to the Rhône River, a fire from a tower sounded the alarm when invaders were coming. The vineyards make up @30acres & are planted on terraced slopes, composed of clay and pebble soils which were deposited in the area as glaciers moved through the continent during the quaternary period, a geological time period that encompasses the most recent 2.6 million years (including the present day). This specific terroir gives freshness and balance to the wines while the sunny climate of the Rhone ripens the grapes to perfection. Francois Collard is one of the most gifted viticulteurs in the area, and along with his wife Anne, run the Chateau and manages the property that was purchased by the family in the 1960’s. Fran
About: Since the vineyards are situated only a few miles from the Rhone River. The result is an exceptional terroir composed of flat, rounded stones (“galets”) on clay and limestone, enabling the vines to draw nutrients and moisture for the depths of the soil. The galets protect the soil from evaporation and also add a touch of minerality and freshness to the wines. The vineyards were originally made up of predominantly red varietals, dominated by old vine Carignan; however, over the years Francois has expanded the varietal makeup. The vinification was done using the traditional method; maceration of 2-3 weeks in tank at 25-26 degrees, and maturation for about a year in concrete tanks to preserve its natural freshness.
Varietals: 45% Grenache Noir (Adds Fruit & Roundness), 30% Syrah (Adds Color/Finesse/Full Flavor), 15% Mourvedre (Adds Complexity&Fruit),5% Marselan (Adds Tannins/Color/Tangy Fruit)
Alcohol: 14%
Tasting Notes: Aromas of red fruit, mild spice are supported by harmoniously integrating tannin. Ready to drink now, but can be kept for 2 years…decanting is recommended.
Jim Lutfy’s Thoughts: Rustic flavors of tobacco, mushroom, and savory white pepper and sea salt notes. Best served with savory soups and roasts.