One of our long term producers, with us from our first year in business, is Jean- Louis Poudou of Domaine La Tour Boisee. The vineyards are located in the Languedoc area of France in the village of Laure. It is near the medieval village of Carcassone and the Canal Midi, in the heart of the Minervois region.
The family estate began in 1826. Today there are 200 acres of vines and over 2500 olive trees. In 1982 Marie- Claude and Jean-Louis took over the estate from her parents and have grown and enhanced the vineyards.
The French Press refer to Jean-Louis as the "Happy King of the Minervois" because he is always smiling. He is an energetic and creative wine maker who loves what he is doing.
This is all that is left of the Four Towers of Wood that surrounded the property in the XII century. The vineyards are surrounded by hills and the vines receive the winds from the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean that enable wonderful growth.
AOC Minervois Chateau Tour Boisee
Marie- Claude Red:
Marie-Claude White:
Marielle et Frederique Red; Named for their two daughters, this is a red wine of 60% Grenache,15% Cinsault, 10% of very small grapes of Syrah, 10% Carignan, and 5% of Mouvedre. The nose is very ripe dark fruit and berries and the taste is silky and complex.
Domaine Tour Boisee
Une Histoire de Famille Red : This wine features the Languedoc trio. Grenache 60%, Carignan 20% and Cinsault 20%. The aroma and taste are of black fruits and berries with a hint of liquorice. The wine is great with duck, tender red meat and spicy food.
Une Histoire de Famille White: The white is a selection of Marsanne 50%, Vermintino 15%, Rousanne 10%, Grenache white 10%, Maccabeu 10%, and Muscat 5%. The color is golden with aromas of spring flowers and ripe fruit, peaches and pineapple.This white is wonderful with fish.
Une Histoire de Famille Rose: The rose is Grenache 40%, Syrah 20%, Cinsault 20, and Mouvedre 20%. It is a dark pink color with floral aromas and taste. It pairs well with barbecued white meats.
Bel Serrat: means beautiful hills
Malbec- Alicante Red: This is a blend of 70% Malbec and 30% Alicante. The Alicante grapevines are traditional to Minervois and are over 70 years old and bring a subtle kirsche, cherry flavor to the wine. The wine is a deep purple color and has a subtle elegance. It pairs well with barbecued meats, sweet and sour dishes, and chicken.
Special Production:
Plantation 1905
Plantation 1905 has an interesting history. At the beginning of the 20th century there were few methods for fighting insects and diseases that attacked the vineyards. So in the village of Laure a planting was made of many grape varieties to see which would survive. These vines were also used for grafting so they are the mothers and grandmothers of many wines in the area. The Cave Cooperative asked Jean-Louis to take over the care of this 1.6 hectare vineyard that now produces 10,000 bottles of wine. Jean-Louis was curious what the grapes were and asked the Oneology Program at University of Montpellier to identify the grapes. Four of the 23 varieties are unknown. These grapes are harvested last and produce a wine that is dark, intense and flavorful.
In 2005 Jean-Louis wanted to buy an operating vineyard next to his land. The vintner wanted to retire. Jean-Louis formed a cooperative. Steve and I gladly bought 2 shares or 2 hectares. Here Steve and Jean-Louis are standing in our vineyards. The wine is called "My Vineyard", how appropriate.
My Vigne
The wine is dark purple/red and very fruity. It is un-oaked and you can fully appreciate the taste of the Cabernet Sauvignon grape. It ages well and is best when served with lamb or steak.
