Maison Abbotts Cordis 2002

Winery Description

Geographical Location

Marseillette is a small winegrowing village of 600 inhabitants, located in the Aude department of France, 17km from Carcassonne, at the heart of the Cathar country.

The famous Canal du Midi, a 240 kms waterway that was built in the 17th century to facilitate trade between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean, flows through the village.

In 1787, Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), thirteen years before becoming President of the United States, took a boat trip along the Canal du Midi. On 16 May, his boat stopped in Marseillette and he said: The canal flows alongside the pond… the view of this mirror of water and the surrounding plain is magnificent. As the sun sets in the sky, I take a last look at the opulent landscape that unfolds before my eyes. Without any hesitation I decide to spend the night amidst the wheat fields, the vineyards, the mulberry and olive trees.

History

Created in 1996 by Nerida Abbott and Nigel Sneyd, ABBOTTS has been bringing a modern approach to already known appellations in the South of France.

Each aspect of the chain, from fruit selection, vilification, maturation, bottling and marketing is treated with equal importance to create fresh, complex wines under recognizable brands with contemporary, appealing packaging.

Bought in 2005 by Badet Clement, a well recognized company for its quality Vins de Pays d’Oc, ABBOTTS BROTHERS has kept the strong values of the brand:

-          Great skill in selection, aging and elaboration of remarkable wines.

-          A modern and elegant marketing,

-          A rigorous and controlled process, from vinification to bottling.

-          Exclusive qualities of the wines.

Today, ABBOTTS proposes a range and a signature which clearly illustrates the great potential of the Languedoc Roussillon, and enhance the possibility of the Syrah.

The Vineyard

ABBOTTS BROTHERS is located in an early 19th century winegrowing estate, in Marseillette, just a stone’s throw from the Canal du Midi. It’s buildings include living quarters, a winery (with concrete and stainless steel tanks) and a beautiful cella for barrel ageing.

Since its renovation, the estate has been able to provide ideal conditions for the blending, maturing and storage of ABBOTTS wines, as well as bottling facilities.

Abbotts wines are marketed under recognizable brands with contemporary, appealing packaging

Varietal Types
Red Wines: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon Carignan
White Wines: Viognier Chardonnay

Tasting notes

A concentrated wine with pepper, paprika and red berry notes. Rich palate with fine, soft tannins, and great length. An extremely versatile wine which goes perfectly with game, red meats, spicy food and cheese.

Hand harvested from 50 year-old vines. Carbonic maceration for 30% (press juice is blended with free run wine). Traditional fermentation for 70%.Matured in 2 year old American oak barrels for 18 months. Drink in 5 to 8 years.

Languedoc - Roussillon           AOC Minervois

Vinification

March's Wine of the Month and marked down from 4,210 yen. This wine is a steal at this price!

A superb Minervois from Abbotts' "Passion" range. Rich fruit without excessive sweetness. Look for spice notes and a hint of chocolate.