2009 Domaine Grosbot-Barbara - Chambre d'Edouard
Price: $17.00
M. Denis Barbara - Saint-Pourcain - 6.5 hectares The VDQS appellation of Saint-Pourçain is situated in the center of Francein the Allierdepartment. This region is better known to wine professionals for its forests of prized oak trees used in barrel production than for its wines. The vineyards are planted on a series of hillsides to the west of the Allierriver ranging approximately 5 kilometers in width and 30 kilometers in length.The history of vineyards in this area dates back to before the Romans, when the Phoenicians settled here and planted vines. In fact, they claimed to have civilized the barbarians with wine. During the 13th and 14th centuries the wines of Saint-Pourçain were highly esteemed. They traveled up to Paris via the Allier and Loire rivers and were favored by Popes, royalty and the aristocracy alike. By the end of the 18th century the vineyards of Saint-Pourçain covered more than 8,000 hectares. Today the vineyards total 1,000 hectares. The appellation received VDQS status in 1951 and is most likely soon to receive AOC status. Saint-Pourçain Rouge M. Barbara grows both Gamay and Pinot Noir, the two sanctioned varieties in Saint-Pourçain. The largest part of his red wine production comes from gamay. Not liking the results of blending these two varieties, he produces a separate wine from his Pinot Noir. The Gamay grapes are destemmed and rest in a chilled tank (10°-12°C) for 4 days. This type of pre-fermentation maceration is now often seen in the production of white wines. The fermentation follows and lasts 6 or 7 days. It includes the regular pumping over of a chilled must. M. Barbara is employing techniques designed to bring out in his wine the fresh fruit characteristics of his grapes. |
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