THE LANGUEDOC

 

LES FILLES DE SEPTEMBRE

Françoise and Roland Géraud have four daughters of September – les Filles de Septembre.  The domaine is in Abeilhan, a village 50kms west of Montpelier in the up-and-coming Côtes de Thongue section of the Languedoc. It’s been in the family for four generations, selling grapes to the local négoce until 1995 when they decided to fix up the cellar and start bottling themselves.

We were impressed with every wine they make. We start with a concentrated Sauvignon Blanc, oozing all the grassy, bright flavour you’d hope for, but without any trace of harshness or sharp acidity you can find. Then there’s a fabulous, rich Viognier and Clos Marine, barrel-fermented 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Viognier in new oak with bâtonnage (stirring of the lees). And on, into the ripe characterful reds.  The Côtes de Thongue Rouge is 70% Carignan with the rest Grenache and Syrah. The Cuvée Dannaé is 70/30 Cab Sauv/Merlot. The Cuvée Delphine is Syrah and Carignan with carbonic maceration and a year in barrique. You can find the Vendange d’Automne in the dessert wine section – it’s a blend of late harvested Sauvignon and Viognier with a tiny splash of Chardonnay.

The non-standard cuvées are named after the daughters – you may have only noticed three. The youngest has been complaining and, sure enough, her cuvée is now in barrel!

 

white
	Sauvignon Blanc	2006	6.99
	Viognier	2006	8.99
	Clos Marine	2005	9.99
red
	Tradition	2005	6.99
	Danae	2005	8.50
	Delphine	2005	9.99