Nicholas Pearce Wines offers wines from innovative Bordeaux producer Julien Bonneau.
We were excited to host Julien Bonneau here in Ontario this month and taste through his wines from two distinct projects.
Château Haut Grelot, the historic property of his family in Blaye, Côtes de Bordeaux and Grains d’Estuaire a special project with French chef Alexandre Lavigne in their favourite region: the Charente Maritime.
Private Order Offer (ETA September Delivery)
Château Haut Grelot – Blaye, Côtes de Bordeaux:
Château Haut Grelot was established in 1920 in the village of “Les Grelots” by the Bonneau family. Today Château Haut-Grelot comprises 58 hectares of vineyards and is run by Julien, who was recently awarded the title “Best Young Talent” in Bordeaux. The vineyards are made up of sandy-gravel on the hillsides bordering the Gironde Estuary and sand-clay-silt on the hillsides further inland. The reds are fruity and concentrated and the whites are fresh, vibrant and delicate.
2016 Château Haut Grelot ‘Première Cuvée Blanc’ Blaye – Côtes de Bordeaux(Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon) – $16.95 – Buy now
2016 Château Haut Grelot ‘Première Cuvée Rouge’ Blaye – Côtes de Bordeaux
(70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon) $18.95
Red fruit aromas and spices abound in this fresh take on a classic style. The palate is soft and supple with well integrated tannins. Completely unoaked, this Bordeaux blend is best enjoyed with charcuterie, red meats and cheeses.
2017 Château Haut Grelot “Selection Blanc” Blaye – Côtes de Bordeaux
(100% Sauvignon Blanc) $21.95
Matured in new oak barrels for 6 months
Barrel aged Sauvignon Blanc at it’s finest! Complex aromas of vanilla, violet and white peach. This wine has great capacity to age because of the beautifully integrated oak – it lends richness to the palate, creating a full bodied wine with a lengthy finish. Enjoy as an aperitif or with white meats.
2016 Château Haut Grelot “Selection Rouge” – Blaye – Côtes de Bordeaux
(80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon) $21.95
The best parcels of fruit, all hand harvested, find their way into the ‘Selection Rouge’. The nose has expressive aromas of red fruits, vanilla, toast and spices. The fruit, sourced from the more clay rich soils of the hill of Agrières lend a rich and silky texture and tannin to the palate. Aged in second use French oak barriques for 12 months, this wine can be enjoyed now or cellared.
2016 Château Haut Grelot “Côteaux de Méthez” – Blaye – Côtes de Bordeaux(100% Merlot) $25.95
Sourced entirely from single vineyard vines aged 35 years and up, the ‘Côteaux de Méthez’ possesses all the virtues of a great wine. On the nose, black fruits, blackcurrants and strawberries take over. A hint of spiciness and generous tannins develop on the palate to round out this medium-bodied wine. Aged 12 months in new and second use French oak barriques.
Grains d’Estuaire – IGP Charentais (RAW, Natural Wine) :
Two real taste enthusiasts, Julien Bonneau and Alexandre Lavigne were eager to share their own range of wines! The vineyard is located on the hillsides of St Bonnet sur Gironde in the south of the Charente Maritime , which dominate the Gironde estuary. Emma embodies the purity of a natural wine, Alexandre Lavigne and Julien Bonneau attach a great importance on a sustainable vine cultivation were the balance of the plant and grape maturity are essential. Winemaking is very neat to avoid any problem with an adverse organic environment, it is naturally done without the use of sulphites.
2017 Grains d’Estuaire – Cuvée Emma
(100% Sauvignon Blanc) $29.95
Caramel, almonds and white peach are the most expressive aromatics. On the palate, there is great texture and length. Enjoy with firm cheeses or fish in a beurre blanc.
2017 Grains d’Estuaire – Cuvée Emma
(100% Merlot) $29.95
Notes of black fruits and candied citrus fruits. Full-bodied on the palate with good length and soft tannins.
2017 Grains d’Estuaire – Cuvée Emma MAGNUM
(100% Merlot) $59.95
Nicholas Pearce Wines is a Good Food Fighter. Please support the businesses and organizations that support Good Food Revolution.
