French | Wine of the Month Club's Ultimate Wine-pedia

Import Selection: Fondation, 1991. Barton & Guestier

August 26, 2016

The venerable French wine-shipping firm of Barton & Guestier (B&G) was founded by Thomas Barton in 1725, hence the proud name of this selection. Barton, of English/Irish heritage, having taken on a French partner, Daniel Guestier, was notably instrumental in developing the British Isles’ seemingly unquenchable thirst for Bordeaux wines. The massive market he helped… read more »

Import Selection: Cotes du Ventoux, 1990. Jaboulet Aine

August 26, 2016

“I do not think that Gerard Jaboulet has ever made greater wine than he has in 1990…a new quality threshold has been attained…” Robert Parker Jr. When we tasted this wine, we had to agree. Paul Jaboulet Aine is another family owned winery. They have achieved the dual distinction of being not only one of… read more »

Import Selection: Blanc de Blanc, 1990. Domaine de Felines

August 26, 2016

When, between 1976 and 1984 the authorities of the Languedoc wine growing regions of France set out to change their image, the Herault district was one of the first to accept the challenge. Long known as France’s “wine reservoir”, the Languedoc needed a new image. The district of Herault uprooted 74,000 acres of vineyard to… read more »

Import Selection: Cotes du Rhone, 1990. Moillard

August 25, 2016

The venerable French wine producing firm Moillard was founded in 1850 by Symphorien Moillard. It is now managed by the fourth and fifth generations, and remains a family owned and operated concern. While 60% of Moil-lard’s turnover is achieved in France, its wines are sold internationally in over 30 countries. The elite part of the… read more »

Import Selection: Cotes du Gascogne, 1991. Domaine du Mage

August 25, 2016

In the heart of the Armagnac countryside in the southwestern part of France known as Gascony lies the beautiful 75 acre estate of the Domaine du Mage. This part of France, which is also known for its gastronomy and general “joie de vivre” is often sadly forgotten by visitors coming to France. Not only does… read more »

Import Selection: Verdillac White Bordeaux, 1990. A. Roux

August 25, 2016

The story of Verdillac is really the story of the French “negociant” firm, Maison Armand Roux. This highly reputable company dates back to 1842. Its founder, Armand Roux, traveled extensively to Belgium and Holland, where he developed a clientele of well-to-do wine lovers. Visiting each of them once a year, he would conduct two simple… read more »

Import Selection: Marsanne, 1990. Reserve St. Martin

August 23, 2016

Les Vignerons du Val d’Orbieu is an association of shareholders formed in 1967. The Group’s members are all wine producers in the French Languedoc region. This vast wine growing area in the south of France, known as the Midi, is to French wine what the American Midwest wheat belt is to grain: it produces virtually… read more »

Import Selection: Macon-Clesse, 1990. Cave de Vire

August 23, 2016

The southern part of Burgundy, France plays host to many famous communes and townships: Notably Pouilly Fuisse, Macon, and St. Veran. The town of Clesse is a sleepy french commune, its only real attraction, aside from the wine of course, being an 11th century church with an octagonal tower. The basic red grape of the… read more »

Import Selection: Chateau Chariot, 1988. Corbieres

August 23, 2016

With the rising cost of the dollar on the international money market and the increase tax liability that has hit the wine industry, many people have asked how “The Club” will be able to maintain the quality of the monthly import selection. Good question! One answer lies between the sandy beaches of the Mediterranean and… read more »

Import Selection: Chateau Larroque, 1989. Bordeaux

August 23, 2016

Unlike many Bordeaux wineries, Chateau Larroque is built around a bona fide chateau. A beautiful country mansion (pictured on the label), the property was built in the 1600’s and has been in the same family for 150 years; M.C. Ducourt proprietor. Bordeaux, the wine region is named after Bordeaux, the city. It is on the… read more »