CHATEAU DE HARTES 2009

Description & Press Reviews:
Wine Style: Dry Red

Chateau de Hartes is part of a beautiful old domaine whose consistently good wines have racked up more than 50 awards over the years in its native France.  Dating back to the 12th Century the domaine is part of the Chateau Toutigeac estate which is thought to have been founded by the monks of Saint Gerard who had a small community there, planted vines and built the church, dedicated to Saint Genesius.

De Hartes was purchased in 1972 by Charles Mallet, owner of Toutigeac – and one time owner of the famous Chateau Lascombes in Margaux.   Charles Mallet built up a very successful wine business after the First World War and was actually the biggest supplier of wines to Paris at that time. The potential he saw at de Hartes is being realised by his great great grand daughter, Oriane Mazeau, who is a talented young winemaker. 

Not only does Oriane respect her family's wine making traditions but she also respects the land and wildlife of the domaine - maintaining a natural habitat that has been unbroken for 40 years.  Birds of prey, herons and ospreys soar over the domaine and wild boar, deer and hare can be found amongst the vines.  She has also added to the domaine's impressive pedigree of trophies and accolades.

Chateau de Hartes 2009 is a lovely claret made distinctive by its superb structure.  It has floral aromas of violets with flavours of ripe blackcurrant, damson, blackberry, spices, herbs and a hint of pepper. With velvety tannins this is a complex and supple claret that will age well.  Particularly good with food de Hartes will compliment roast beef, sirloin steak, rich casseroles, game pie, venison, rabbit, duck and strong cheeses.

Wine Matching:  Great with Nick's recipe for Roast Woodcock with Madeira Sauce

Recommended Food and Wine Pairing:
Great with Tome De Savoie: A delicious, hard, cow’s milk cheese made in Savoie in the French Alps - it has a nutty flavour and a smooth texture that melts in your mouth.

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