Champagne takes all the glory when it comes to French sparkling wine, and don’t get us wrong, there are some great wines made there. There are also some rubbish wines, but they still command a premium price, thanks to the brilliant marketing job the region has done. Luckily for us drinkers, there are other great sources of quality sparkling wine that represent better value! The appellation of Blanquette de Limoux is one such region.
Monsieur S is a modern take on the region – complex wines made without sulphur for spicy, deep wines of great power. Owned by local Étienne Fort who has inherited his family’s business, Monsieur S is rapidly gaining a reputation for being one of the regions most forward-thinking producers. Étienne stopped selling his family fruit to the local larger wineries, believing that his fruit was superior. Inspired by the great growers of Champagne, Étienne understands there is no short cuts on the way to making the finest wines from Limoux. All farming is done organically and intriguingly Monsieur S spends a full 12 months on lees before release, adding depth and power to the wine.
Made from local variety Mauzac, this sparkling wine has seen the full treatment – long lees ageing, time in bottle to harmonise, no added preservatives and everything done by hand. The wine is powerful, spicy and rich, with burnt lemon and pear notes alongside grilled nuts and toast. Demands food and a grand occasion!
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