Tasting notes – Domaine de la Bongran

Tasting notes
Domaine de la Bongran / Domaine Emilian Gillet

Monday 19th October 2009

(The Domaine has been certified organic since 1997)

Domaine de Roally, Viré-Clessé Tradition 2007
From argilo-calcaire soils, this wine has pleasant aromas of honey, straw and grapefruit with a smooth, soft, rich and round mouthfeel and a long finish. It has only been in bottle for 3 months, so there was just a little sulphur showing on the nose.

Domaine Emilian Gillet, Quintaine 2005
(Emilian Gillet is Gautier Thevenet’s Great Great Great Grandfather (not sure exactly how many ‘greats’ are involved but the family’s winemaking history at Quintaine goes back to the 18th century). Aromas of pears, honey, apple, and pear and orange blossom. Very Bongran-like, this is rich, fresh, long and very delicious.

Domaine de la Bongran, Macon-Village, Cuvée Tradition 2004
Attractive and alluring aromas of honey, lemons, oranges and cumquats with a full, fat mouthfeel – quite warm at 14% abv but balanced.

Domaine de la Bongran Viré-Clessé, Cuvée de Thevenet 2004
Loads of honey – really intense sweet grapefruit flavours. Absolutely delicious.

Domaine de la Bongran Macon-Villages, Cuvée Tradition 1999
Hints of Brie, honey, banana and grapefruit. Rich, intense and full – very concentrated, very delicious – this is a turbo-charged wine.

Domaine de la Bongran Macon-Villages, Cuvée Tradition 2001
This has gorgeous botrytis aromas of marmalade, honey, vanilla and crunchy coxes apples. Smooth, rich and balanced on the palate with lovely acidity.

Martin (left) and Alastair (right) tasting with Gautier Thevenet (center)