Featured Vineyard Series: J.Mourat
Winemaker: J. Mourat, Loire Meridionale
The Region in a nutshell
The majority of Mourat’s wines are grown, cultivated, and produced in the appellation Fiefs Vendéens AOC. It is located in the southwestern tip of the Loire Valley and the vineyards are influenced by sea breezes as seen in the image above. It is a real figure of originality. A work of art just like their range of wines! There may not be your typical slate buildings, ancient cave cellars or castles dotted around the region but there is an expanse of beautiful coastal vineyards. The AOC appellation status was obtained in 2011. There is a lot of unique geological richness that gives each wine a unique character. The region is 20% white wine from Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay grapes, 40% red and 40% rosé wines from Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Négrette grapes.
The Winery and the Mourat Family
The region and Mourat create cosmopolitan wines from a cosmopolitan vineyard.
The Mourat name is synonymous with wine for generations. The family started out as winegrowers and saltgrowers until the late 19th Century, then for three generations the family was synonymous with wine merchants.
Then, in 1974, Jean created and crafted the vineyard that is today, the proud home of Chateau Marie du Fou.
In 1998, son Jérémie joined and accelerated the adventure by establishing two estates - Clos Saint André in 2006 and Moulin Blanc in 2011. For more than 10 years the estates have gone into organic farming or organic conversion.
The Grape Varieties and their Wine Styles
Mourat’s white wine grape varieties are Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay. The main Mourat red wine grapes are Pinot Noir, Gamay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Mourat wines see a marriage of traditional Loire Valley grapes with non-traditional grape varieties from South-West France. Not your typical wine marriages but, in my opinion, they are the perfect match!
Château Marie du Fou
This wine is a new arrival at the Wine Shop. It is the Mourat Family property and she is the Queen of the Mourat wine Family for sure! The vineyard she hails from has witnessed a lot of French history over the years, all 96 hectares of it.
This Pinot Noir blend is the Queen of the Mourat Family! She is a reflection of authentic traditions. A soft and fresh red blend that is full of complexity thanks to oak ageing. A real gem!
The Collection
There is a collection of red, white and rosé and they are made in a contemporary style. They focus on authenticity and ingenuity of exceptional grape varietal blends. Pleasure wines that are so Smooth & Juicy! The red and white are currently available for you to try.
O.V.N.I or the U.F.O Cuvées
Our first ever Mourat and one that we can rely on again and again for its flavour, likeability and craftsmanship. The blend of Sauvignon/Chardonnay is not your standard but that’s what this series of wines is all about. The racy and zesty Sauvignon grape is softened so beautifully by the charming Chardonnay. Don’t knock it till you try it! The fact that it’s a “great looking bottle” is reason enough alone to give it a try! We will be adding to this series with the U.F.O rosé when rosé season kicks off very soon.
