La Ferme Du Mont Wine Tasting with Stéphane Vedeau

On July 12, I attended a wine tasting luncheon hosted by Eurovintage Wines & Spirits that was held at Café Nicole, inside the Novotel Toronto Centre. The purpose of this tasting was to sample a portfolio of wines from the southern Rhône winery - La Ferme Du Mont. Leading the tasting was none other than Owner and Winemaker at La Ferme Du Mont - Stéphane Vedeau.

La Ferme Du Mont is a family-owned and operated winery based in southern Rhône. All of their wines are organic - the vineyards are chemical- and pesticide-free, and only organic fertilizers are used. The cellars are also gravity-fed. All of this is to grow grapes naturally and in harmony with the environment, while also being gentler with the grapes.

Stéphane uses natural yeasts in his wines and in very wide, open tanks. This affects the tannins by making them softer, which was perceptible in the wines tasted at the luncheon. In all, we tasted 5 wines to go with a 5-course tasting menu, along with a special surprise brought in by the winemaker. We finished off our meal with a chocolate tuxedo cup filled with fresh fruits.

Overall, the results of these organic wines are impeccable, as you will see from my tasting notes below. No longer should there be any hesitation towards buying organic wines, as the quality has definitely arrived. A couple of these wines you will find at the LCBO, while you can purchase nearly all of these directly from Eurovintage.

LA FERME DU MONT LA TRUFFIÈRE 2011 - AC Côtes du Rhône, France (#234716) (XD) - $15.95
This white wine is a blend of 50% Grenache blanc, 40% Viognier, and 10% Clairette and matured in concrete vats for at least 8 months. Quite aromatic with crisp, fresh herbal, pear, floral and mineral aromas, along with hints of mushroom. Crisp acidity on the medium-bodied palate with floral, leesy, lemon, and grapefruit notes. Extra dry, medium-long finish. Pairs well with lighter seafood dishes, and could also be enjoyed on its own on the patio. Was part of the July 20 Vintages release and still available. Score: 88+ pts

LA FERME DU MONT PREMIÈRE CÔTE 2009 - AC Côtes du Rhône, France (#251645) (XD) - $15.95
Blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre. Medium-intensity aromas of plum, blackberry and hints of currants. Palate is medium-bodied with flavours of blackberry liquer, kirsch, black currant, cherry and spice. Light tannic grip and a finish that is a touch hot. Could be enjoyed now or in 3-4 years. Paired with bocconcini sandwiched between slices of tomato in between layers of tomato, and all topped with a balsamic reduction and a side of garlic focaccia crostini. The pairing was well done as the cheese helped cut through the tannin, while the balsamic and tomato added fresh acidity to wine to create a vibrant mouthfeel. Score: 88 pts

LA FERME DU MONT LE PONNANT CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2011 - AP, France (#171371) (XD) - $17.00
This red wine was one of my top picks from the June 22 Vintages release (and plenty still in stock). Grenache-dominated blend. Medium-high intensity aromas of lush blackberry, black fruits, and hints of oak. Medium-full bodied with smooth, integrated tannins. Complex palate consists of dark currants, exotic spices, and hints of violets and oak. Has mouth-watering acidity and a lingering finish. The brie served with pesto aioli coated the tannins very nicely leading to a very elegant pairing. Very nice and highly recommended! Score: 90 pts

LA FERME DU MONT CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE VENDANGE BLANC 2011 - AP, France (#) (XD) - $????
This was not originally on the menu, but Stéphane was kind enough to share a bottle from his suitcase. Quite rare to find a white Chateauneuf-du-Pape. This was bottle #434 of 500, and made using Grenache blanc, Marsanne and 5% late-harvested Roussanne. Low-medium intensity citrus, flowers and lemon aromas. Medium-bodied with a chalky mouthfeel. Lemon, fresh flowers, and hints of tropical fruit palate that is bordering on off-dry. Medium-long finish. Score: 88 pts

LA FERME DU MONT GIGONDAS CÔTES JUGUNDA 2010 - AC, Rhône, France (#354118) (XD) - $29.95
Blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah. Medium-intensity aromas of ripe red fruits and red currants that are clear and focused. Medium-full bodied with currant, spice and cedar flavours on the palate. Smooth, velvety tannins and a medium-long finish. Would pair nicely with seasoned poultry. Score: 90 pts

LA FERME DU MONT CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CÔTES CAPELAN 2010 - AC, Rhone, France (#078857) (XD) - $63.00
Another blend with 80% Grenache (some vines 50+ years old), 10% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre. Black licorice, milk chocolate and black fruit aromas. Black currants, kirsch, coconut, and milk chocolate on the palate. Mouth-watering acidity. Full-bodied with big, yet silky smooth, tannins. Could be aged at least 10 years, but drinking great right now. This wine is meant for red meats, and was paired with a grilled lamb chop topped with melted blue cheese, over a bowl of cous cous. Score: 93 pts