Posts Tagged La Renaissance des Appellations
La Renaissance des Appellations (Return to Terroir)
Posted by Naturalist in Natural Wines on February 28th, 2009
La Renaissance des Appellations (Return to Terroir)
Very often we get asked the question: How can I tell that this wine is natural as I don’t see any indications on the label? The usual answer we give is that we work closely with a winery to establish as to what degree they follow the requirement set by the Return to Terroir group.
Return to Terroir is group 153 winegrowers in 13 countries founded in 2001 by Nicolas Joly. The aim of the organisation is to establish commonly accepted vineyard methods that pursue the true and inimitable expression of terroir and cellar practices that respect the high level of originality and unique characteristics of each appellation. To be accepted into the group, the winery must present their wines to be unanimously approved by a tasting committee of directors.
The main criteria is the Quality Charter, which requires members to have applied biodynamic or organic vineyard practices on their entire domaines for at least 3 years. For more information click here to visit their website.
Domaine Henri Milan, St Rémy de Provence, France
Posted by Naturalist in Natural Wines on February 16th, 2009
Henri Milan showing his vineyards for whites
Last year in August 2008 we had the pleasure of meeting Henri Milan and taste his wonderful wines. He is very passioned about his terroir and applies a minimal intervention approach in the winery. The town, St Rémy de Provence, is also lovely associated with two very famous people Van Gogh who spent time in the local psychiatric asylum and Nostradamus who allegedly was born there.
Situated in the north of the Alpilles, the geological diversity of the region and the passion for great wine allows Domaine Henri Milan to produce some of Provence finest wines. He took over the destiny of the estate in 1986 with the ambition of making the best possible wine in the respect of nature.
Sampling in the winery
Clos Milan 2002
Henri’s love for Burgundy wines urged him to separate different vineyard based on their climate, and created the following cuvees in 1986 “Tuiliere Vieille” was born, “Clos Milan” in 1989 and “Mourre de Viret” in 1998. By restructuring the soil with natural compost since 1986 when he took control of the domaine after his father, Henri has revived the nature of the soil spoiled with chemicals during the 70’s and beginning of the 80’s and the wine is now expressing its gratitude.
Henri Milan is part of the Nicolas Joly’s La Renaissance des Appellations (Return to Terroir) group. Click here to visit their website.
The soil for the white varieties is blue marl, like in some Chablis Grand Crus, with some clay and limestone and gravel, yellow sandstone for the red varieties (same as in Chateau Rayas).
The total vineyards area is 17 hectares.
Total production: 65,000 bottles
Domaine Henri Milan “Clos Milan” St Rémy de Provence France 2002
After 5 hours of decanting Clos Milan 2002 showed as a great wine whose source is power and elegance from the richness of the soil (sand & gravel) and the attention of Henri. Fresh and juicy with plenty of the flavours of the garrigue (wild herbs in the region). Blend of Grenache (80%), Syrah (20%)
Route de Cavaillon la Galine
13210 Saint-Rémy de Provence
Tel : 04.90.92.12.52
www.dom-milan.com
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