Domaine Seguela Blanc d'Alexis 2006

Winery Description

Who are they…?
Le Domain Seguela is operated by Trinidad and Jean-Pierre Seguela, for whom winemaking has been a family tradition spanning over 7 generations.  Passionate about his profession and highly respectful of the “terroir” of his locality, Mr Seguela has established the goal of raising the reputation traditionally attributed to his region of Roussillon, by producing wines of the highest standards of quality.
Like for all art forms, a successful creation is not simply explained by explicit technical criteria. 
It also depends on the careful negotiation of several interweaving factors, most of which requiring substantial investments in various resources, both human and financial in nature, which are often bypassed by contemporary viticulture.

Their distinguishing characteristics…
At Domain Seguela, they believe that what distinguishes them from their peers and contributes to the high quality of their products are the following factors:

1) Meticulous plowing of the soil: All single plots are ploughed according to ancestral traditions in order to allow for adequate aeration of the soil, which serves to enhance its mineral qualities and to strengthen the rooting of the vines.  This allows for a natural equilibrium to take place, avoiding either excess humidity on one hand and extreme dryness on the other.  Moreover, plowing of the soil is performed according to natural cycles.

2) Use of organic growth procedures: their estate does not employ any pesticides, herbicides or other synthetic chemicals.

3) Limited yields of high concentration: their estate comprises a substantial portion of aged vines (some over 80 years old) which have limited yields but of very high concentration.

4) Diversified range of grape types allowing for remarkable complementarities: their plots comprise several grape types such as Shiraz, Grenache and Carignan for our red wines, as well as white Grenache and grey Muscat for the production of white wines.  Such a diversified range allows, through careful and artful combination of each grape type’s exclusive characteristics, to produce powerful tasting wines with sustained coloring and a rich blend of aromas.

5) Vinification adapted to each grape type and vintage: They constantly endeavor to develop distinctive and exclusive products by using winemaking procedures adapted to each grape type and vintage (for example, by varying vinification temperatures).  We pay special attention to vat vinification in order to maintain the authenticity of the fruit, as well as using fine lees ageing process which minimizes tannin, contrary to current practices which rely exceedingly on wood.  This procedure, which they consider essential but which requires greater human capital than standard practices, explains the fact that their products are recognized as offering a perfect balance between concentration and freshness.       

Their goal is not to focus on mass production but rather to offer an exclusive range of products of superior quality which cater to a clientele of connoisseurs.
As an example, the cuvée Jean-Julien 1999 recently outclassed a Rauzan-Ségla (2e cru classé Margaux) in the context of a blind wine tasting event organized by Vino Veritas.

Client loyalty, which is constantly on the rise, along with the privilege of being associated with some of the most renown restaurateurs who make no compromise on quality, are for them the symbols of the recognition of their own quality standards.  
As such, you may enjoy their wines at the following renowned London (UK) establishments, several of which have been recognized by Michelin:

Gordon Ramsay at Claridge’s, Maze, Pétrus, La Trouvaille, L’Atelier de Robuchon, L’Aventure
 
They also export our products around the world, notably to Japan, Germany and Canada, to name but a few of our international markets.

Tasting notes

Brilliant gold in color with a clear sheen, this intensely aromatic wine offers notes of wild flowers and sherry followed by a touch of minerals. Strong up front, full-bodied and fresh, this wine has wonderful structure that carries through to a long, spicy finish.

Serve cool, at between 10˚C and 12˚C.

Pairing

Enjoy with meats, shellfish, langoustines, grilled fish, and soft cheeses. From the Japanese menu think yakitori, kushiyaki, or fish dishes both hot and cold.
 

Cellaring

Store in a cool place - avoid top of the fridge, and aim for basements or attics, where it is isolated, dark and is slightly insulated. Let it age for about 8 months.

Vinification

Languedoc-Roussillon -  Cotes du Roussillon

An rare and unusual wine that goes
fabulously with Japanese cuisine.