Maison Abbotts Notus 2006

Winery Description

Geographical Location

Marseillette is a small winegrowing village of 600 inhabitants, located in the Aude department of France, 17km from Carcassonne, at the heart of the Cathar country.

The famous Canal du Midi, a 240 kms waterway that was built in the 17th century to facilitate trade between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean, flows through the village.

In 1787, Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), thirteen years before becoming President of the United States, took a boat trip along the Canal du Midi. On 16 May, his boat stopped in Marseillette and he said: The canal flows alongside the pond… the view of this mirror of water and the surrounding plain is magnificent. As the sun sets in the sky, I take a last look at the opulent landscape that unfolds before my eyes. Without any hesitation I decide to spend the night amidst the wheat fields, the vineyards, the mulberry and olive trees.

History

Created in 1996 by Nerida Abbott and Nigel Sneyd, ABBOTTS has been bringing a modern approach to already known appellations in the South of France.

Each aspect of the chain, from fruit selection, vilification, maturation, bottling and marketing is treated with equal importance to create fresh, complex wines under recognizable brands with contemporary, appealing packaging.

Bought in 2005 by Badet Clement, a well recognized company for its quality Vins de Pays d’Oc, ABBOTTS BROTHERS has kept the strong values of the brand:

-          Great skill in selection, aging and elaboration of remarkable wines.

-          A modern and elegant marketing,

-          A rigorous and controlled process, from vinification to bottling.

-          Exclusive qualities of the wines.

Today, ABBOTTS proposes a range and a signature which clearly illustrates the great potential of the Languedoc Roussillon, and enhance the possibility of the Syrah.

The Vineyard

ABBOTTS BROTHERS is located in an early 19th century winegrowing estate, in Marseillette, just a stone’s throw from the Canal du Midi. It’s buildings include living quarters, a winery (with concrete and stainless steel tanks) and a beautiful cella for barrel ageing.

Since its renovation, the estate has been able to provide ideal conditions for the blending, maturing and storage of ABBOTTS wines, as well as bottling facilities.

Abbotts wines are marketed under recognizable brands with contemporary, appealing packaging

Varietal Types
Red Wines: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon Carignan
White Wines: Viognier Chardonnay

Tasting notes

This range is the summit of ABBOTTS’s wines. The Minervois, named after the ancient city of Minerve, built by the Romans in dedication to the goddess of wisdom, is one of the oldest wine regions in the Languedoc Roussillon. The appellation extends from the foot of the Black Mountains to the Canal du Midi. NOTUS is sourced from a single vineyard in the heart of the Minervois.

This wine has a nice deep colour. It shows elegant and complex
aromas of red fruits, blackberry, spices and pepper on the nose, with a great freshness of garrigue (balsamic scents, thyme and dry herbs), vanilla and cocoa. On the palate, the rich and powerful flavours finish with delicate hints of vanilla and toast.

Wine & Food

This wine is best enjoyed with well cooked meals. Thanks to its
strength and elegance, it is a perfect accompaniment with all meals and cheeses, and also with chocolate desserts.
Best enjoyed decanted 2 hours before serving.

Vinification

NOTUS, the God of the South wind, is a prestigious Minervois produced from 100% syrah grapes.