Fabien Jouves NDD – Nectar des Dieux 2021
1) 14980759 | $29.90

There I was, hand on the accelerator lever of a rented Peugeot 208 as I travelled to the Mas del Périé wine cellar, property of Fabien Jouves, perched in Trespoux- Rassiels, the highest village in the Cahors wine district. Upon arrival, I joined a tasting group.

Initially, there was a lineup of reds from a range of land parcels, with only two whites. But wait! The Cahors appellation allows only red wines to be produced. This young winemaker is running roughshod over the conventions.

One of the two intruders, the Nectar des Dieux, is distributed by the SAQ. It’s a mixture of chardonnay, colombard and sauvignon gris, to which has been added marsanne and rousanne.

The fleshy side of this sunny yellow white wine hides flavours of lemon, citrus, jammy fruits and saline notes enriched with fresh fruits.

This wine is certified Demeter (biodynamic) and should be enjoyed chilled, with friends.

Fabien Jouves
2) 14725029 | $26.10

Original! Jouves also offers the surprising red version of NDD: a joyous mixture of malbec, grenache and cinsault plus the unexpected Hambourg muscat. A red wine that’s light years away from the hearty Cahors stereotype.

Enjoyable, lively, digestible and with a flowery nose, this fruity wine will go well with a plate of cold cuts.

Château de La Dauphine Fronsac 2019
3) 14553749 | $38.25

My taste escapade in the land of roundabouts continued towards Bordeaux. In the Château de La Dauphine, I discovered my personal favourite of the trip. The appellation is Fronsac, and the Château de La Dauphine is a merlot from the top parcels of land in this biodynamic culture estate.

The nose features scents of freshly picked berries reminiscent of a lively red wine. The mouth provides freshness, but also a fullness on a silky finish with coated tannins.

A grand vintage to cellar for several years.