IULA

Organic Wines

WINE MADE FROM ORGANICALLY GROWN GRAPES – Certified ECOCERT SAS – F32600

Mills Whitcombe in 2008 are introducing the acclaimed Organic wines Iula, from the Languedoc, to their portfolio.  There are seven wines in total, 3 whites and 4 reds.  Made by the brilliant team at Domain Bonfils, these wines are vibrant and exciting.

They are made in the Languedoc region in Southern France mostly in the Area North of Beziers and west of Montpellier; this region provides ideal growing conditions for grapes, especially: Chardonnay, Cabernet  Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah.  The Syrah being in the Flagship wine from this range the ‘Coteaux de Languedoc’ as well as the great value Vin de Pays Red.

The wines will be available at the Mills Whitcombe Wine Warehouse from January 28^th 2008

IULA Vin de Pays WHITE 2006 £5.49

The first wine from Iula is Vin de Pays d’Oc white, made from: Viognier, Grenache Blanc grown on sandy soils and Chardonnay grown on limestone and clay hillsides.  The wines have a temperature controlled fermentation (15°C) to keep lots of aroma and freshness in the wine with double racking and stirring to make sure the fruit is powerful - pale yellow in colour with green tints.  Has distinctly intense and aromatic nose. Fresh, lively and elegant in the mouth.

IULA Vin de Pays RED 2006 £5.49

The second wine is the Red Vin de Pays d’Oc, which is made from the grape varieties: Merlot, Syrah and Grenache on Limestone and clay soils.  The wine is made using long natural and traditional vatting and local yeast varieties. It is Stirred and allowed to breathe naturally whilst maturing in vats.  This results in a beautiful colour with dark red tints. Aromas of red fruits followed by a fruit driven style. A soft and supple wine, which will partner most food.

IULA CHARDONNAY 2006 £5.99

The second white is a Vin de Pays d’Oc made from 100% Chardonnay.  This Chardonnay obtains its unique expression from the limestone hillsides on which it grows. The Vineyards are south facing, which favours good maturation.  The wine has temperature controlled fermentation (15°C) again with double racking and stirring and selected yeast.  Bright yellow colour. Intense aromatic nose full of peaches, apricots and white flowers. Rich and supple, yet fresh and subtle.

IULA VIOGNIER 2006 £6.49

The third white is a Vin de Pays d’Oc made from 100% Viognier.  This Viognier obtains its expression from the sandy limestone soils it grows on.  Similar winemaking to the Chardonnay, giving the wine strength and aroma, very forward aromatic nose full of flowers, apricots and citrus fruit.  Fresh yet rich on the pallet.  Drink as an aperitif or with exotic dishes.

IULA MERLOT 2006 £5.99

The second red from Iula is a red Vin de Pays d’Oc made from 100% Merlot.  The Merlot is located in the heart of the appellation area. The wine obtains its unique expression from the terroir, which is composed of schist and pebbles that date back to the roman period when vines were first planted here.  This is a very elegant wine due to the terroir and the winemaking process where free run juice is aged in vats with micro - oxygenation.  A process of allowing oxygen to be trickled through the wine in order to produce a well structured wine without harsh tannins.  It is produced from grapes, which have reached optimum ripeness to convey the purest expression of the varietal Merlot – leading to aromas of liquorice and blackberries. Red fruit and soft spices reflect the wines Mediterranean spirit on the pallet. Some call it the ‘taste of the garrigue’ - Ideal for meat dishes or vegetable stir-fry.

IULA CABERNET Sauvignon 2005 £6.29

 The third red wine from Iula is a Vin de Pays d’Oc made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon made on hot limestone and clay hillsides. Vibrant and dark red in colour with notes of ripe blackcurrant and grilled red peppers, typical of Mediterranean Cabernet Sauvignon. Full bodied with tannins a harmonious and well balanced wine.  I was particularly taken with the depth and character of this wine, full harmonious integration and a long finish, perfect with food.

IULA COTEAUX DU LANGUEDOC 2005 £6.99

The fourth red wine from Iula is a Coteaux du Languedoc made from Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre’ a blend of grapes similar to that of the Rhône.  This Coteaux du Languedoc is located in the heart of the appellation area. The wine obtains its unique expression from the terroir which is composed of schist, pebbles and basaltiques dating back to the roman period. The appellation of ‘Coteaux de Languedoc’ is the highest for the area – the wines must conform to the strict laws of the regional rule book in order to qualify for permission to put ‘Coteaux de Languedoc’ on the label – not only that this wine is organic too!  The wine is made using whole berries, the traditional way, without crushing or de-stemming which will give the wine great structure and dynamics. The exceptional terroir creates exceptionally fine and elegant wines. The low yields favour a concentrated wine with strong aromas of red fruit, roasted nuts and liquorice. Drink with roast beef, game and meat stews.