| Producer |
| Louis Magnin runs his small estate of eight hectares from the village of Arbin, which is close to the town of Montmélian in the Combe de Savoie. He currently farms organically, but is converting to operating a biodynamic system. Arbin itself is famous for producing some of the best Mondeuse in the region, and in fact if a bottle has Arbin on the label it has to be made from 100% Mondeuse. Mondeuse is the local red grape variety that is mainly found in Savoie. It also grows in neighbouring Bugey and has been planted as far afield as California, and Australia.
This family domaine produces four different white wines, five different red wines and depending on the vintage, they also produce two sweet wines. This week’s wine of the week, is La Brova, which is in fact not a street version of brother but instead means “la belle” (the beautiful) in the local Savoie dialect.
The Mondeuse vines for this wine were planted thirty-five years ago, on the well-drained limestone slopes of the Bauges mountains. In order to ensure full maturity these are some of the last grapes to be picked. They are de-stemmed and left to macerate for 30 days, before being matured for 12 months in (mainly new) oak barriques. |
Tasting Note  Flower Day
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| The Magnin La Brova has aromas of red cherry, plums and a hint of spice: particularly cinnamon and white pepper. These aromas are carried through to the elegant palate which contains notes of red cherries, raspberries and black pepper. The oak is noticeable but well integrated and the tannins are soft but present. Although the wine has been matured in oak barrels, it is not a big “show-stopping” wine. This is a wine with grace, complexity and refreshing acidity.
August 2011 |
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| Country: France |
| Region: Savoie |
| Vintage: 2007 |
| Alcohol: 12.5% |
| Grape Variety: |
| Mondeuse |
Price:
£15-£20 |
| Where To Buy: |
| Currently no UK stockists, Wine-Searcher (non UK) |
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