Become a Vine Guardian
A few weeks ago I alerted friends of Vin en Vacances on Facebook to the terrible frost suffered in Languedoc. I said then that for many Languedoc winemakers the 2021 harvest is over before its begun. The sub-zero temperatures France recently suffered saw one of the worst frost episodes in decades and Languedoc was one of the worst hit wine regions.
I posed the question ‘What can you do to help?’ and suggested buying Languedoc wine would be a great help. But since then, we have devised another way you can not only help one hard hit vigneron, but become involved too.
Let me introduce you to Emmanuel and Leanne Puy who own a small winery in the Minervois. I first met them when I set up Vin en Vacances in 2009. Their home and winery are beside the Canal du Midi in the village of Roubia and the plots of vines are scattered on the slopes above the village but I first tasted their wines in Capestang during a tasting alongside other local producers. I was struck by the quality of the wine made by this young man, it really stood out amongst the many producers I met that day. The other thing that stood out was Emmanuel’s knowledge about viticulture and wine making and I fondly recall the many visits I made to his domaine with clients thereafter and how much this extended my knowledge.
There is a saying in wine – ‘it’s easier to make it than to sell it’ and unfortunately Emmanuel succumbed to this and eventually had to stop bottling his wine and instead sold his grapes to quality négociants such as Gerard Bertrand. This kept the wolf from the door whilst they raised their young family but last year, they decided to have another go. They chose their best parcels and instead of selling their grapes this time they made 4 cuveés’; a fresh white made from Vermentino, Grenache Blanc and a little muscat, a delicious Grenache and Syrah rosé plus two reds. The first red is a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre and the top cuveé is 100% Carignan from vines planted by Emmanuel’s grandfather 75 years ago. All seemed set for a bright and exciting future until the April frosts this year attacked their vines.
This pragmatic couple are determined to get through, but we would like to help them, and we are sure many of you will too. Gradually an idea has formed which I hope will produce some much-needed cash flow for this couple to keep them going. Our idea is a guardianship program of Emmanuel’s vines so that you can support this wine maker and his family. Its an on-going annual programme and we ask you to commit a year at a time.
There are two levels of guardianship to choose from.
Premier Cru Guardianship of a row of Grenache vines – €75 per year
This level of guardianship will bring you:
6 x bottles of either the white, rose or red blend each year
10% discount if you want to buy more
Regular updates on how your vines are doing
Q&S members will have the opportunity to join in a harvest day and enjoy the harvester’s picnic
Grand Cru Guardianship of row of 75-year-old Carignan vines – €125 per year
This level of guardianship will bring you:
6 x bottles of 100% Carignan each year
10% discount if you want to buy more
Regular updates on how your vines are doing
Annual barrel tasting of the Carignan before bottling
Q&S members will have the opportunity to join Emmanuel in the vines to learn about viticultural aspects such as pruning
Q&S members will have the opportunity to join in a harvest day and enjoy the harvester’s picnic
Wine Shipping
Vine Guardians receive a case of wine each year and of course you are welcome to come to France to get it. But if that is not possible Languedoc has an excellent shipping company that has reasonable prices for shipping wine to just about anywhere in the world.
You will see that Q&S members who become Vine Guardians receive some extra benefits in the guardianship programme so perhaps now is the time to join our international gourmet club? Follow this link for more information about the Quaffers & Scoffers Club. To make this even more appealing until May 31st we are offering half price memberships if you buy one of the guardianship programs.
How to buy a guardianship
Its easy, just send Wendy an email at enquiries@vinenvacances.com and let her know which of the following programs you would like to buy.
- 1er Cru Guardianship –
- Grand Cru Guardianship
- 1er Cru Guardianship including half price Q&S Membership
- Grand Cru Guardianship including half price Q&S Membership
