by Michael & Greg, Managing Directors
When the average wine lover thinks of France, they think of the usual suspects – Champagne, Bordeaux, maybe the Rhône. No harm, no foul – these are great regions. When an Opimian Member thinks of France, they have a far broader reach and understanding. Great wines and spirits are made throughout the country, many available exclusively to Opimian.
As you read through this Cellar, keep in mind that our Masters of Wine have tasted and selected each of these wines and, as an Opimian Member, you are one of the chosen few Canadians to know about them, let alone have an opportunity to enjoy them. Long-time Opimian champion and friend, Floris Lemstra, along with his family, have grown Vignobles Canet into a leading winery in Languedoc-Roussillon. Their wines are among Members’ favourites every year. Coupled with Maison Le Breton (you’ll remember them as BLB Vignobles), you have a wide selection of stellar wines from this region. We’d like to take a moment to congratulate Bruno and Morgane of Maison Le Breton for achieving certification as a ‘B Corporation’. This is a highly sought-after recognition of high standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency around social and environmental change.
We continue to improve your choices from the Loire and Provence. Often living in the shadow of the better-known regions mentioned above, these appellations deliver superb quality and value. While Chenin Blanc from the Loire and rosé from Provence are the standard-bearers, your Masters of Wine have found standout bottles throughout the category.
If you haven’t tried them already, it’s time to consider the wines of Domaine Orenga de Gaffory from Corsica. These organic wines, from indigenous varieties, benefit from the breezes from the Mediterranean Sea. So unique. So delicious.
Please take a moment to check out a new, trial feature on page 4. The ‘Up to the Minute’ newsletter is a way for us to give you news of the Club. While e-mail communication has become the preference of most, we know that some of you like to have it in black and white. Please let us know what you think.
Wishing you all the best,
Michael & Greg