DOMAINE ZUMBAUM-TOMASI
Just before the small village of Claret an old cyprus tree overlooks the fields and meadows. There, next to a mazet typical of the region, lie the 6 hectares of vineyards of the Domaine Zumbaum-Tomasi. The surrounding ground rises from the road up to the ridge of the mountain range that protects Claret from the south. The scrub defines the landscape: a chalk soil with bushes of herbs with strong scents of rosemary, thyme and lavender. It is these which give the wine its typical flavour. The vineyards are planted with about 80% Syrah and 20% Grenache. The wine conforms to the high standards of the Appellation d’Origine Contrôllée du Languedoc (AOC) and Appellation Contrôllée du Pic St. Loup, as well as the Ecocert, a recognition at the European level of their high organic cultivation and production standards.
After fermentation and maturation for 12 to 15 months, the wine is bottled. In doing so strict attention is paid to quality and hygiene. The production of bottles conforms to the highest standards and is intended for prolonged maturation.
The bottle label is based on a picture postcard featuring the lower vineyard and has been used unchanged since the beginning. Only the year and the number printed on the label during bottling at the Domaine make them different. In this way, the label makes every bottle unique!
The vineyards are cultivated by Azeddine Bouhmama using strictly controlled organic methods in order that the vines can grow in a natural manner, particularly in difficult weather conditions. It has proven to be quite challenging but very worthwhile. A locally Oenologist supports them and it is his willingness and commitment that contribute to the success of the wine. Every year after the green harvest (removal of unwanted leaves and small bunches of grapes) in the spring only a few bunches remain on each vine, so that in late summer or early autumn the largest and most beautiful grapes can be hand-picked and then pressed in their own cellar in nearby Claret. Maturation in oak barrels then gives the wine its unique taste.
The Domaine owns two Schleswig mares to work in the vineyards. They are optimistic that this experiment will be a success. They more work to be done more easily on the difficult high ground. In addition, the production of horse manure will contribute to their organic methods in an ideal way. Bouhmama plans to extend the area of vines under cultivation up to 10 hectares. He is constantly committed to using organic methods to improve the quality and in particular the ability of the wine to undergo prolonged maturation.
Wines Offered
Domaine Zumbaum-Tomasi Coteaux du Languedoc Pic Saint Loup Clos Maginiani 2008 BUY »
