Domaine Auguste Bonhomme

François produces wines from an area stretching over the Pyrenees Orientals, Aude, Herault and Gard. François Bonhomme owns and operates the 15 hectares domaine and it is planted solely with 'Melon', or more familiarly, Muscadet. In recent years, he diversify and begin using grapes from a trusted source in the Languedoc-Roussillon. This has enabled them to produce affordable, quality wine for every price point. Anthony Byrne Fine Wines has been working with François and his family for over 20 years

Le Sauvage de la Brie - Chardonnay VDF Vin de France

Origin: Loire, France

La Chapelle-Heulin adjoins a large part of the Marais de Goulaine wetlands. Listed since 2001, this site is part of Natura 2000, the European network of fragile natural areas. The countryside is outstanding at all times of the year. In winter, a huge sheet of water covers the wetlands. In summer, they are completely dry, except for gulleys. A network of paths and lanes winds around the edges and can be used to discover the area, especially the old port of Montru.

Vinification

Carefully harvested, then pressed whilst the must continues to run. Particular attention given to cold racking of the must, cold stabilising (5°C) for 7 days to concentrate the powerful flavours. Then slow and controlled fermentation at 18° C for 21 days. Malolactic fermentation, then occurs followed by racking and tartaric stabilising.

Grape Variety

Chardonnay 100%

Alcohol by Volume

ABV 12.0%

Winemaker's Notes

It is characterised by its yellow and very light green colour and by a intense nose. The initial vegetal aromas take place to a wine deep in structure which unites floral and ripe fruit (banana) and ‘viennoiserie’ such as ‘brioche’ fragrances. The mouth is very well balanced, round and with a light woody taste at the end.

Le Sauvage de la Brie - Sauvignon VDF Vin de Pays du Val de Loire

Origin: Loire Valley, France

Situated in the valley in the Loire Atlantique. Respecting tradition But always improving with modern techniques. This producer is one of the most consistent in this region

Grape Variety

Sauvignon Blanc 100%

Alcohol by Volume

ABV 12.0%

Winemaker's Notes

Lovely, fresh and elegant Sauvignon Blanc with ripe soft fruit and fresh acidity. Aromas of gooseberries and flavours of citrus and melons. A wine of great finesse.

Muscadet Fief de la Brie

Origin: loire valley

A family estate since 1975, this beautiful estate of 25 hectares is located in the heart of the Muscadet Sevre et Maine appellations

Vinification

Perhaps one of the best "sur lie" Muscadets, fermented in cask to give a crisp wine with a surprising depth of flavour.

Grape Variety

Melon de Bourgogne/Muscadet 100%

Alcohol by Volume

ABV 12.0%

Winemaker's Notes

This is Bonhomme's finest cuvée, pale, lemony yellow in colour, crisp and minerally fresh, with that broad, slightly creamy character you only find in the finest 'sur lie' Muscadet (wine left to gain complexity on its yeast 'lees').

Muscadet Sur Lie ‘Cuveé du Printemps’

Origin: Loire, France

This 15 hectare domaine is owned by François Bonhomme and is planted solely with 'Melon', or more familiarly, Muscadet. Anthony Byrne Fine Wines has been working with François and his family for over 20 years.

Vinification

The word Printemps (Spring) installs an impression of the wine, the winery pick the grapes earlier than the prestige wines to ensure an attractive white with crisp acidity that is ideal with seafood. This maintains the perception of ‘Muscadet’ ensuring satisfaction. The wine is then aged on its lees, or sediment, for six months to impart more body to the wine. The grapes are selected from François’s finest vineyards.

Grape Variety

Melon de Bourgogne/Muscadet 100%

Alcohol by Volume

ABV 12.0%

Winemaker's Notes

Pale straw in colour with a nose of tropical fruit. Very fresh and zingy in the mouth with a light body. High acidity with a fruity and mineral finish. This is a wine of great finesse.

Sauvignon Touraine Les Barbottes

Origin: Touraine, Loire, France

Touraine vineyards approximately 60 kilometres East of Tours. The soils are clay and chalky.

Vinification

The Sauvignon grape-variety represents more than 40% of the Touraine wines’ yield. Traditional method, then temperature controlled processing allows Auguste Bonhomme Wines to produce very aromatic wines in which the acidity and fruit balance make a particularly pleasant wine. Bottled very early after the harvest in February or March following the crop allows the grapes to retain the fineness and elegance typical from the Sauvignon variety.

Grape Variety

Sauvignon Blanc 100%

Alcohol by Volume

ABV 12.0%

Winemaker's Notes

Bright green hues are visible in the colour. The nose has notes of nut and fruit which develops into a bright palate of ripe fruit. The finish of this wine has a slight citrus peel bitterness to it. A crisp and dry Loire Valley Sauvignon in a similar style to Sancerre. Overall a very vivacious wine.

Vouvray Comte de la Boisserie

Origin: Vouvray

Vinification

The 1,800 hectares which composed the Vouvray vineyard cover the soft slopes which come down to the Loire and the numerous valleys which furrow the table land.

The soils are with clay, chalky and siliceous.
The appellation of area stretches over eight towns: SAINTE RADEGONDE, ROCHECORBON, VOUVRAY, VERNOU SUR BRENNE, PARCAY-MESLAY, CHANCAY, NOIZAY and REUGNY.

Grape Variety

Chenin Blanc 100%

Alcohol by Volume

ABV 12.0%

Winemaker's Notes

A ripe rounded medium dry white wine with apple flavours and a hint of honey. Rich, with succulent layers of ripe peach, honey, apricot and ginger that linger through a creamy finish. A great Loire Chenin Blanc.

Anjou Rose Les Roseraies Auguste Bonhomme

Origin: Loire Valley, France

Auguste Bonhomme’s estate is based on the Atlantic side of France’s Loire Valley and has been family run for five generations. He grows mainly melon de Bourgogne, also known as Muscadet, on his 15 hectare domaine and produces some stunning wines.

Vinification

Using minimal intervention techniques, the environment is fully respected and are only treated as a last resort to control pests and diseases. Ready now, but will last a couple of years

Grape Variety

Grolleau 60%, Cabernet Franc 40%

Alcohol by Volume

ABV 10.5%

Winemaker's Notes

Almost medium dry, Salmon pink in colour. This wine has delightful fruit flavours and aromas of Summer fruits. Ripe and refreshing palate.

Ideal for drinking by itself it also matches well with salads and lighter style pork dishes.