2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Croix de Bois Chapoutier

Made exclusively from Grenache, Croix de Bois de Chapoutier comes from the typical Châtea uneuf soils, large rounded pebbles and sandy red clay. The harvest is vinified in closed concrete vats and only free run wine is used. It is aged in vats for 14 to 16 months.

With its intense red hue, the nose is fruity and elegant, with notes of red fruit, strawberry jam, floral accents and a touch of spice. Creamy and flavour some on the palate, it has distinguished tannins of rare finesse and showcases the breath-taking length of great Châteauneuf wines. This wine with good ageing potential (15 years or more) can be enjoyed after 3 to 5 years thanks to its fruity freshness.

INFORMATION ABOUT DOMAIN CHAPOUTIER Maison Chapoutier is without doubt one of the most prestigious names in the Rhône producing some of the finest Hermitage. The domain converted its 350 hectares of vines to biodynamic viticulture, making it the largest vineyard to adopt this method of cultivation. It has held certification since 1999. The Chapoutier savoir faire has spread to other vineyards in other winemaking regions: Provence, Beaujolais, Roussillon, Champagne, Alsace, Portugal but also Australia. In 1879, Polydor Chapoutier bought a few hectares of vines and started a negociant business. Seven generations have succeeded him, and Michel Chapoutier is currently at the helm. Since 1996, all the labels have been transcribed in braille. Chapoutier is often one of the last to harvest to ensure that grapes reach optimal maturity.

DETAILED CHARACTERISTICS

• French customs seal: yes

• Alcohol percentage: 15.50 %

• Country/Region: Rhône

• Appellation/Wine: Châteauneuf-Du-Pape

• Producer/Owner: Chapoutier

• Vintage: 2016

• Color: red

• Intensity: full-bodied

• Dominant aroma: black fruit

• Tasting occasion: gastronomic

• Grape variety: grenache 

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Medium sweet, medium acidic, honey melon notes, orange marmalade notes, hint of honey.

TASTE Mellow and sweet whites are medium-dry or even sweet. You can discern apricot, honeydew melon and floral notes in these wines. Residual sugar rounds up the flavour.

TIPS FOR USE These wines are all characterised by delicious, fruity sweetness, which means that they are excellent for socialising and a good match for Eastern dishes and vegetables. Try with Indian vegetable or chicken korma, shrimp and cheese quiche or black label Emmental.

HOW TO SERVE White wines are best served chilled, at 10–12°C. Chilling a bottle from room temperature to the perfect serving temperature takes about two hours in a fridge. The sweeter the wine, the cooler it can be served.

Find this and more exceptional selections at Kaasak.

Armagnac Saint Vivant is a brandy with a very special, very aromatic flavour. The Armagnac was the first French schnapps and is said to be more than 700 years old. For this reason, it is considered the oldest distillate in Europe. The Saint Vivant will explain it to you through its excellent taste that will lead you to savour a piece of history.

TASTING NOTE:

Color: Has an attractive amber colour with mahogany hues.

Smell: Exquisite aromas of prunes mixed with vanilla, caramel, violets and some spicy notes.

Taste: It has a complex entry due to its dense texture and aromatic character. On the palate: the power of alcohol is felt intertwined with caramelized fruit essences, which are rounded off with notes of leather, wood and tobacco.

PRODUCER: Saint Vivant.

Winery located in the French commune of Condom, in the department of Gers. In 1975 it was acquired by the La Martiniquaise group of companies.

COUNTRY: France.

ELABORATION DETAILS: This magnificent Armagnac comes from the distillation of wines made with different varietals of white grapes from the region of Gascony, among which are Ugni Blanche, Baco and Folle Blanche.

The fruits are fermented and then distilled in traditional copper stills. Finally, the liqueur is left to mature for a year in French oak barrels. The entire production process takes place in the commune of Condom-en-Armagnac, located in the southwest of France, which has had the Bas-Armagnac designation of origin since 1936 to make this content-type of liqueur. Another peculiarity of this distillate is its incredible presentation of the traditional bottle with a sloping neck.

ALCOHOLIC STRENGTH: 40%

Kahlua is a coffee liqueur from Veracruz, Mexico. The drink contains rum, sugar, and 100% arabica coffee.

A bright pale yellow color with green highlights, with a stream of many fine bubbles. Intense with notes of  tropical fruits and citrus. Creamy and smooth, very pleasant and well balanced.

An exceptionally smooth brandy with rich complex flavors, Beautiful amber color with golden reflections.

Vinous notes and aromas of candied fruit, very lightly roasted