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Sad news: Mille Vignes ceased trading January 2003- I've kept this here for archival purposes

Six from cross-channel wine shop Mille Vignes

Day trippers may be interested to know that there's another outlet worth visiting on trips across the channel, Mille Vignes, a wine shop located in a small town a few minutes from Boulogne. They recently sent me six wines to try from their smallish but interesting range (details of which can be found on their website, www.millevignes.com). They specialise in wines from the Rhône and the South of France, two regions offering interesting wines at good prices. The website still lists prices in French Francs; I've converted these into Euros and given a UK equivalent. It would probably be worth phoning ahead if you are planning to make the detour from Calais to visit here, to check what they have in stock -- I'm not sure how often the website is updated.

Château Mourgues du Gres 'Les Galets Rouges' 2000 Costières du Nîmes
A concentrated deep red/black coloured wine, this has an enticing meaty, savoury, slightly cheesy nose. The palate shows lovely medium-bodied savoury character, with meaty dark fruits and some tannin. Superb food wine with real character: there's authentic, almost Northern Rhône-style Syrah here. Drinking well now. Very good/excellent (€5.40; £3.50 Milles Vignes) 

Domaine du Poujol 'Podio Alto' 1999 Coteaux du Languedoc
Very elegantly packaged, this is clearly a wine with some ambition. It's a mid weight red, with a ripe, spicy, leathery nose that's still quite tight and youthful. The dry, spicy palate has some chunky southern character. It's an authentic southern French style, but needs time to develop some real personality. Very good (€7.50; £4.90 Mille Vignes) 

Domaine Montrose Chardonnay 2000, Vin de Pays d'Oc
Quite a full yellow/gold colour, this a ripe nose of tropical fruit, which carries through to the buttery palate, with a slightly coconutty edge. It is a well made commercial Chardonnay, but it could have come from virtually anywhere. Very good (€4.9; £3.20 Mille Vignes) 

Domaine Felines Jourdan Picpoul de Pinet 2000 Coteaux du Languedoc
A yellow/gold colour, this has a lovely subtle nose displaying notes of lime, honey, spice and candle wax. Very expressive. The palate is quite full flavoured and has an attractive texture, with a herby edge and a minerally, acid finish. An impressive yet restrained white wine that would make a versatile food companion. Very good+ (€5.40; £3.50 Mille Vignes) 

Domaine de Font Sane Gigondas 1998, Southern Rhône
Quite deep coloured, this has a ripe nose with liquoricey fruit, some spice and a distinctive herby, leathery edge. The palate shows sweet cherry and plum fruit with leathery, spicy tannins and a savoury, herbal edge. Quite classic in style with good concentration, and some tannin. Finish is quite alcoholic and warm. A satisfying wine from the Southern Rhône. Very good+ (€12.00; £8.00 Mille Vignes) 

Domaine de Montpezat Merlot 2000 Vin de Pays d'Oc
Deep red/black colour. The nose shows ripe, liquorice-tinged fruit with a slightly smoky, toasty edge. Good density of savoury berry fruit with a spicy, dusty edge and some tannin. Quite chunky and satisfying in a southern style, with a lush sheen to the fruit. Good value here. Very good+ (€3.80; £2.50 Mille Vignes) 

Contact details:
Mille Vignes Wine Shop
90 Rue Carnot 62930 Wimereux France
Tel: 00 33 3 21 32 60 13 Fax: 00 33 3 21 32 56 37
E-mail
: nick@millevignes.com
Website:
http://www.millevignes.com

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