Chateau Unang
Chateau Unang sits at the southern end of the stunningly rugged Nesque gorge. The vines rise above the surrounding Cotes du Ventoux vineyards. It is here that James King is slowly bringing the vineyard back to life and extending it towards the top of the slopes that have previously not been exploited.
The result of his endeavours is represented in the Cuvee Adeline, a white wine of considerable complexity and the La Croix a red wine of brooding darkness yet elegant finish.
Chateau Unang Cotes du Ventoux 2008 White
This is a crisp white wine made from Clairette and Roussanne grapes that have
been hand picked from low-yielding vines (at 35 hl/hectare). The major difference between this white and the Cuvee Adeline described below
is that it has not been introduced to wood, rather being fermented in stainless
steel tanks in the cellars of Chateau Unang to produce a delicately straw-coloured
wine. It provides perfect summer drinking
and seems to come into its own when accompanied by shellfish.
RRP: $20
Chateau Unang Cotes du Ventoux 2008 Rose
This beautifully pink rose has it all. It has an underlying sweetness that is perfect for summer drinking. However the sweetness is kept in the background by the lovely, bracing acidity which runs through the wine. Made from Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah this lovely wine is fermented in stainless steel. It is perfect for Australian outdoor summer enjoyment.
RRP: $20
Chateau Unang Cotes du Ventoux 2006 Red
This is the Chateau Unang entry level red made from Grenache, Syrah and Carignan sourced from the highest vineyards in the pleasant valley occupied by the
Chateau. The Syrah provides spice and pepper to this wine but the Grenache and Carignan add character.
The Carignan also adds additional complexity at the back of the palate. Low yields and careful handling during harvest ensure
that this is a wine of elegance that belies its price.
RRP: $21
Chateau Unang Saint Gabriel Carignan 2007 Red
The
Saint Gabriel is the Chateau Unang entry level red made from Carignan sourced from the
vineyards of the Chateau. We really like Carignan when it is grown in the right terroirs in France. This sturdy grape
needs the right soils and the right climate to flourish. This wine is a good
example of what can be done with Carignan for an entry level wine. Try it with
some salami or smoked beef, then try another sip. By this time you might begin
to see why so many people in France drink Carignan as their everyday quaffing wine.
RRP: $20
Chateau Unang La Source Cotes du Ventoux 2006 Red
The Chateau Unang La Source is a particularly special red wine and ranks as
one of the best to emerge from the exciting Cotes du Ventoux appellation in
southern France. We sold out of our first shipment very quickly and had to order
more. The next shipment has now arrived. It is a bit more expensive but still
great value considering the quality of this wine. This is an appealing red with subtle, yet noticeable, spice on
the palate (from the Syrah), a wisp of oak and a long, satisfying finish. A wine
to be savoured. We like the fact that the traditional Grenache and Syrah used to make this wine is rounded out with some
lovely Carignan.
RRP: $31
Chateau Unang La Croix Cotes du Ventoux 2005 Red
La Croix is the top of the Chateau Unang range and is therefore a wine of considerable power and complexity. Made from the traditional combination of Grenache and Syrah and a little Carignan sourced from the high, cool vineyards, this wine has definite chocolate overtones and exhibits fine tannins and good structure. A wine to be enjoyed with game or lamb.
RRP: $50