This ridiculous cost of profiteering crisis is taking its toll. All of us – apart from the sleek, smug fat cats – are suffering and tightening our belts, but I’m damned if I’m going to be done out of my vino. And I’m damned if you are too. I mean, what else is there to take our minds off things during these dark days of doom and despondency? I take my duties as your drinks editor seriously and feel it timely, therefore, to reintroduce you to the wines of Domaine du Grand Mayne, producer of some of the tastiest, best-value wines around.
The ‘nectar’ of the Côtes de Duras was praised by the great Francis I back in the 16th century
I know you know this but just to remind you: the Côtes de Duras lies near Bordeaux, between Saint-Emilion and Bergerac, and grows the exact same grape varieties (plus a few more obscure ones) on identical soil in an identical climate. It is one of France’s oldest AOCs (created in 1937) but the region and its wines were celebrated long before that, with the ‘nectar’ of Duras praised by the great Francis I back in the 16th century.
Domaine du Grand Mayne was founded in 1985 and has done more than any other producer to make the wines of Côtes de Duras popular again and to promote the region as a centre of wine tourism. The estate has two glorious, impeccably equipped gîtes to let – La Maison, which sleeps 12, and La Petite Maison, which sleeps two – so if you fancy booking a wine-soaked French holiday go to www.domainegrandmayne.com and say I sent you.
We’ve done several hugely successful offers with DdGM and held a memorable Spectator Winemaker’s Lunch in the boardroom with the then winemaker Mathieu Crosnier a couple of years ago. MC has since moved on to Château Rieussec in Sauternes, and his role as chief winemaker has been filled by the multitalented Coline Sicard.
The 2021 Grand Mayne Sauvignon Blanc (1) is a wonderfully bright, complex blend of Sauvignon Blanc grapes picked at different times from different soils with different aspects. The tiniest addition of Sémillon adds texture and weight. It’s fruity yet dry and vibrantly fresh. £9.48 down from £10.53.
The 2019 Grand Mayne Réserve Sauvignon/Sémillon (2) is fermented in barrel and aged in wood for seven months. It has weight and texture and, despite a bracing citrus sweetness, it finishes perfectly dry. As I have said here before, it’s a Sauvignon for those who don’t like Sauvignon. £14.53 down from £16.14.
The 2021 Grand Mayne Rosé (3) is a charming blend of Cab Sauv, Cab Franc and Merlot with 10 per cent Sauvignon ’n’ Sémillon. It’s ull of peach/strawberry fruit and citrus notes. £9.48 down from £10.53.
The 2019 Grand Mayne Merlot/Cabernet (4) is a juicy, spicy, fruit-laden blend of 80 per cent Merlot, 15 per cent Cab Sauv and 5 per cent Cab Franc aged for 18 months in stainless steel. It’s fresh, inviting and long-lasting in the mouth, with a slight savoury kick to the finish. It’s a great glass of wine at any price. £9.48 down from £10.53.
Finally, the 2019 Grand Mayne Réserve Merlot/Cabernet (5), the estate’s flagship wine blended from 50 per cent Cab Sauv, 40 per cent Merlot and 10 per cent Cab Franc. 2019 was a super vintage with perfect conditions, which allowed the fruit to be picked at just the right time. It’s full, rich and profound with great balance of fruit, spice, acid and tannin and I think you’ll enjoy it as much as you enjoy the price. £14.53 down from £16.14.
These great-value wines are all available in boxes of six. The discounted price and free delivery apply to orders of two boxes or more. The mixed case includes a bottle of each of the wines described above, along with one extra, the excellent 2018 Grand Mayne Merlot/Cabernet.
Go to www.domainegrandmayne.com and put SPECTATOR in the coupon box, clicking on the Union Jack icon in top right-hand corner as well.
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