Winemaker Katie Jones in her Tuchan vineyard.
LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON
Domaine Jones
An English ex-pat, Katie Jones had already lived and worked in the wine trade in southern France for over 20 years before she traded her hat from a tradesperson to a winemaker in 2008 – when she purchased her first vineyard in Languedoc. Based in the village of Tuchan, Jones is a self-proclaimed collector of “rejects,” today a total of 14 hectares of old vines that most winemakers would have replanted – or just abandoned. Yet, Katie feels that,
like the grizzled veterans, they deserve much more attention than most are willing or able to provide, and she tends to them in their twilight years with all the care and respect she can afford, gently coaxing the meagre drops of decades-old wisdom from their gnarled frames.
LEARN MORE ABOUT DOMAINE JONES
photo — The harvest begins at Domaine Jones
5603 JONES VINEYARD COLLECTION OLD VINES, AOP FITOU, 2023
A COUP DE COEUR FOR THE SECOND YEAR STRAIGHT! $ 30 $ 180
A 40/30/30 blend of old-vine Carignan, Grenache and Syrah, vinified separately with 40% spending 10 months in secondand third-fill French barriques prior to final blending. A black-purple, opaque appearance, the nose offers mediumintensity elements of hickory smoke, tar, dried black olive, dark chocolate and hazelnut spread. Dry with a medium acidity, the palate displays a medium extract, medium fine-textured tannins, a medium body with lovely length and intensity of prune spread, hickory smoke, tar, dried black olive tapenade, dark chocolate, hazelnut spread and rye bread crust flavours, and a medium-plus finish. 2026-2030 – ir
Smoked turkey legs
Hickory smoke, tar, dried black olive, dark chocolate, hazelnut spread
Prune spread, hickory smoke, tar, dried black olive spread, dark chocolate, hazelnut spread, rye bread crust
Carignan, Grenache, Syrah
From Sun-Kissed Slopes to Coastal Breezes: France Beyond the Familiar
By Michael Lutzmann and Greg Rinehart, Managing Directors
In this latest Cellar offering, we invite you to explore the nuanced beauty and depth of three French regions that are often overshadowed by the heavyweights of Bordeaux and Burgundy, yet offer no less charm, character, or craftsmanship. Welcome to the world of Languedoc-Roussillon, the Loire, and Provence.
Each of these regions tells its own story through the glass: Languedoc-Roussillon, a sun-drenched stretch along the Mediterranean, delivers bold reds and expressive whites — the result of ancient vineyards and a spirit of innovation.
The Loire Valley, with its fairytale castles and cool climate, brings us elegant whites, vibrant rosés, and reds full of finesse — a perfect match for spring. Provence captures the very essence of southern France in every sip — light, fresh, and full of life.
As a special treat, this Cellar also features a notable
of six spirits — more than we typically offer. From refined Pineau des Charentes to bold and expressive regional specialties like Cognac, these spirits are perfect for collectors and curious palates alike. Whether to sip, savour, or share, they add a new dimension to your Opimian experience. We hope this Cellar encourages you to look beyond the usual suspects, discover new favourites, and celebrate the diversity that makes France such a thrilling wine destination. Santé!
Greg & Michael
Ordering Made Easy
1. SELECT YOUR WINES
Let yourself be inspired by Opimian’s Masters of Wine. Our custom chart features a list of symbols to help guide your selection. Still unsure which wines to order? Contact us!
2. PLACE YOUR ORDER
There are three ways to order. The last day to order for each Cellar Offering can be found listed on the cover. No orders will be processed after this time.
3. LET US HANDLE THE REST
The wines featured on this Cellar Offering are still at the producers’ wineries when you order them, so it is normal that the process takes a bit of time and effort on our side.
Release dates are dependent upon actual arrival dates, distance from port of entry to liquor board and processing time required by each liquor board.
Once the wine arrives at your local liquor store or distribution centre, you will receive a Pick-up Notice with the specified date (the Release Date) and your pick-up location. Let us handle the rest.
British Columbia and Ontario members, your wine will be delivered to your door.
YOUR MASTER OF WINE FOR THIS CELLAR
Toronto-based Igor Ryjenkov MW was the first in Canada to earn the prestigious Master of Wine credential in 2003. His wine business expertise has been informed by 24 year in the Ontario trade, first in retail, then in key buying positions, and lastly, in projects, most notably, developing the new 5-dot wine style matrix.
Jacky Blisson MW: JB
Palij MW: MP Igor Ryjenkov
5604 KATIE JONES BLANC, VIN DE FRANCE, 2024
Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris $ 22 $ 132
From vines of at least 50 years of age. It shows a pale lemon-yellow color and medium-intensity, lifted aromas of grapefruit sorbet, lees/dough and Asian pear. The palate is dry with a medium acidity, a medium extract, a soft texture, a medium body and nice coating length and persistence of oil, dough, grapefruit pith, citrus sorbet and Asian pear notes towards a medium finish. 2026-2027– ir
13%
Lifted, grapefruit sorbet, lees/dough, Asian pear
Oil, dough, grapefruit pith, citrus sorbet, Asian pear, [1.00]
Smoked salmon on blinis
5605
JONES LES PARCELLES BLANC, VIEILLES VIGNES, VIN DE FRANCE, 2023
From 50- to 70-year-old vines, it had a three-month stint in fourth-fill barriques. A light lemon-yellow in the glass. There is a medium-intensity aromatic set on the nose with cardamom, dandelion milk, hot oatmeal, almond milk/marzipan, grapefruit and chamomile flower. The dry palate follows with a medium-minus acidity, a medium extract, a soft-plus texture, a medium body and lovely length and flavour intensity of dandelion milk, oatmeal, marzipan, flint and grapefruit and mediumplus finish. 2026-2027– ir
5606 KATIE JONES ROUGE, VIN DE FRANCE, 2024
The wine offers a black-purple, opaque robe and medium-plus intensity aromas of black plum reduction, chokeberry, blueberry tart and gingerbread. It is dry on the palate with a medium acidity, a medium extract, medium fine-textured tannins and a medium body wrapped into a lovely length and juicy fruit elements of black plum reduction, chokeberry, blueberry tart, gingerbread and chives, and closing with a medium-plus finish. 2026-2027– ir
5607
HERBARIUM ROUGE KATIE JONES, 2024
A deep-purple pour. A slightly shy nose with notes of red plum nectar, lees, whey and cranberry. Dry, the palate shows a medium acidity, a medium extract, mediumminus loose soft-textured tannins, a medium-minus body yet with a nice length and straightforward but defined flavours of cranberry, red plum reduction, black raspberry and a medium finish. 2026-2027–ir
Cardamom, dandelion milk, hot oatmeal, almond milk/marzipan, grapefruit, chamomile flower
Dandelion milk, oatmeal, marzipan, flint, grapefruit, [1.00]
Slow cooked chicken stew with fennel 12.5%
Red plum nectar, lees, whey, cranberry
Cranberry, red plum reduction, black raspberry
Mildly spiced lamb kebabs
Grenache Gris, Grenache Blanc, Macabeu, Muscat
Carignan, Grenache
Black plum reduction, chokeberry, blueberry tart, gingerbread
Black plum reduction, chokeberry, blueberry tart, gingerbread, chives
Ratatouille
Grenache, Syrah
JONES VINEYARD COLLECTION
2 BOTTLES EACH: CARIGNAN, GRENACHE NOIR AND SYRAH
JONES VINEYARD COLLECTION GRENACHE NOIR, VIN DE FRANCE, 2024
Grenache
72-year-old vines yielded this black-purple, opaque wine. The nose opens with mediumintensity creamy elements of toffee, dark chocolate, chicory root, prune and notes of violet and dried pear. The palate is dry and follows with a medium-plus acidity, a medium extract, medium fine loosetextured tannins, a medium body, attractive length and persistence of prune spread, charcoal, chicory root and dried pear, closing with a medium finish. 2026-2027– ir
JONES VINEYARD COLLECTION SYRAH, VIN DE FRANCE, 2022
Syrah
A blend of two small parcels of 45-yearold vines, with 25% spending 10 months in French barriques. A black-purple, opaque appearance. On the nose there are mediumintensity aromas of hickory charcoal, roof tar, smoke, peat, prune, bitter chocolate and cranberry. On the palate, it is dry with a medium acidity, a medium extract, mediumplus medium-textured tannins, a mediumplus body and lovely length and flavours of smoke, hickory charcoal, tar, peat, bitter chocolate and chokeberry towards a medium-plus finish with endive bitterness. 2026-2028 – ir
This case features the three single varietal wines of Katie’s fourstrong red Vineyard Collection (Fitou AOC is the fourth) showcasing the juice of vines aged between 45 and 117 years. Grenache and Syrah are the cornerstones of southern French blends, here in much amped-up expressions given the age of the vineyards and Katie’s approach; however, the Carignan bottling shows what this humble grape is capable of when care, attention and very old vines are involved.
JONES VINEYARD COLLECTION CARIGNAN, VIN DE FRANCE, 2023
Carignan
From 117-year-old vines, only 800 bottles were made. The wine offers a black-purple, opaque pour and a medium-intensity aromatic set of cream, red plum preserve, goldenrod, chokeberry, bitter chocolate and egg salad. It is dry and has a mediumsized frame – acidity, extract, fine-textured tannins and body – with a nice length and persistent notes of cream, red plum preserve, goldenrod, chokeberry, blood orange, bitter chocolate and a medium-plus finish. 2026-2027– ir
Creamy, toffee, dark chocolate, chicory root, prune, violet, dried pear
Prune spread, charcoal, chicory root, dried pear
Wild boar pâté and crispy baguette toasts
Cream, red plum preserve, goldenrod, chokeberry, bitter chocolate, egg salad
Cream, red plum preserve, goldenrod, chokeberry, blood orange, bitter chocolate
Vegetarian Catalan escalivada stew
Hickory charcoal, roof tar, smoke, peat, prune, bitter chocolate, cranberry
Smoke, hickory charcoal, tar, peat, bitter chocolate, chokeberry, endive
Basque-style chicken
COUPS DE COEUR
OUR MASTER OF WINE'S FAVOURITE WINES IN THIS CELLAR
IGOR'S COUPS DE COEUR
CÉCILE LEBRUN TOURAINE SAUVIGNON, AOC TOURAINE, 2024, LOT 5625, P20
JONES VINEYARD COLLECTION OLD VINES, AOP FITOU, 2023, LOT 5603, P3
DOMAINE DE LA BRETONNIÈRE MUSCADET DE SÈVRE ET MAINE, SUR LIE, AOC MUSCADET SÈVRE-ET-MAINE, 2024, LOT 5627, P22
RÉSERVE DE CHARLOTTE MERLOT, IGP PAYS D'OC, 2024, LOT 5614, P13
9 — CELLAR 327 COUPS DE COEUR
photo — At Domaine Jones, the steep, remote vineyards leave no room for machines—harvest is done entirely by hand to preserve quality from vine to bottle.
LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON
Château Canet
A family affair, Château Canet encompasses three estates in Minervois, Limoux and Cabardes, along with a négociant business all owned and run by the LemstraBake family: husband and wife Victoria and Floris and their children Oliver and Charlotte. The business was born in 2005 and acquired its name after the 2007 purchase of historic Château Canet, built in 1126, outside of Carcassonne. The estate now covers 142 hectares with 115 hectares in Minervois; the négociant arm allows them to complement their portfolio by cherry-picking the best of what southern France has to offer. Their attention to sustainability and care for the land is recognized by a number of certifications, but they go a step further by having drafted their own “Charter of Sustainability.”
LEARN MORE ABOUT CHÂTEAU CANET
PRODUCER FOR THIS CELLAR
photo — Winemaker Floris Lemstra with his iconic wines.
5610
PICPOUL DE PINET, TÊTE DE CUVÉE, AOP PICPOUL DE PINET, 2024
Picpoul
$ 23 $ 138
The wine is light lemon-yellow in the glass. On the nose, we find medium-intensity elements of quince, chlorophyll/leaf, green plum, under-ripe lime, lees/dough and aloe. The palate is dry and follows with a medium acidity, a medium extract, a soft texture, a medium body and lovely length and flavours of aloe, lees/dough, green plum and nettle towards a medium finish. Refreshing but with a nice roundness. 2026-2027– ir
12.5%
Quince, chlorophyll/leaf, green plum, under ripe lime, lees/dough, aloe
Aloe, lees/dough, green plum, nettle, [<0.4]
Sushi
5611 BULLES D'O, AOP BLANQUETTE DE LIMOUX, TÊTE DE CUVÉE, 2023
Mauzac, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay
A wine with 90% local Mauzac, it spent 24 months on its lees after the second fermentation beyond the required nine. It has a light golden-yellow hue and medium-intensity aromas of toast, nuts, oil and butter, dried lemon rind, dried yellow flowers, yellow plum and apple. Dry, the palate shows a mediumminus acidity, a lazy subtle mousse, a medium-minus extract, a soft texture, a medium-minus body and nice length and persistence of dried lemon rind, oil, toast, a hint of marrow and a medium finish. 2026-2027– ir
5612 RÉSERVE DE CHARLOTTE CHARDONNAY, IGP PAYS D'OC, 2024
Chardonnay
A light lemon-yellow pour. The nose offers a medium-intensity set featuring vanilla bean, custard, yellow plum and apple, and a floral lift. It’s dry and has a mediumframed palate – acidity, extract and body – with a medium texture and pleasant presence and intensity of pencil lead, custard, vanilla and yellow plum flavours towards a medium finish. 2026-2027– ir
Toast, nuts, oil/butter, dried lemon rind, dried yellow flowers, yellow plum and apple
Dried lemon rind, oil, toast, marrow, [<0.4]
Asparagus risotto
Vanilla bean, custard, yellow plum and apple, floral
Pencil lead, custard, vanilla, yellow plum, [<0.4]
Roast halibut with lemon and dill
photo — Château Canet is a 115-hectare property in the Minervois.
5613 DOMAINE CANET MALBEC, IGP PAYS D'OC, 2023
Syrah with 15% Grenache, a cuvée from the selection of best barrels. The wine shows a black-purple, opaque appearance and a medium-intensity aromatic set of roof tar, dried black olive spread, fresh black pepper and dark chocolate. Dry, the palate is mid-sized – acidity, extract, softtextured tannins and body – with a lovely length and straightforward but welldefined elements of black olive, tar and dark chocolate and a medium warm finish. Decadent, with just enough complexity. 2026-2027– ir
A black-purple, opaque robe here. There are lifted, attractive, medium-intensity elements of lilacs, black plum nectar, mulberry preserve and mustard greens on the nose. The palate is dry and has a medium acidity, a medium extract, medium loosetextured tannins, a medium body and nice presence and persistence of berry compote, flowers, black plum preserve, mulberry and mustard-greens notes towards a medium-plus finish. 2026-2027– ir
The wine shows a black-purple, opaque color and medium-intensity aromas of juniper, chocolate, blueberry tart, prune and tar. Dry with a medium acidity, the palate offers a medium extract, medium mediumtextured tannins, a medium body and lovely length and intensity of juniper, blueberry tart, prune, tar and chocolate flavours and a medium-plus finish. 2026-2027– ir
chili
Barbecued brisket burgers with caramelized-onion chutney
Lilacs, black plum nectar, mulberry preserve, mustard greens
Berry compote, flowers, black plum preserve, mulberry, mustard greens
Beef chuck
con carne with scallions and avocado garnish
Malbec
13%
Juniper, chocolate, blueberry tart, prune, tar
Juniper, blueberry tart, prune, tar, chocolate
5614 RÉSERVE DE CHARLOTTE MERLOT, IGP PAYS D'OC, 2024
Merlot
NEW
14%
Roof tar, dried black olive spread, fresh black pepper, dark chocolate
Black olive, tar, dark chocolate
Pasta with black truffles
5615 CANET FAMILY RESERVE, AOP MINERVOIS, 2024
Syrah, Grenache
photo — Charlotte, Floris' daughter, is behind the Réserve de Charlotte and Fleur de Charlotte wines.
5623
CHÂTEAU JOUCLARY TRADITION, AOP CABARDÈS, FAMILLE GIANESINI, 2024
A very deep purple, opaque robe here. The nose displays medium-minus intensity notes of black olive, cream/oil, prune, chokeberry reduction, tar, cedar and oak shavings. There is a medium acidity on the dry palate, along with a medium extract, medium fine-textured tannins, a medium body and nice presence and flavour persistence of black olive spread, prune, chokeberry, tar, grilled vegetables and cedar, closing with a medium finish. 2026-2027– ir
5622
DOMAINE JOUCLARY GRENACHE GRIS, IGP PAYS D'OC, FAMILLE GIANESINI, 2024
Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Grenache 13%
A white made from a grey-skinned mutation of Grenache, not often seen as a varietal bottling. It has a pale lemon-yellow colour and medium-plus intensity aromas of green-walnut milk, oil, lees, wet rye bread crust and starfruit. Dry, with a medium acidity, the palate shows a medium extract, a soft texture, a medium body and nice length and intensity of oil, rye bread crust, starfruit, thistle and oatmeal flavours and a medium finish. An unusual but pleasant flavour set. 2026-2027– ir
milk, oil, lees, wet rye bread crust, starfruit
Oil, rye bread crust, starfruit, thistle, oatmeal, [<0.4]
Black olive, cream/oil, prune, chokeberry reduction, tar, cedar and oak shavings
Black olive spread, prune, chokeberry, tar, grilled vegetables, cedar
Grilled Portobello burgers
Green-walnut
Herbed panko crab cakes
Grenache Gris
photo — Pascal Gianesini is the winemaker at Domaine Jouclary, in the Cabardès appellation just north of Carcassonne.
5617 FLEUR DE CHARLOTTE SAUVIGNON, IGP PAYS D'OC, 2024
Sauvignon Blanc
With an emphasis on fruit and freshness, there is a light lemon-yellow appearance here and medium-intensity aromatics of white currant, green gooseberry, lees, grapefruit pith and starfruit. Dry, the palate offers a medium-plus acidity, a medium extract, a medium texture and body with a lovely presence and an attractive replay of what the aromas promised: lime, white currant, gooseberry, grapefruit flesh and pith and starfruit with a medium-plus finish. 2026-2027– ir
5618 FLEUR DE CHARLOTTE CHARDONNAY, IGP PAYS D'OC, 2024
Chardonnay
5619 FLEUR DE CHARLOTTE VIOGNIER, IGP PAYS D'OC, 2024 Viognier
A light lemon-yellow color. On the nose there are medium-intensity aromas of custard, cream, vanilla, yellow apple and plum and chives. The palate is dry with a soft but sufficient acidity, a medium extract, a medium texture and body and flavours of custard, chives, lees and yellow apple and a medium finish. Ripe and generous but without oak. 2026-2027– ir
There’s a light lemon-yellow appearance in the glass and a medium-intensity set featuring pencil shavings, stone, yellow pear, yellow plum and pit, faint peach, chives and honey with some air. Dry with a soft but adequate acidity, the palate is made up of a medium extract, a medium texture and a medium body with matching length and intensity of pencil shavings, stone, yellow pear, overripe peach and pit flavours towards a medium finish. 2026-2027– ir
White currant, green gooseberry, lees, grapefruit pith, starfruit
Lime, white currant, gooseberry, grapefruit flesh and pith, starfruit, [<0.4]
Seasonal vegetable “carpaccio” with pine nuts
Custard, cream, vanilla, yellow apple and plum, chives
Custard, chives, lees, yellow apple, [<0.4]
Veggie Buddha bowl
13%
Pencil shavings, stone, yellow pear, yellow plum and pit, faint peach, chives, honey
Pencil shavings, stone, yellow pear, overripe peach and pit, [<0.4]
Caramelized tempeh with soy-braised Chinese broccoli
YOUNG AND ELEGANT WINES FOR EVERYDAY DRINKING
5620 FLEUR DE CHARLOTTE SYRAH ROSÉ, IGP PAYS D'OC, 2024
Syrah
$ 14 $ 168
A pale grey plum-pink hue here. The nose offers medium-intensity aromas of lees, batter, cranberry, red plum and pink grapefruit; it’s a bit candied. The palate is dry and has a medium acidity, a medium extract, a soft texture and a medium body with nice presence and persistence of red pear, batter/lees, red plum, cranberry and pink grapefruit elements before a medium finish. 2026-2027– ir
WINES TO SAVOUR ANY DAY OF THE WEEK
5621 FLEUR DE CHARLOTTE CABERNET SAUVIGNON, IGP PAYS D'OC, 2024
$ 14 $ 168
The wine shows a black-purple, opaque robe and a medium-intensity range of cassis, cream cheese, lees, chives and black plum reduction. Dry, the palate is mid-sized –acidity, extract, medium-textured tannins and body – with lovely length and intensity of cream-cheese black plum tart, dark cassis and lees flavours and a medium finish. Solid value that tastes unrushed. 2026-2027– ir
Lees, batter, cranberry, red plum, pink grapefruit
Red pear, batter/lees, red plum, cranberry, pink grapefruit, [<0.4]
Chickpeas braised in tomato and fennel
Cassis, cream cheese, lees, chives, black plum reduction
Cream-cheese black plum tart, dark cassis, lees
Lentil Bolognese with pumpkin
Cabernet Sauvignon
ARTICLE
The Essence of the Loire
By Igor Ryjenkov, MW
Like many wine regions, the Loire can feel overwhelming at first. But it’s far from just another wine region. It’s the third-largest in France, with 56,000 hectares of vines and over 80 AOCs spread across four subzones — the Central Vineyards, Touraine, AnjouSaumur, and Pays Nantais on the Atlantic coast. These subzones straddle much of France’s longest river, the 1,000 km-long Loire, which flows from Ardèche to the Atlantic, cutting through the central and northwestern fifth of the country.
Wine has been made here since the 1st century AD, and Loire wines were already recognized for their quality by the 6th century. The region’s golden age came between the 12th and 19th centuries, when its wines graced the tables of royals, nobles, and clergy in both England and France. As many as 30 grape varieties are grown here — including international grapes like Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec — alongside local specialties such as the white Romorantin and the red Pineau d’Aunis.
However, once you look more closely, the Loire is not as complicated as it first seems. Understanding it simply requires identifying the regional themes and then zeroing in on the key grapes that have made it a destination for wine enthusiasts. Let’s give it a try.
Given its latitude, which lies near the edge of viable commercial viticulture, the Loire’s climate is cool to moderate. It becomes increasingly damp, though moderated, the closer one gets to the ocean. As a result, the regional style tends to be fresh, unoaked, moderate in alcohol, with vibrant fruit and acidity — very food-friendly wines, typically meant to be enjoyed within a few years of release. Most are mono-varietal or close to it. They're also notably affordable, with prices starting in the low teens and most staying well below three figures. Vintage variation
and grape diseases remain regular concerns, so it's especially impressive that, as of 2024, 73% of vineyards and 85% of vineyard surface area were certified sustainable or organic.
Now let’s look at the Loire’s signature grapes — benchmark expressions on the global stage. These include the white grapes Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, and Melon de Bourgogne, and the red grape Cabernet Franc.
The Loire is believed to be the ancestral home of Sauvignon Blanc, first mentioned here by its local name in 1534. Yet its modern-day reputation has only been firmly established since the 1920s. While it’s grown in many areas — from larger regions like Touraine to smaller zones such as Haut-Poitou, Menetou-Salon, and Quincy — its finest expressions are found in Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, located in the Central Vineyards. Here, its typical gooseberry, citrus, and herbal notes are enhanced by different soil types: Sancerre lends suppleness and flesh, while PouillyFumé contributes a mineral, flinty edge.
Chenin Blanc is also native to the Loire, first referenced in Anjou as early as 845 (or the early 1500s, depending on the source). It’s a prolific grape, so yields must be controlled for it to show its signature character — fresh acidity with notes of quince, bruised apple, honey, wet wool, and minerality. Touraine’s chalky tuffeau soils offer good value wines under the regional
AOP, while the best expressions are found in the Montlouis and Vouvray subzones. Neighbouring Anjou-Saumur also delivers, with black volcanic soils in Anjou and predominantly tuffeau in Saumur. Entry-level wines come under the Saumur Blanc label, while dry, serious examples hail from Savennières. Delicious late-harvest sweet wines are made in Coteaux du Layon, Bonnezeaux, and Quarts-deChaume. Top dry — and especially sweet — examples are long-lived and capable of decades of improvement in bottle.
Melon de Bourgogne, grown in the Pays Nantais on shallow, pebbly and sandy soils over decomposed rock, is behind the region’s refreshing Muscadet wines. Originally from Burgundy, it was planted here after the devastating frost of 1709 as a hardier replacement for Gros Plant (Folle Blanche). The most famous version is Muscadet de Sèvre-et-Maine, produced where the Sèvre and Maine tributaries meet the Loire. If “sur lie” appears on the label, the wine was aged on its lees after fermentation, creating a rounder mouthfeel and adding doughy or bready notes to its lean frame and subtle aromas.
Cabernet Franc was first documented in the region in 1089, when the abbot of Bourgueil planted vines. It arrived via Bordeaux and is also made in rosé versions. Red expressions are found in Anjou-Saumur under the Anjou and Saumur labels, with more elevated examples in the SaumurChampigny subzone. In neighbouring Touraine, Chinon, Bourgueil, and St-Nicolasde-Bourgueil round out the top tier for this grape. These wines are usually mediumbodied, structured but approachable when young, and capable of mid-term ageing. Typical tasting notes include cassis, red and black plum, graphite or earthy undertones, and occasional vegetal hints like bell pepper or tomato leaf.
So while the Loire may seem complex on the surface, its wines are, at their core, relatively unadorned varietal expressions of their unique climate, soils, history, and craftsmanship — made for both hedonistic enjoyment and gastronomic delight.
Loire Around the World
Chardonnay, Chenin, Sauvignon, Cabernet… these familiar grape varieties are found around the world and take on different characteristics according to their terroir. How do New World grape varieties fare against those from the Old World’s Loire Valley?
Cabernet Franc originates from the Basque country and is one of the main grape varieties in the Loire Valley. There it produces mediumbodied wines with aromas of raspberries and cherries. Cabernet Franc is grown succesfully all over the world, where it takes on bolder caracteristics. It has even become one of Niagara’s leading grapes!
Chardonnay, a Burgundian grape, produces wines with great ageing potential in Chablis—light in body with high acidity. The variety is now grown wherever wine is produced, with golden, oaked, easy-to-drink wines with tropical fruit flavours in California.
Sauvignon Blanc, from the Bordeaux region, is king of the Loire Valley, with Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé being prime examples. Wines are crisp and aromatic, with notes of gooseberries and nettles. It is perhaps best known as New Zealand’s most celebrated grape, where the wines are fruity and powerful, with unmatched bold flavours. California produces a slightly sweet version, aged in oak.
Finally, Chenin Blanc has been grown in the Loire Valley for more than a thousand years. These wines are sweeter, and also produce superb sparklings such as Crémant. Today, more Chenin Blanc is planted in both California and South Africa—where is it the most widely planted grape, producing elegant and fresh wines—than in France.
THE LOIRE VALLEY
Maison Foucher
Founded in 1921 in the central Loire region by Paulin Lebrun, a cooper who sold wine in his barrels to local businesses, Maison Foucher had only four winemakers at its helm maintaining its focus on terroir and sustainability before they were popular terms. Which is why it was an easy fit when Marc Vappereau, a Dijon-trained enologist, joined Jacky Foucher, the grandson of the founder in 2001: they shared the same values. Marc has continued to practice the respect for terroir by having achieved “High Environmental Value” (HEV), or organic certifications, for most of Maison Foucher’s wines in his quest to express the subtleties of the individual sites from which he sources grapes. He eventually took over operating the property in 2013.
LEARN MORE ABOUT MAISON FOUCHER
5625 CÉCILE LEBRUN TOURAINE
SAUVIGNON, AOC TOURAINE, 2024
Sauvignon Blanc
A light lemon-yellow appearance. The nose displays medium-intensity aromas of white currant, starfruit, green gooseberry, chalk, lees and flint. It has a crisp, medium-plus acidity on a dry palate, a medium-plus extract, a soft-plus texture, a medium-plus body and a nice length, and bright fruit of white currant, grapefruit, starfruit, chalk and lees with a medium-plus finish. A nicely made Sauvignon Blanc. 2026-2027– ir
currant, grapefruit,
White currant, starfruit, green gooseberry, chalk, lees, flint
White
starfruit, chalk, lees, [<2.00]
Steamed mussels in white sauce
PRODUCER FOR THIS CELLAR
photo — Since 1921, only five vignerons have led Maison Foucher, nestled between PouillyFumé and Sancerre. Today, Marc Vappereau proudly continues this century-old legacy.
5626
CÉCILE LEBRUN CRÉMANT DE LOIRE BRUT ROSÉ/CRÉMANT DE LOIRE BRUT CASE: 3 BOTTLES EACH:
$ 0
$ 32 $ 192
This pack offers two sparkling wines made with a traditional method, à la Champagne, with a distinctly local, Loire, influence: the Blanc is half Chenin Blanc, complementing the usual suspects Chardonnay and Pinot Noir; half of the Rose – 30/10/10 –
are also local Pinot d’Aunis, Cabernet Franc and Grolleau to support the Pinot Noir base. Feel free to analyze how that impacts the wine, or just open and enjoy them with your guests at your next backyard BBQ party.
A MUST-HAVE CASE FOR ANY PARTY!
CÉCILE LEBRUN CRÉMANT DE LOIRE BRUT ROSÉ, AOC CRÉMANT DE LOIRE
Pinot Noir, Pinot d’Aunis, Cabernet Franc, Grolleau
The wine shows a pale salmon-pink hue and medium-intensity notes of red apple butter, red pear, oil, pink grapefruit peel and pith. On the palate, it is dry, has a medium acidity, a nice active but poised mousse, a medium extract, a medium texture, a medium body and lovely length and intensity of grapefruit pith and peel, red pear and melon flavours with a hint of cranberry and a medium-plus finish. Refreshing. 2026-2027– ir
Grapefruit pith and peel, red pear, melon, cranberry, [<2.00]
Grilled seafood salad appetizer for your backyard BBQ party!
CÉCILE LEBRUN CRÉMANT DE LOIRE BRUT, AOC CRÉMANT DE LOIRE
Chenin Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
A medium golden-yellow pour here. There is a medium-intensity set on the nose with marigold, dried yellow plum, dried lemon peel, oil and toast. Dry with a medium acidity and lazy, supple persistent mousse, the palate shows a medium extract, a soft texture, a medium body and attractive length and persistence of yellow flowers and fruit –apple, plum, grapefruit, dried citrus peel and floral elements – before a medium finish with a lingering after-presence. 2026-2027–ir
12%
Marigold, dried yellow plum, dried lemon peel, oil, toast
Yellow apple, yellow plum, grapefruit, dried citrus peel, floral, [<2.00]
Tempura prawns with tentsuyu dipping sauce
Red apple butter, red pear, oil, pink grapefruit peel and pith
5627
DOMAINE DE LA BRETONNIÈRE MUSCADET DE SÈVRE ET MAINE, SUR LIE, AOC MUSCADET SÈVREET-MAINE, 2024
Melon de Bourgogne
The wine is light lemon-yellow in the glass. A medium-intensity nose offers clean lees, dough, chalk, oil, Granny Smith apple and grapefruit pith. It is dry with a medium-plus acidity, medium-plus extract, a soft-plus texture, a medium-plus body and a nice presence and persistent flavours of lees, dough, chalk, green apple, grapefruit and oil towards a medium-plus finish. A broader structure than most Muscadet but stays refreshing. 2026-2028 – ir
5628 CÉCILE LEBRUN VOUVRAY, AOC VOUVRAY, SEC, 2024
Chenin Blanc
$ 25 $ 150
A slightly wispy, light lemon-yellow appearance here. The nose is a touch shy with elements of quince, mushroom, lees, Asian pear, fresh and dried fig, wet chalk and hints of honey and crabapple. The palate is dry and shows a medium-plus acidity, a medium-plus extract, a medium texture, a medium-plus body and the same length and fruit intensity (if a bit scrambled now) with quince, lees, chalk, mushroom and fig, and followed by a medium finish. Should settle nicely well before arrival. 2026-2030 – ir
12%
Quince, mushroom, lees, Asian pear, fresh and dried fig, wet chalk, honey, crabapple
Quince, lees, chalk, mushroom, fig, [<6.00]
Sea bream with fruit salsa
12%
Clean lees, dough, chalk, oil, Granny Smith apple, grapefruit pith
Lees, dough, chalk, green apple, grapefruit, oil, [<2.00]
Broiled white fish with a watercress sauce
CÉCILE LEBRUN SANCERRE BLANC, AOC SANCERRE, 2024
Sauvignon Blanc
12.5%
Quince, batter/paste/lees, white currant, gooseberry leaf, chamomile
Lemon peel and pith, white currant, chamomile, gooseberry leaf, lees/batter, [10.00]
Brie
A hint hazy, light lemon-yellow appearance here. On the nose, the wine displays a mediumintensity range of quince, batter/paste/lees, white currant, gooseberry leaf and a faintly floral/ chamomile tone. There is a medium acidity on the dry palate, as well as a medium extract, a soft texture, a medium body and a nice length and well-articulated notes of lemon peel and pith, white currant, chamomile, gooseberry leaf and lees/batter with a medium finish. 2026-2027–ir
5629
CÉCILE LEBRUN SANCERRE BLANC/POUILLY FUMÉ CASE: 3 BOTTLES EACH:
LEBRUN POUILLY FUMÉ, AOP POUILLY FUMÉ, 2024
Blanc
The wine has a slightly hazy, light lemonyellow pour and medium-intensity aromas of quince, lemon peel, flint, lees, nettle, white currant and gooseberry mash. Dry, the palate offers a medium acidity, a medium-plus extract, a soft texture, a medium-plus cushy body and lovely length and persistence of lemon peel and pith, white currant, stone/flint, nettle and white currant flavours towards a medium-plus finish. 2026-2028 – ir
Here we have two Sauvignon Blancs from benchmark appellations just across the Loire River from each other from Marc Vappereau, a winemaker who takes both his craft and aim to express the wine’s provenance seriously. Both sites have limestone and clay in their soils but different types, according to the producer: the flinty clay in Pouilly-Fumé creating that faintly smoky, minerally character distinguishing it from slightly mellower Sancerre. 12.5%
Quince, lemon peel, flint, lees, nettle, white currant, gooseberry mash
Lemon peel and pith, white currant, stone/flint, nettle, white currant, [10.00]
Grilled salmon steaks with caramelized lemon
CÉCILE
Sauvignon
5634
DOMAINE DE LA CHANTELEUSERIE, ALOUETTES, AOP BOURGUEIL, 2023
Cabernet Franc
5635
DOMAINE MELLIER DE L'EPAISSE ST-NICOLAS-DE-BOURGUEIL, AOC, 2023
Cabernet Franc
$ 28 $ 168 $ 29
The wine has a deep bluish-purple opaque colour and medium-intensity notes of hazelnut paste and coffee wafers, tar and a hint of black olive tapenade. The palate is dry with medium dimensions – acidity, extract, fine-textured tannins and body – and nice length and intensity of cream, hazelnut and chocolate spread, tar, black plum reduction and roasted beetroot flavours preceding a medium finish. 2026-2027–ir
Grilled
The wine shows a deep purple robe. The nose offers medium-intensity elements of tar, toffee, char, cassis reduction, roasted tomato, peat and black soil. It is dry on the palate, has a medium acidity, a medium extract, medium fine-textured tannins, a medium body and attractive length and flavours of tar, char, cassis reduction, roasted tomato and carrots, peat and black soil and a medium finish. 2026-2027– ir
Tar, toffee, char, cassis reduction, roasted tomato, peat, black soil
Tar, char, cassis reduction, roasted tomato and carrots, peat, black soil
Grilled garlic sausages on Fontina polenta
Hazelnut paste and coffee wafers, tar, black olive tapenade
Cream, hazelnut and chocolate spread, tar, black plum reduction, roasted beetroot
pork tenderloin with apricot glaze
The Everything but Red Case for this Cellar comes from Domaine des 3 Lys with a Mediterranean rosé!
PROVENCE
Château Sainte-Croix
Château Sainte-Croix was born in 1924 when its founder, Fernand Pélépol, purchased Sainte Croix, a fortified farmstead near the village of Carcés in Provence where the Cistercian monks, the builders of nearby 12th-century Thoronet Abbey, used to live. His first five hectares of the former abbey’s land were also part of that purchase – and both are still the core of today’s estate.
He made yet another judicious decision in 1927 by taking a chance and making his first wines instead of continuing to sell the grapes to the local co-op. These days and four generations on, Florence and Stéphane Pélépol carry on Fernand’s vision of making wines that express the essence of the south from the 50 hectares they now tend.
LEARN MORE ABOUT CHÂTEAU SAINTE-CROIX
5632
Merlot, Grenache, Muscat
The wine has a light salmonpink hue and medium-plus intensity lifted aromas of flint, fresh carnations, oil, bone marrow, cranberry and blood orange. On the dry palate, we find a medium acidity, a medium extract, a soft texture, a medium body and lovely length and intensity of red pear, cranberry, pink grapefruit, dough, flowers, oil and flint with a medium finish. 2026-2027– ir
As an apéritif before Provencal cuisine
CHÂTEAU SAINTE-CROIX, CHARMEUR, AOP CÔTES DE PROVENCE, 2024
Cinsault, Syrah, Grenache
This “charmer” has a pale salmon-pink hue. The aromatics are lifted and pretty and of medium intensity with flint, marrow, pink grapefruit, red plum, cranberry and a floral hint. Dry, the palate consists of a medium acidity, a medium-plus extract, a soft texture, a medium-plus body and attractive length and fruit of pink grapefruit, cranberry, red plum, flint, marrow and apple blossom before a medium-plus finish. 2026-2027–ir
5633
CHÂTEAU SAINTE-CROIX, PRESTIGE ROUGE, AOP CÔTES DE PROVENCE, 2023
Syrah, Cabernet, Grenache
A deep purple, opaque robe here. The nose offers a lifted, floral medium-intensity set of cassis cheese tart, chives, onion jam, tar and char. The palate is dry, has a medium acidity, a medium extract, medium medium-textured tannins, a medium body and nice presence and persistence of cassis, black plum, tar, char and chives towards a mediumplus finish. 2026-2027– ir
Flint, fresh carnations, oil, bone marrow, cranberry, blood orange
Red pear, cranberry, pink grapefruit, dough, flowers, oil, flint, [1.00]
Flint, marrow, pink grapefruit, red plum, cranberry, floral
Pink grapefruit, cranberry, red plum, flint, marrow, apple blossom, [1.00]
A charcuterie board
Cassis cheese tart, chives, onion jam, tar, char
Cassis, black plum, tar, char, chives
Herbes de Provence grilled flank steak
5631 SAINTE CROIX, IGP VAR, 2024
SPIRITS
In northwest France, Normandy, jutting out into the cool Atlantic, is not a very hospitable region for growing grapes. So the local inhabitants had to look to other crops that grew well here for their potent potables – which happened to be apple and pears. While pressed and fermented juice gave them a hard cider, for cold, long winter nights something stronger was called for and distilling hard cider gave them an apple-based eau-devie, a clear spirit which, after a minimum of two years of oak-barrel aging, becomes appellationprotected Calvados.
5637 MARQUIS DE SAINT-LOUP SÉLECTION, AOC CALVADOS
Pear and apple base, aged for two years in oak. With a light golden-yellow appearance, it shows a medium-plus intensity, classic fresh and dried apple nose followed by Asian pear, quince, vanilla and cardamom. Offers a medium weight on the palate with a soft entry but warms up quickly and features notes of cardamom, nutmeg, herbs, dried apple, Asian pear and quince preserve, closing with a hot pear-flavoured mediumplus finish.– ir
Hot pear-flavoured medium-plus
Fresh and dried apple nose, followed by Asian pear, quince, vanilla, cardamom
Cardamom, nutmeg, herbs, dried apple, Asian pear, quince preserve
photo — Tasting and Distillation room at Marquis de Saint Loup cellar.
5638 ELISABETH, AOC PINEAU DES CHARENTES, BLANC, BIO
Colombard, Ugni Blanc
A medium amber in appearance, the nose features dried pear, fennel, honeycomb, butterscotch and sake/fusil and slightly medicinal notes. It is sweet with a mediumminus adequate acidity, a medium extract, a medium texture, a medium-plus warm alcohol and a medium body. It shows a nice length and persistent flavours of dried pear, wild honey, fennel, medicinal herbs and a medium-plus finish. You can actually taste the Cognac in this Pineau. Ready now but will hold for 10+ years. 2026-2035 – ir
Dried pear, fennel, honeycomb, butterscotch, sake/fusil, medicinal
Dried pear, wild honey, fennel, medicinal herbs
Fresh cantaloupe
SPIRITS
Domaine Elisabeth
Situated in the heart of Cognac, Domaine Elisabeth has been a family concern continuously making wine since its founding in 1767. Part of a larger portfolio owned and run by the Arrivé family, the now 50-hectare estate gained organic certification in 1997, a designation that both their table wines, as well as – unusually – all of their Cognacs carry. The ladybug design on the
label became their signature after a spike of ladybug presence in their vineyards during the 2000 harvest, symbolizing their commitment to an organic approach in all they do.
LEARN MORE ABOUT DOMAINE ELISABETH
ELISABETH VS FINE COGNAC, AOC COGNAC FINS BOIS
ELISABETH VSOP FINE COGNAC, AOC COGNAC FINS BOIS
Blend of Colombard and Ugni Blanc, VS spends over four years in Limousin oak. A pale amber in appearance, the aromatic set shows a nice range of butterscotch, fusil oils, poached pear and yellow plum, fig and honey. It starts with a supple, soft attack, has a light to medium weight and follows the nose with poached pear/plum, fig, honey and butterscotch notes before it “heats up” very slowly towards a nice long butterscotch-, fig- and prune-laced finish – ir
This VSOP spends six years in oak. It is a light amber color in the glass with the aromas of dried flowers and herbs, wood varnish, butterscotch, vanilla and dried pear. The palate opens with a soft attack yet with an edge and is medium weight, showing a nice length with an implied sweetness beginning to build ahead of the alcoholic warmth. The latter peaks to quite high values – almost bitingly hot – and then wanes with honey and butterscotch onto a medium finish.–ir
5639
700ml
ELISABETH FINE COGNAC CASEONE BOTTLE EACH: VS, VSOP, XO
ELISABETH XO FINE COGNAC, AOC COGNAC FINS BOIS
Foie gras
Dried flowers and herbs, wood varnish, butterscotch, vanilla and dried pear
This medium-amber potion spent over 15 years in barrels. It shows subtle with an elegant delivery, medium-intensity aromas of honey, poached pear and butterscotch nicely wrought with a slight hint of apricot. The palate is medium weight with a nice soft and supple entry, a nice length and notes of prune, fig, poached pear and butterscotch with the heat building quite late on the palate towards a long, warm, prune, fig and chocolate finish.– ir
Butterscotch, fusil oils, poached pear and yellow plum, fig and honey
Poached pear/plum, fig, honey and butterscotch
Implied sweetness, hot, honey and butterscotch
Chocolate-walnut cake
Honey, poached pear, butterscotch, a hint of apricot
Prune, fig, poached pear and butterscotch
Duck prosciutto
Colombard, Ugni Blanc
Colombard, Ugni Blanc
Colombard, Ugni Blanc
CHÂTEAU BELLEVUE
Château Bellevue, a part of the Arrivé portfolio, is a 19th-century castle in the Bons Bois zone of Cognac that was acquired by the family in 1972 and became their home. It sits on 108 hectares of land protected by a six-kilometre wall with 70 hectares planted to Ugni Blanc and Colombard for Cognac production – carried out on the estate – and another 30 hectares covered by a number of red and white grapes that go into the production of sweet Pineau des Charentes and table wines. It is also the site of a vine nursery, another Arrivé family venture.
5640
COGNAC CHÂTEAU BELLEVUE, VIEILLE RÉSERVE NO. 1, AOC COGNAC
Folle Blanche, Montils, Ugni Blanc
$ 200 $ 400
and satiny
The Vieille Réserve No. 1 from Château Bellevue is a very special Cognac. Aged for over 50 years in the winery’s vaulted stone cellars, it has a powerful, hedonistic allure. Complex notes of caramelized sugar, mixed spices, dried fruit, sandalwood and nutty hints feature on the nose. The palate is bold yet utterly harmonious with a very smooth finish and seemingly endless length.– jb
Toffee, brown spice, lychee, dried orange peel
Toffee, prune, peppery spice, aromatic herbs
Heady, complex,
smooth
5609
Syrah
Dried orange blossom and red carnations, dried blood orange, game, wax, tar, cedar, bitter chocolate
Dried carnation, dried blood orange, bitter chocolate, tar, wax, game, cedar
Pan-seared venison with blueberry sauce
Open-barrel fermented then aged for two years in new French barriques. A black-purple, opaque pour. On the nose, there is a medium-plus intensity lifted range of dried orange blossom and red carnations, dried blood orange, game, wax, tar, cedar and bitter chocolate. The palate is dry, has a medium acidity, a high extract, high fine-textured tannins, a full body, a lovely length and well-enunciated flavours of dried carnation, dried blood orange, bitter chocolate, tar, wax, game and cedar. It closes with a medium-plus to long finish. Big but nimble and fresh. 2026-2032– ir
RARE WINES TO ENHANCE YOUR CELLAR
THE ULTIMATE GEM
LA PERLE RARE
La Perle Rare – literally, the Rare Pearl – means “something special” or a “rare find” and is at the peak of the quality pyramid in Kathy Jones’ curated and compact portfolio. Most of her wines come from the “rescues,” old-vine plots she saved from obscurity by purchasing and caring after them. Unusually, this special Syrah is produced from a single 25-year-old vineyard planted by her late husband on steep slopes outside of their village of Tuchan marking the launch of their winemaking venture, Domaine Jones. The vine stock was sourced from the famous Côte-Rôtie slope in northern Rhone; after vinification in two 400-litre open barrels, the wine receives further royal treatment of new French oak for up to 24 months. Only two barrels, or about 900 bottles, are made. As apparent from how it is made and in the glass, this wine is deservedly the cream of a very impressive crop – something special, a rare pearl, indeed.
LA PERLE RARE JONES SYRAH, VIN DE FRANCE, 2021
CELLAR UP!
Réserve de Charlotte Merlot, IGP Pays d’Oc, 2024, LOT 5614, P13
Merlot
Floris Lemstra, with his wife Victoria and children Charlotte and Oliver, has become something of a legend in Opimian circles. Many Members have visited—or even stayed—at their stunning estate, where exceptional wine and warm hospitality go hand in hand. The 'Victoria' label has now made way for 'Réserve de Charlotte'—but rest assured, the wine remains just as versatile and impressive. This CdC punches well above its weight. Trust us: one case won’t be enough.
Domaine de la Bretonnière
Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine sur Lie, AOC Muscadet Sèvreet-Maine, 2024, LOT 5627, P22 Melon de Bourgogne
Muscadet often gets confused with Muscat—but they couldn't be more different.
Our Cellar Up! program is evolving to make your ordering experience even smoother.
Many Members love to order each of the Coups de Coeur. For this Cellar, you can easily order all four Coups de Coeur, the top selections from your Masters of Wine, with a single lot number. CHEERS TO CONVENIENCE AND QUALITY.
This is a dry white wine, not a dessert wine, and it’s bound to be a pleasant surprise for you and anyone lucky enough to share a glass. Bonus: you’ll earn instant wine credit for knowing the difference. 5641 LOT $ 570
To order, please go to Opimian.ca and search lot 5641.
Cécile Lebrun Touraine Sauvignon, AOC Touraine, 2024, LOT 5625, P20
Sauvignon Blanc
A long-time Member favourite, Lebrun wines are consistent best sellers—and for good reason. With white wine making a comeback, this fresh, lively Sauvignon Blanc deserves a spot in your cellar. It’s perfect for sharing at get-togethers all year long.
Jones Vineyard Collection Old Vines, AOP Fitou, 2023, LOT 5603, P3 Carignan, Grenache, Syrah
The secret to Fitou lies in the vines—many over 100 years old—bringing freshness, depth, and beautiful texture to the wine. Never tried Carignan? This is your chance. Already a fan? Then you know you won’t want to miss this one.