Click on the questions below for the answers.

Questions

1. Sustainable, Biodynamic, and Organic, Schmorganic... what do these mean?

2. I heard someone mention the French Paradox. What is it all about?

3. What is special about the wines from Madiran (made from the Tannat grape)?

Answers

1. Here are some decent definitions for these terms:

Biodynamic Viticulture, emphasizes soil fertility but with the added dimensions of the ‘cosmic background’ of astronomy. The vineyard and winery operations are governed by positions of the planets and phases of the moon. Conventional agrochemicals and fertilizers are absolutely forbidden, although Bordeaux mixture and sulphur are permitted.

Organic Viticulture, ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity. It is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain, or enhance ecological harmony.

Sustainable Viticulture, encourages ecological diversity in the vineyard and shuns the more traditional monocultural approach. An attempt is made to reduce inputs of extraneous substances, especially of agrochemicals, although there are no strict rules governing which chemicals may or may not be used. Enhancing soil fertility is fundamental, and so green cover crops are used, as is undervine ploughing rather than herbicides.

2.The French Paradox

For years, weight loss experts have pointed out the "French paradox". The French dine on some of the richest foods in the world, yet the population as a whole is slim.

In the last few years, one of the most popular theories has been that most of the day’s food intake happens early, with meals becoming smaller as the day progresses.

Still, considering typical French fare -- croissants, brie, pastries – it’s quite astonishing to see the statistic that just 7 percent of French adults are obese.

The explanation? Size does matter: Recent research says the paradox can be attributed – at least in part – to serving sizes.

3.Here is an interesting email we received from a gentleman from North Carolina. It will give you more insight about Madiran wines and their beneficial health effects:

Dear Bourgeois Wines:

I recently read Roger Corder’s The Red Wine Diet and learned about wines from the Madiran and the Tannat grape.  Although I have sampled many reds over the years (and many French reds, living in Europe for about a decade), I had somehow never tried Madiran or Tannat.  This book caused me to seek it out.

I now live in Nashville, TN, and finding Madiran wine was a bit of a challenge.  I found one such wine—your Domaine du Crampilh l’Originel 2003 at a store in Nashville called Frugal McDougal’s.  To be perfectly honest, I did not expect to like it very much.  I thought it might be extremely bitter, but planned on starting to drink Madiran due to the potential health benefits regardless.  Yet to my surprise, it is very good!  I will be buying more as long as Frugal McDougal’s carries it.  Hopefully some others will pick it up.

I read on the label that it is 100% Tannat.  That suits me fine, as assuming Corder is correct, Tannat may be higher in procyanidin than other varietals (although I realize cabernets, and presumably those of the Madiran, are also quite high).  However, all the information I can find on the internet seems to indicate that this wine is 70% Tannat.  Has there been a change in labeling?  Will you still offer a wine like this in the US with 100% Tannat?  I am just curious.  I also wondered if you had had any of the Domaine du Crampilh wines tested formally for procyanidin content.

Thank you for penetrating this particular market.  I will be buying more of your wine for sure.

All the best,

Mark

and our response

Dear Mark,

I am very happy that you tried and enjoy our Madiran. This wine is living proof that something that is good for you does not necessarily have to taste bad. This said, the Madiran from Domaine de Crampilh is exceptional and also an excellent value for the quality it offers. Just so you know the latest vintage(2005) differs slightly (70% Tannat and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon) but it is still one of the best options available for heart healthy red wine.

I have contacted the winery with your request for information about procyanidin content and will let you know what they say. In the meantime, I invite you to check out the following links that provide information about the relationship between Tannat and procyanidin, and the positive impact they can have on heart health.

http://www.lifestylewines.co.nz/HomePageArticles/AOC+Madiran++Health.html
http://www.brainready.com/blog/french_madiran_wine_best_fo.html
http://www.giddylimits.co.uk/over_50s_interests/Madiran.html
http://www.emaxhealth.com/74/8441.html

and many more...

A Votre Santé! Make the French Paradox work for you!

Here are a few other wineries we work with and whose wines you will likely enjoy:

Chateau de Saurs

Domaine de l'Elephant

Domaine Jerome Gradassi (CDP)

Domaine de Chateaumar (CDR)

Domaine de la Berthete (CDR)

Domaine des Florets (Gigondas)

Do not hesitate to contact us again with more questions and thank you for buying our wines.

Regards,

Veronique Barth
Bourgeois Family Selections, LLC
French Wines, Southern Service

If you need information about Bourgeois Family Selections, email us, call 704-837-2441, or feel free to use our online request form.