Thursday, April 9, 2015

Chateau Du Tariquet: A Century of Family History and Great Wines in Gascony, France

Known for its historic Bas-Armagnac, it's white wines offer sheer pleasure

Story and photo gallery by Dwight Casimere

The story of the Grassa family and Chateau Du Tariquet in the Gascony region of France is a history that surpasses the one century mark. Already renowned for its production of Bas-Armagnac, which was  first produced in 1683 at the estate, the story of the estate and the family is the stuff of romantic legend. In a region known for its Armagnac, the Grassa's have distinguished Tariquet as a producer of luscious white wines that are praised by poets and critics alike for creating wines that "offer the sheer pleasure of biting into a fresh grape."

Chateau Du Tariquet is as fiercely dedicated to its tradition as it is devoted to the promotion of new technologies and techniques that use sustainable agricultural approaches to manage the vineyards and  fertilizers and enriching agents that are organic.

With the handing over of the reins of the estate in 2005 from Yves Grassa, the pioneer, to his two sons, Remy and Armin, this marks a new chapter in Tariquet's history. Armin was in the United States recently to introduce the winery's new releasees, which included its Blanche Armagnac and its 2014 wine releases, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin-Chardonnay, Chardonnay, Cote' and Rose' de Pressee'. The wines were paired with a special menu of dishes that highlighted both the delicate floral and savory notes of the wines, contrasted with their crispness and flavors of ripe citrus and exotic fruits.
 Armin Grassa of Domaine Du Tariquet with his Blanche Armagnac
 Fresh herbs emphasize the savory and citrus flavors of Domaine du Tariquet's Sauvignon Blanc 2014
 Tariquet Blanche Armagnac
 The wine pairing of Smoked Salmon Crostini with Capers and Red Onion (below) with Domaine du Tariquet Classic, Sauvignon Blanc and Cote', all 2014

 Maine Lobster Sandwich with Avocado Relish and Wild Greens paired with Domaine du Tariquet Chenin-Chardonnay, Chardonnay and Rose' de Pressee', all 2014 vintage

 Wine author and columnist Msanos Angelakis savors Domaine du Tariquet Chardonnay 2014
 Domaine du Tariquet's Bas Armagnac
 Domaine du Trariquet's Classic white wines
 Dwight Casimere with Armin Grassa

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