Andre Lurton, a well-established Bordeaux chateau owner is a traditional vitiviniculturist who believes in terroir and old-fashioned vinification techniques. He owns among others Chateau Bonnet in Entre-deux-Mers and Château La Louviere, both well known to Ontario wine consumers.
Chateau Bonnet produces both red and white, although located in a Bordeaux sub-region famous for light, acid-driven white wines.
His two sons Jaques and François favour less restrictive wine making laws that govern Bordeaux. Jacques, the oenologist, and Francois, the accountant, decided to look for their fortunes outside of Bordeaux, and first established a winery in Languedoc, along the Mediterranean coast of France.
In 1992 Lurtons bought a property in Spain (Bodega François), then another in Chile (Vina Hacienda Araucano), in 1996 Bodega François Lurton was established in Argentina’s Mendoza region, and 2004 Francois fell in love with the Douro region of Portugal and decided to buy the Quinta de Malhos. Here he calls his winery Dominio Francois Lurton producing fine vino verde and other wines.
Lurton wines are always meticulously made from high-quality grapes, and above all, all are popularly priced and represent excellent value.
Recently Mr. Lurton conducted a wine tasting in Toronto for wine writers.
The following captured my imagination:

Whites

Fume Blanches 2008, Languedoc, France
From the cooler zones of Languedoc, and 100 per cent sauvignon blanc, this delightful wine offers fine gooseberry aromas, medium-body, with mouth-watering acidity and a clean finish.
89/100
472555 $ 11.45 General list

Verdecho 2008, Rueda, Spain
From Rueda, Spain blended with 15 per cent sauvignon blanc this wine offers intriguing fruit aromas, a medium to full bodied texture. Best with seafood in a creamy sauce.
88/100
Available through the agency.
Contact ssaxena@diamondwines.com

Pilheiros Alvarinho 2008, Douro Valley, Portugal
Is a vino verde (green wine) from northern Portugal, well known for its low alcohol and pleasant acidity. It complements best, grilled sardines, and other fatty seafood.
This medium-bodied wine is refreshing and deeply flavoured.
89/100
Available through the agency.

Pinot Gris 2009 Uco Valley Mendoza, Argentina
Vinted from 100 per cent pinot gris grown on high altitude vineyards of the Uco valley is delightfully refreshing, fruity, smooth and offers a long finish. Excellent value
90/100
556746 General list $ 10.95

Gran Lurton 2007 Uco Valley Argentina

Is a blend of Tokay Friulano, pinot gris, chardonnay and torrontes. An excellent blend of fruit aromas (apples, pears, apricots) wafts out of the glass. Full-bodied, smooth and with a long finish. Superb with poached or pan-fried salmon, or seafood risotto, broiled lobster, pasta with shrimp or grilled squid.
89/100
55829 Vintages $ 19.95

Reds

Les Hauts de Janeil 2008 Pays d’Oc, France
Compsoed of syrah and Grenache, has abrilliant dark red colour, offers berry aromas, is full-bodied with a deep and satisfying flavour. Ready to enjoy now, but can be cellared for a few years.
88/100
$ 12.95

Campo Alegre 2007 Toro, Spain
Vinted exclusively from tempranillo, the famous and popular red grape of Spain. Full-bodied, with an excellent balance and ripe berry aromas. Longs aftertaste.
90/100
Avaialble from the agent.

Pinto Noir, 2008 Central Valley, Chile
Vina Hacienda Aracuano, Lurton’s Chilean Estate is located in one of Chile’s cool regions and most suitable for pinot noir.
It offers strawberry aromas, is of medium body, smooth and balanced.
89/100
Available from the agent.

Gran Lurton Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Uco Valley, Argentina
Composed of 85 per cent cabernet sauvignon and 15 malbec, this full bodied, fruity, and well balanced wine should be paired with medium rare steaks, game stews, or ripe hard cheeses.
91/100
980334 Vintages $ 20.95

Le Chat des Erles, 2003, Fitou, France
This southwestern region is known for its robust red wines blended using syrah, Grenache, and carignan. Full-bodied, offers berry aromas, smoky mid-palate, depth and finesse.
89/100
Available from the agent

Chacayes, 2006, Uco Valley, Argentina
Lurton’s winemaker in this property used 80 per cent malbec and 20-cabernet sauvignon to create a nicely balanced, fruity wine of delicacy and finesse.
It has a full body, is spicy and possesses a long aftertaste.
88/100
Available from the agent

Campo Eliseo, 2004, Toro, Spain
Powerful, excellent mouth feel, depth of flavour with hints of tobacco and long aftertaste make this wine superb for deeply flavoured foods.
90/100
Available from the agent

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Tags: LURTON ESTATES

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