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The Wines |
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| Pertinent facts |
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Name: Domaine Le Plan, “Le Plan” being a name associated with the area for centuries. |
| The Vermeersch philosophy: excellence and respect Perfectionism is an inescapable character trait in your average champion rally and racing driver. Dirk Vermeersch is a prime example. Not happy simply with “making wine”, he has deep respect for the nature that wine comes from and for the humans that live in it and eat and drink its products. Vineyard and cellar management are centered around growing the healthiest and ripest fruit, then producing its most authentic expression as a wine. The best of new and old techniques are handpicked for each situation. Vineyards are cared for organically to assure their health and future. The Carignan vines are trained using a 3-level, 1.7m trellis system, letting them benefit from more photosynthesis to increase ripeness. The Syrah (pole supported) and Grenache vines are trained in the traditional goblet style, providing more shade so that the grapes ripen more evenly. At on average 40 years old, the vines already produce concentrated fruit at a low yield. Dirk and his vineyard manager concentrate the fruit and lower the yield even more by removing buds and thinning out leaves and clusters. Grapes are harvested as they approach over-ripeness. Once in the cellar, Ann takes over. Grapes are trodden by foot for color extraction and for gentler tannins. Traditional fermentation follows, in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats. Controlling the temperature during fermentation allows Ann to bring out the fruit in a wine or develop its structure and aromatic complexity. The wine is then pressed using a wooden vertical press, so that Ann can taste and check its progress at any moment. Malolactic fermentation in oak barrels follows, softening the wines’ acidity and increasing their complexity. Finally the wines are aged in barrel for 3 to 12 months. In order to present a wider “Rhône South” range, the family also offers a selection of dry, sweet and sparkling white wine. Wine Competitions: BEST SYRAH IN THE WORLD (GT-S 2005), TOP 10 and GOLD MEDAL in Ampuis (Côte Rôti) PRIX D’EXCELLENCES VINALIES, (GT-S 2003) Oenologists of France Competition GOLD MEDAL, (GT-S 2005) Avignon Wine Competition GOLD MEDAL, (GT-G 2005) Avignon Wine Competition GOLD MEDAL, (GT-S 2003) Avignon Wine Competition GOLD MEDAL, (GT-G 2005) Concours Mondial Bruxelles 2007 GOLD MEDAL, (GT-S 2003) Concours Mondial Bruxelles 2005 GOLD MEDAL, (GT-S 2005) Paris Amphore Organic Wine Competition GOLD MEDAL, (GT-C 2004) Paris Amphore Organic Wine Competition SILVER MEDAL, (GT-X 2006) Concours Mondial Bruxelles 2008 SILVER MEDAL, (GT-S 2005) Concours Mondial Bruxelles 2007 SILVER MEDAL, (Classic 2005) Avignon Wine Competition SILVER MEDAL, (Classic 2001) Avignon Wine Competition SILVER MEDAL, (Classic 2005) Vacqueras Consumers Jury BRONZE MEDAL, (GT-X 2006) International Wine Challenge 2008 BRONZE MEDAL, (GT-S 2006) International Wine Challenge 2008 BRONZE MEDAL, (GT-X 2006) London Decanter World Wine Awards BRONZE MEDAL, (GT-S 2005) London Decanter World Wine Awards BRONZE MEDAL, (GT-S 2003) London Decanter World Wine Awards PRIX DES VINALIES, (GT-S 2005) Oenologists of France Competition PRIX DES VINALIES, (GT-C 2005) Oenologists of France Competition Wine Press & Tasting notes: JANCIS ROBINSON, (Chateauneuf-du-Pape GT-2006) 17.5/20 FRANK VAN DER AUWERA, (GT-V 2003) OSCAR WINNER in 300 Best wines in Belgium up to 10€ FRANK VAN DER AUWERA, (GT-V 2004) SELECTED in 300 Best wines in Belgium up to 10€ VINO MAGAZINE, (GT-S 2005) TOP 3 in BEST SYRAH / SHIRAZ, France / Australia competition AMBIANCE MAGAZINE, (GT-G 2005) WINNER in BEST GRENACHE, France / Spain competition AMBIANCE MAGAZINE, (GT-S 2004) BEST RED COUNTRY WINE DECANTER MAGAZINE, (GT-G 2005) Commended in BEST WINES IN THE WORLD KNACK WEEKEND MAGAZINE, (GT-S 2004) Selected in SUPER 50 DE TIJD MAGAZINE, selected in 16 BELGIAN WINEGROWERS CONQUER THE WINE WORLD Wine Guides: SELECTED by Guide Hachette des Vins 2001: 1* Star, 2003: 2** Stars, 2004: Coup de Coeur (Best Pick) SELECTED by Guide Good Organic Wine Addresses (GT-S) 2004 3 Hearts SELECTED by Guide Good Organic Wine Addresses (GT-C / GT-G) 2004 2 Hearts SELECTED by UK Best French Country Wines Guide 2004 SELECTED by Guide Gilbert & Gaillard 2004, 2005 SELECTED by Vins, Vignobles et Vignerons 2005 SELECTED by The 100 most beautifull roads in the vineyards” 2005 SELECTED by Best Belgian Wine Growers in France” No GT wines produced 2002
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| The Wines … Rhône GT wines:
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