Discover Benoit Montel's Côtes d'Auvergne wines at Infiniti Blu 2024: a sensory journey through authentic wines and blue cheeses, the expression of a unique terroir
Infiniti Blu – The World of Blue Cheeses 2024
The event "INFINITI BLU, The World of Blue Cheeses", organised by Slow Food Martesana and ONAF, returns for its 15th edition on 7 September in Gorgonzola, promising an unrivalled gastronomic experience. Among the most eagerly awaited tastings are the Côtes d'Auvergne wines from producer Benoit Montel, imported exclusively by us at Wine Terroir Import. Their presence highlights the growing importance of Auvergne wines on both the Italian and international wine scene.
Côtes d'Auvergne: a unique terroir for exceptional wines
The Côtes d'Auvergne AOC extends across central France, in a region defined by a unique volcanic landscape. Shaped by ancient eruptions, this area offers growers soils rich in basalt, clay, limestone and silica – elements that give the wines their distinctive character.
The continental climate, influenced by the mountains of the Massif Central, helps create ideal conditions for viticulture. Hot summers and harsh winters, combined with marked diurnal temperature swings, encourage slow, complete ripening of the grapes, preserving freshness and aromatics.
Benoit Montel's Côtes d'Auvergne wines on tasting
During Infiniti Blu 2024, attendees will have the opportunity to taste two exceptional wines from Benoit Montel:
Cuvée En Aparté Blanc 2023 Côtes d'Auvergne AOC
- Grape variety: Chardonnay
- Profile: Produced from a single west-facing parcel on volcanic basalt soil with a clay-limestone matrix
- Winemaking: Spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel, 6 months' ageing, malolactic fermentation completed naturally
- Distinctive feature: No added sulphites
Madargue 2021 Côtes d'Auvergne AOC
- Grape variety: Gamay d'Auvergne
- Profile: Produced from a parcel in the village of Riom, on sandy soils rich in marl and silica
- Winemaking: Spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel
- Distinctive feature: No added sulphites
Cuvée Madargue – Gamay
Cuvée En Aparté – Chardonnay
Both wines perfectly embody Benoit Montel's approach to winegrowing: respectful of terroir and local traditions, yet with an eye firmly on innovation and quality.
The perfect pairing: Côtes d'Auvergne and blue cheeses
Infiniti Blu 2024 offers a unique opportunity to explore pairings between Côtes d'Auvergne wines and blue cheeses. In particular, the cheese of Ambert, a town twinned with Gorgonzola, will take centre stage at the tasting on 7 September.
With their freshness and aromatic complexity, Côtes d'Auvergne wines lend themselves beautifully to blue-veined cheeses.
The Chardonnay "En Aparté Blanc", with its structure and aromatic complexity, perfectly balances the creaminess and savouriness of the more delicate blues.
The Gamay "Madargue", with its soft tannins and red fruit, offers an intriguing contrast with the more intense blue cheeses.
This tasting will show how the character of the Auvergne terroir is reflected in both the region's wines and its cheeses, creating harmonious and surprising pairings.
Wine Terroir Import's participation at Infiniti Blu 2024 with Benoit Montel's Côtes d'Auvergne wines is an unmissable opportunity for wine and cheese lovers. It is an invitation to discover the excellence of an up-and-coming appellation and to explore exciting new food and wine pairings.
Infiniti Blu 2024: event details and how to attend
The event "INFINITI BLU, The World of Blue Cheeses" is organised by Slow Food Martesana in collaboration with ONAF (the Italian National Organisation of Cheese Tasters), as part of the 24th National Gorgonzola Festival, promoted by the Pro Loco and held under the patronage of the Municipality of Gorgonzola.
The tasting featuring the Côtes d'Auvergne wines of Benoit Montel will take place on 15 September 2024, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm, at the Auditorium of the Centro Intergenerazionale on Via Oberdan in Gorgonzola.
ONAF Italia
Slow Food Martesana
This "Super Tasting", entitled "Ambert and Gorgonzola: stories of places and cheeses – Blue cheeses, wines and passiti from Italy and France", will offer a unique side-by-side comparison of Italian and French blue cheeses, paired with selected wines.
Booking is required to attend the event. Those interested can book via the official event website: www.infiniti-blu.it
Don't miss this unique opportunity to explore the flavours of Côtes d'Auvergne and blue cheeses in a prestigious food and wine setting!
Link to the official press release here.
