This Week’s Wine Tasting
French Wines
Jean Francois Merieau Sauvignon Touraine ‘Les Arpents des Vaudons’ 2013– Loire Valley, France. 100% Sauvignon Blanc. “Instead of blending his wines, Jean-François produces most of the varietals with which he works in single varietal bottlings, often from a single parcel. This terroir-specific approach allows us to taste singular wines of great expression. He is converting the entire production to organic viticulture. Without exception, all of the wines produced at this property offer tremendous value. 100% Sauvignon Blanc from a single parcel of old vines (60 years old). Harvested by hand, fermented and aged in stainless steel tank for 7 months. Some lees stirring.” Imported by Jon David Headrick. $14.99
Louis Laurent Vouvray 2014– Loire Valley, France. 100% Chenin Blanc. “Chenin Blanc comes mostly from France’s Loire Valley and is used in Vouvray and other wines. Vouvray is a cool climate region with limestone and chalk soil located on the north shore of the Loire River. Wine production in Vouvray has been recorded as early as the fifth century when Saint Martin of Tours introduced the Chenin Blanc grape to the region. By Law a Vouvray wine must be made of 100% Chenin Blanc and can be found ranging from sec (dry) to fully sweet (Moelleux) or sparkling. A typical Vouvray exhibits quince, honey, or almond flavors. This example is a bright, floral style, with honeysuckle, green fig and pear notes and a lively, juicy finish.” $12.99
Yves Cuilleron Vin de Pays des Collines Rhodaniennes Rose ‘Sybel’ 2014– Northern Rhone Valley, France. 100% Syrah. “The Cuilleron family domaine, located in the hamlet of Verlieu (part of the town of Chavanay) was founded several generations ago (1920). The domaine is now (as of 2012) significantly larger in scope with 52 hectares of vineyards that cover multiple appellations. This Rosé is sourced 100% from Syrah grown within the confines of the village of Chavanay. It is produced by the “saignée” method after a brief maceration of several hours. The fermentations are in stainless steel and the elevage continues for about six months before bottling in the spring following harvest.” Imported by Rosenthal Wine Merchant. $16.99
Domaine la Manarine Cotes du Rhone 2013– Southern Rhone Valley, France. 100% Grenache. “This “petite” domaine was created by Gilles Gasq in April 2001. The vineyards are located within the commune of Travaillan, on a splendid plateau northeast of Orange in the southern Rhone. The standard bearer of the domaine is the Côtes du Rhône Rouge produced from the younger (but not young) vines (average 35 years old) of the estate. This wine is 100% Grenache and produces a classically spicy, full-bodied wine that speaks clearly of the “garrigue” of the region. The grapes are destemmed before the fermentation and the cuvaison is on the order of three weeks duration. The wine is bottled without filtration after twenty to twenty-four months of ‘elevage’.” Imported by Rosenthal Wine Merchant. $15.99
Mas des Etoiles Petite Etoile Cahors 2011– Cahors, Southwest France. 100% Malbec from vines planted in 1988. “Mas des Étoiles is a collaboration of two vignerons, Arnaud Bladinières and David Liorit, who have planted 4 hectares of Malbec in Cahors in south western France. Deeply colored with aromatics of mulberry, roast meats and anise. The palate is full bodied, with its expression of mulberry, plum and fine grained tannins in balance. There’s a savory complexity and texture on the palate not usually seen in the more pure fruited Mendoza versions. That said, the fruit in this wine too is ripe in expression and there is an identifiable bridge between this and the Mendoza style of Malbec.” $13.99
Fleur de Rigaud Bordeaux Superieur 2012– Bordeaux Superieur, France. 70% Merlot and 30% between Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. “There are many reasons why Bordeaux wine is so plentiful and popular. The distinctive soils are one contributing factor as they provide excellent drainage for the vines and hold the heat. As well the area is blessed with very warm autumn months and the tempering quality of the Gironde River and its tributaries. This delightful Château is in the town of Sainte Radegonde just south across the Dordogne River from St. Émilion. A blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine is made from 25 year old vines grown on a clay and limestone soil. Deep red with aromas of currant and cassis, moderate structure and smooth tannins make this an easy drinking Bordeaux for all occasions.” $15.99