2013 Domaine du Salvard Cheverny, Loire Valley, France $17

2013 Domaine du Salvard Cheverny is imported from the Loire Valley by Kermit Lynch. The Delaille brothers produce this great value in Cheverny Sauvignon Blanc. This is a blend of 85% Sauvignon Blanc and 15% Chardonnay. The Sauvignon Blanc offers zest on the nose and on the palate with the Chardonnay providing roundness and richness on the palate. This is a wine that will not “knock off your socks” but that is exactly what the Delailles intend. They produce and present the best of the terrior just as Old World wines are meant to do. This is a lovely wine as a appertif or an accompaniment to simple roasted fish or poultry.

2012 Kermit Lynch Cotes du Rhone, Beaumes-de-Venise, France  $17

2012 Kermit Lynch Cotes du Rhone in produced in the Southern Rhone area of Beaumes-de-Venise. This wine is made by Jean-François Pasturel at Terres d’Avignon. Typical for Cotes du Rhone blends the varietals in the 2012 vintage are Grenache (66%), Syrah (25%), Carignan (7%), Cinsualt (1%) and Mourvedre (1%.) On the nose it shows violet, rose petal, oak, smoke, mushroom, game, toast, tar, dust, dark fruit, vanilla, tobacco, red fruit, spice box, and cedar. On the palate there is lots of cherry, strawberry, raspberry, licorice, anise, vanilla, musk, black currant, blackberry, dust, leather, currant, and blueberry. Again, this is an Old World wine that is not the “star of the show.” It plays a supporting role by complimenting simple bistro food.