Featured Wines in September – Joseph Drouhin 2014 LaForet Bourgogne Chardonnay, Burgundy, France & Eric Chevalier 2013 Domaine de L’Aujardiere Cabernet Franc, Loire Valley, France

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2014 LaForet Bourgogne Chardonnay, Burgundy, France $15

The Joseph Drouhin Domaine founded in  Burgundy in 1880 is now run by the fourth generation which offers a fascinating array of Burgundy terroirs in all their authenticity and subtle variations. 2014 LaForêt Bourgogne Chardonnay is an entry level wine that provides the simple pleasures of a classic white Burgundy. It has a bouquet of citrus aromas that trail with honey and vanilla. There is a delightful lively texture with some spicy minerality that shines through on the finish. This is an easy wine as an aperitif or a complement to simply prepared fish and fresh vegetables.Alcohol: 13%

 

Eric Chevalier Cab Franc

2013 Domaine de L’Aujardiere Cabernet Franc, Loire Valley, France $18

Eric Chevalier produces wine in the Loire Valley just to the west of Burgundy.  2014 Domaine de L’Aujardière Cabernet Franc is imported by Kermit Lynch which gives it a strong recommendation for a quality wine at a good price. Cabernet Franc grapes are lighter than Cabernet Sauvignon. The color is clear, reddish with a light rim and the aromas are woody with ripe raspberries. This wine has a smooth mouth-feel, a slightly peppery taste and a medium long dry finish that ends on a light note. This wine is  an all-purpose red for pork and poultry. Keep this in mind for Thanksgiving turkey. Alcohol: 12%

April Featured Wines -2013 Domaine Roland Lanvantureux Petit Chablis, France & 2013 Clos La Coutale Malbec, Cahors, France

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2013 Domaine Roland Lanvantureux Petit Chablis, Lignorelles, France $15

This month’s white selection is 2013 Roland Lavantureux Petit Chablis from the Chablis region in the northern most wine district in Burgundy. White Burgundy, or Chablis, is  made from Chardonnay grapes. Approximately 85% of the Chablis are  unoaked. What makes a “Petit Chablis” is a non-distinguishable difference in grape appearance but it does have a slightly different profile. This wine has a subtle minerality on the nose with slight tropical fruit. The palate shows a dry, silky mouthfeel with a long tropical fruit finish. This is a perfect pairing for rich fish (salmon and tuna.)

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2013 Clos La Coutale Malbec, Cahors, France $22

The red selection is 2013 Clos La Coutale Malbec, from Cahors in Southwest France.  The area around Cahors produces wine, primarily a robust and tannic red wine. To achieve the Cahors appellation a wine must be made from at least 70% Malbec (also called COT) grape, with a maximum of 30% Merlot or Tannat grape varieties added to the blend. Philippe Bernede, the winemaker at Clos La Coutale, uses 20% Merlot to soften the Malbec tannins. This wine is deep red and robust with dark fruit on the palate. As you begin to use your grill, keep this wine in mine for barbecued pork or beef – or anything smokey.