Saturday is the last day of the Tour de France and by the time we open we’ll know who crossed the line first.  At 2pm we’ll be celebrating some winners of a different kind with a tasting of French wines that endure the test.  One sip and you’ll want to finish the bottle. 
 
2012 Domaine Trotereau Quincy $19
Sauvignon Blanc
Quincy was the second recognized appellation in France, second only to Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Southwest of Sancerre, this relatively small appellation of 200 hectares has sandy, silex-ridden topsoil with an undercurrent of pink limestone.  Sauvignon ripens fully here while retaining a very interesting aromatic profile, with violet and lavender notes along with full fruity citrus.  The Trotereau gives a lot of Sancerre a run for the money.
 
2013 Triennes Rosé $16
Mostly Cinsault with some Grenache, Syrah and Merlot
Triennes is a reference to Triennia, the festival for Bacchus, which was held every three years during Roman times.  The winery was started by two Burgundians, Jacques Seysses and Aubert de Villaine, joined by a Parisian friend, Michel Macaux, who wanted to develop the potential of Provence wine.  The Treinnes Rosé has a bouquet of strawberries and white flowers with hints of vanilla and smooth full fruited mouthfeel.
 
2012 St Germain, Rouge de Savoie, Vieilles Vignes  $17
Gamay
This non-Beaujolais Gamay comes from old vines in the Savoy.  It has wonderful savory aromas, a bit of a saltiness in the mouth from the limestone, and pretty good grip in the mouth with a bit of tannin as well to balance the red fruit.  It is a great summer red that can be served slightly cool.
 
2011 Château L’Ermitage Rouge  $10
40% Shiraz, 40% Mourvedre, 20% Grenache.
L’Ermitage’s rouge has a modern feel. On the nose there are plum, blueberry and cassis notes along with a little cinnamon. It is spicy and ripe on the palate and finishes with supple tannins.
 
2010  Triennes, Saint Auguste  $18
Syrah, Cabernet-Sauvignon and Merlot
Saint Auguste is Triennes’ flagship wine, coming from a selection of their best cuvées.  The wine is rich with alluring aromas of ripe black cherries, nutmeg and clove.  The palate is full of life with plenty of structure.  Drink it now or watch it develop over the next ten to fifteen years.