Just when you think you know what to expect from a type of wine, along comes one that surprises you with a delightful difference. This Saturday we are pouring five French wines that transcended our expectations and brought a smile to our lips. We think they will to yours too.
Moncontour Sparkling Vouvray Tete de Cuvee $20
100% Chenin Blanc
From 30 year old vines this Loire Bubble is aged for 18 months on its leas. Nut and toast aromas lead to a smooth palate, with creamed apple and delicate orange zest flavors. Behind the crisp acidity, there is a mature feel, giving roundness to the delicious aftertaste.
2015 Michel Vattan, Sancerre Cuvée Calcaire $23
Sauvignon Blanc
From a limestone vineyard of 30-year-old vines, the Vattan has racy aromas with mineral accents, citrus and blackcurrant leaf. Its well-integrated palate is supported by fine freshness, seductive fullness, succulence, precise, delicate aromas and drive.
2014 Vignerons des Monts de Bourgogne, Bourgogne Rouge $18
Pinot Noir
This is a great little Pinot Noir from a cooperative. Nothing fancy here just a bouquet of red fruits a crisp silky mouthfeel and a crisp finish.
2011Chateau Le Bourdieu Medoc $22
50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% Merlot
A good Bourgeois: very pure and feminine on the nose with crisp red berries, redcurrant and candied orange peel. The palate is full but not cloying with layers of red fruit, leading to a solid finish. You can watch a Sommelier blind taste this here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snPRPusaB-8 or you can try it on Saturday. We won’t be spitting.
Dumangin, Ratafia Champenois $40
78% Pinot Meunier, 22% Pinot Noir
Very unique Ratafia Champenois (Ratafia de Champagne) is made from grape must ‘fortified’ with Champagne distilled spirits It is made with 4 simultaneous types of aging of different durations: Traditional barrel 6 years, Solera barrel 5 years, Vino Santo barrel 7 years, Vat 3 years. Made by a great Champagne maker this liqueur has wonderful fruity aromas as well as a very distinguished wood note. 18% alcohol by volume
Madrona Wine Merchants offers free wine tastings featuring 4-5 selections on a theme every Saturday from 2 until the bottles run out and on Sunday we offer a mini-tasting of two wines all day from 11-5.