March 14, 2018
100% Chenin Blanc. Crisp and brooding nose of bright citrus, pears, white spring flowers and chalk. Taste is 2 parts soil, 1 part fruit: river rocks, oyster shells, lemon-apple, quince. The concern is that this will be dry to the point of being mean, but not so. The lees-aging in barrel gives just the right amount of flesh. Really delicious, and a bargain for this quality and character. A Pet-Nat, which is single fermentation that finishes in bottle. 100% Chenin Blanc, called Triple Zero because it is Zero Chaptalization, Zero Liqueur at bottling, Zero dosage. Ferment and aged 2 years […]
February 18, 2018
The Bernard Fouquet Vouvray “Cuvee Silex” 2016 is an excellent example of ripe, tangy, slightly exotic and off-dry Vouvray. Candied lemon peel and light caramel nose moves to pear slices, pineapple chunks and perky acidity in the mouth. Exotic, lush and chock-full of fruity goodness, the sweetness lifts the generous flavors while not coming across as sweet. I think a sweet/salty jumbo shrimp dish (prosciutto, fruit salsa, toasty garlic) would be a great match. Check out all our recommended Loire Valley wines here.
January 30, 2018
A rare bird, White Chinon (Loire Valley) is all Chenin Blanc, which accounts for just 2% of vineyard land in the appellation. You’d think something so good and so rare would be more expensive. Such a lovely white, and for what it’s worth my perfect style for a house wine. Chalky, apple skin, white flower nose turns to flavors of pear-apple, citrus, lemon blossoms and crushed rocks. Light and intense, this is an ideal partner for most shellfish.