Quality Wines From Small French Winemakers

May Wine Club Release

 


2019 Romanin Mâcon-Solutré-Pouilly Chardonnay | Burgundy | Blanc

Five generations have been cultivating this small domaine of 25 acres of vines in the heart of the Chardonnay region. It has 100% young 7-8 year old Chardonnay vines and is protected by the fabulous Rock of Solutré-Pouilly village. 

Clay soil and young vines offer a pleasant, fresh and fragrant wine with green tints. The aroma is fruity and floral with notes of almond. The palate displays abundant citrus flavors with hints of grapefruit and minerality with good length. A wonderful aperitif, this white wine is delicious either with food or on its own.


Grape: Chardonnay 

Decant: None

Serving Temperature: 48 degrees

Pairings: Seafood, Pasta, Vegetarian


2018 Domaine de Couron Marselan | Coteaux de Lardéche | Rouge

Marselan is a new grape variety from France, the result of a 1961 hybrid between Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache.  Black currant, loamy earth and tobacco leaf and common notes.

Grown on a terraced estate 45 miles outside of Avignon, the area is dotted with the vestiges of ancient Roman settlements.  In fact, the Roman coin in the vineyard’s label is one of many found on the property.

All grapes are hand-selected over three passes through the vines, and only mature grapes are chosen for fermentation in the concrete vats.  Only ~2,400 cases are produced each year.


Grape: Marselan 

Decant: 30-45 minutes

Serving Temperature: 65 degrees

Pairings: Beef, Lamb, Game (venison), Poultry


2017 Olivier Dumaine Syrah | Crozes-Hermitage | Rouge

This Syrah from the Côtes-du-Rhône subregion of Crozes-Hermitage is grown on a family estate established in 1650.  The vines are more than 70 years old and grow in a granite and clay terroir.

Picked exclusively by hand, the grapes are de-stemmed and stored in French oak barrels for 10-12 months.  Aromas of smoke, spice and chocolate with red fruit.

Grape: Syrah 

Decant: 45 minutes

Serving Temperature: 65 degrees

Pairings: Beef, Lamb, Game (venison), Pork, Mature and Hard Cheese, Rich Chocolate Desserts

 

Font-Sane Grenache Blend | Ventoux, Rhône Valley | Rouge

In the heart of Gigondas (Rhône Valley), one of the most prestigious southern Côtes-du-Rhône growths, lies the Domaine de Font-Sane since 1860.  Véronique and Bernard have been continuing their family’s wine-making traditions, and recently added the help of their son, Romain.

The vines are between 50-60 years old and grow in sandy soil, and the grapes are fermented in enameled concrete vats.

The wine is a bright purple color with hints of black fruit, pepper and floral aromas.


Grape: Grenache and Syrah 

Decant: 30-45 minutes

Serving Temperature: 60 degrees

Pairings: Beef, Lamb, Game (venison), Pork, Mature and Hard Cheese, Rich Chocolate Desserts


2019 Vignobles Ruhlmann-Schutz Pinot Auxerrois | Alsace | Blanc

Founded in 1688, the Ruhlmann-Schutz family combines tradition and modernity by associating old oak barrels to the state-of-the-art winemaking equipment, respecting the biodiversity and the environment, and in the end, creating unique wines that fully express the terroir.

This brilliant yellow wine begins with fruit and white flowers, followed by apricot and peach.

Grape: Auxerrois 

Decant: None

Serving Temperature: 48 degrees

Pairings: Chicken, Quail, Fish


2018 Nicolas Brunet Brut | Vouvray, Loire Valley | Bubbles

Bubbles from the Loire Valley are a special breed.  These 30 year-old vines of Chenin Blanc are cultivated by the 9th generation of the Brunet family, and the grapes are only harvested by hand from the clay and chalk soil.

On the nose are ripe fruits and honey, followed by a palate of toast, gingerbread, fine bubbles and a mineral finish.

Grape: Chenin Blanc 

Decant: None

Serving Temperature: 45 degrees

Pairings: Mild or Soft Cheese