France
Come in and try 2 whites and 2 light reds, as we take an exploration of France's hidden wine treasures. Featuring distinctive expressions from the south and southwest, we’ll journey from the sun-drenched slopes of the Luberon to the Pyrenean foothills of Jurançon, back to the Mediterranean influenced Rhone Valley, and finally to the flat and scorched Gascogne. Fun, aromatic, and warm growing wines.
@ Humble Vine
Wednesday, Jan 7
HOURS: 2-8 PM
Wine Tasting: $25
Patriarche, Cremant D’Bourgogne Rose Brut Burgundy, France $23
Nice bright rose color, offering a persisting mousse. Fresh, fruity and very pleasant, this wine shows ripe raspberry, strawberry, peach, apricot and red currant flavors. The pate offers brioche and a kiss of toasty spices. Well-balanced, combining pleasant freshness, a huge fruitiness and suppleness. 85% Pinot Noir, 15% Gamay.
Bonpas, Luberon Blanc Provence, France $21
Luberon is one of the few French AOCs where you can actually see the vineyards from the famous Luberon Regional Natural Park – the same magical hills that inspired Van Gogh and Peter Mayle.
Aromas of just-picked green apple with a squeeze of lemon and a hint of wild herbs. A light, zesty body with notes of pear, white peach, and a touch of almond on the finish. A fresh, sunny blend of Grenache Blanc, Clairette, and Roussanne.
Camille Cayron, Rasteau Rouge Rhône Valley, France $23
Rasteau (known for sweet fortified wines) earned full AOC status for dry reds in 2010! This is a great example of the modern, dry as a bone style. A bold, sun-drenched Grenache from the Southern Rhône. Aged in concrete and neutral oak, so it’s all about ripe red fruit, spice, and a touch that wild Mediterranean scrub of thyme and rosemary. Black cherry, plum, a hint of licorice, and a warm, rounded finish.
Plaimont, Manseng Noir Côtes de Gascogne, France $28
Manseng Noir is so obscure that Plaimont is one of the only producers making a varietal bottling of it – they rescued it from near extinction by tracking down old vines in forgotten corners of Gascony. It’s a dark, aromatic, Light, dry, zippy, and savory wine. Shows black fruit, spice, and fresh acidity rather than weight or sweetness. It’s naturally deeply colored and fairly tannic, but with moderate potential alcohol and good freshness, which is why it is attractive in a warm climate. Crushed black cherry, mixed Provençal herbs, tomato leaf, underbrush and rose, plus black plum, lilac, and lavender on the finish. 100% Manseng Noir
