France
We’ll take a grand tour through four fantastic regions of France! Kicking things off with the whites, White Burgundy (Chardonnay), and we will hop over the southeastern mountains to Savoie for a crisp Jacquère. Now head south into the sunny Southern Rhône Valley for a Grenache/Syrah blend, and wrap things up with a classic right-bank Bordeaux.
@ Humble Vine
Wednesday, April 22nd
HOURS: 2-8 PM
Wine Tasting: $25
Moillard, White Burgundy Burgundy, France $24
A fresh, elegant White Burgundy of 100% Chardonnay. This is no Cali’ Chard… Leading with aromas of citrus, peach, cream, and a mineral edge. The plate offers lemongrass, cream, and peachy purity with a solid line of acidity. Matured in casks including 25% new oak, and built to gain richness and roundness.
Domaine de l’Idylle, Jacquère Savoie, France $23
Savoie (Sav-wah) is is in the French Alps, under Switzerland and on the border of Italy. An old Roman territory acting as a "buffer state" between France and Italy, and its ultimate 1860 annexation into France! This 100% Jacquère is refreshing, zingy, and crisp. Aromas of Alpine flowers and citrus blossoms. Flavors of pear and a hint of grapefruit follow, with a lively, round palate. The wine is unoaked, but does spend six months on fine lees to create a rounder palate.
Berthet-Rayne, “Le Nichoir a Mésange” Côtes du Rhône Rhône Valley, France $20
Berthet-Rayne is known for old vines and traditional Rhône varieties, which supports a more rustic, authentic profile. This is a Southern Rhône red blend is led by Grenache with Syrah with a bit of Carignan. Ripe and savory, with blackberry, plum, white pepper, spice cabinet, and a warm, Rhône-like mouthfeel.
Château de Cruzeau, Saint-Émilion Grand Cru St. Emilion-Bordeaux, France $33
Château Cruzeau has planted vines around the property in the late 1700s and family stewardship beginning in the early 1900s. ‘Grand Cru’ signals a recognized area with stricter rules and generally higher quality expectations. The wine is a classic ‘right bank’ blend of mostly Merlot with Cabernet Franc (15%). Dark cherry, cassis, cedar, spice, and a silky finish. Oak aging is part of the allure, with 12 months or more in French oak, adding vanilla, cedar, and spice.
