|
French Wines Best Values
So how do you keep your "chic" in difficult times? Drink French!
And here's a little help to find the wine for you by taking clue from labels with no variety indications.
If you like Chardonnay with oak, pick a Borgogne that you see is white.
If you like Chardonnay with no oak, pick Chablis.
If you like Sauvignon Blanc, pick Loire, Poully Fumé and Sancerre.
If you like Merlot, pick St. Emilion, which is Merlot with a little Cabernet
and a few other red grapes blend in for personality.
Another choice for great Merlot is Pomerol, usually blended
with a little more Cabernet Franc for gorgeous aromatics.
If you like Cabernet Sauvignon, pick Haut Medoc which are Cabernet based,
blended with other classic red grapes for structure and personality.
If you like Pinot Noir, pick a Borgogne that you see is red.
If you like Syrah, pick a wine that says Rhone or Chatenneuf-du-Pape in the label,
which besides Syrah blend grapes like Grenache and Mouvedre for freshness, structure and spiciness.
This is a very basic "cheat list", but as you will find out, it gets very interested down the road.
Our recommendation: Once you find a French region you like, start looking for specific locations and producers.
Soon, you will be toasting very confidently... A vôtre santé!
Let's go shopping!
|
Trimbach Pinot Gris Reserve 2003, Alsace
"Rich and fragant, the wine is very ripe and harmonious"
87, Wine Spectator
87, Robert Parker
Trimbach is the Alsacian iconic family and their wines represent the soul and spirit of this region that is highly appreciated by the most refined palates around the world. More about Trimbach history and legendary wines at www.maison-trimbach.com
$30.00
|
|
Trimbach Gewurztraminer 2005, Alsace
90, Robert Parker
"A wonderful blend of appealing aromatics and a dry, balanced palate", Sheri Sauter Morano, Master of Wine
Only 12.5% alc. Excellent for lunch, mid afternoon and weekdays! WL~
$28.75
|
|
Trimbach Riesling 2005, Alsace
"Must Have Wine", "Touchstone vibrant, bracingly lemon-zesty and crisp bone-dry riesling", The Wondering Palate
92, The Wine News
$25.50
|
|
Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Villages 2007
If you prefer lighter wines, or you are just looking for wines to enjoy with salads, cold sandwiches, mild cheeses, pizza or just to have a little glass of something while surfing the Internet, this wine is for you! WL
Dry, with fairly light body, balanced acidity with moderate alcohol, very soft and approachable tannins.
$15.75
|
|
Joseph Drouhin Vero, Borgogne
89, Wine Advocate
Very pleasant bouquet reminiscent of cherry and ripe raspberry, with a peppery note in the background. Good balance with pleasant roundness and freshness; supple and refined tannic structure.
New World style pinot noir, crafted in Burgundy. You get a taste of both worlds in one flavorful glass of wine. WL~
$29.75
|
|
Joseph Drouhin Chablis 2006, Chablis (Borgogne)
Drouhin;s Chablis Premier Cru has very attractive and intense aromas reminiscent of coriander, orange, lemon and many other intriguing flavors. Generous, round and long on the palate, it is also full bodied with refreshing vivacity.
91, The Wine News
88, Robert Parker
$32.75
|
|
Joseph Drouhin Santenay, Cote de Beaune
This is a great example of how pinot noirs get more defined as you start discovering specific regions from outstanding producers like Maison Joseph Drouhin. WL~
"A real terroir wine", Veronique Drouhin
$34.75
|
|
Joseph Drouhin Côte de Beaune Villages 2005, Borgogne
“This wine is both simple and elegant. A nice purple colour. Delicate red fruit aromas on the nose. This is a great example of what the Pinot Noir grape can produce on the Burgundian terroir”. The colour is ruby red, very intense. The aromas are well marked and classic notes of little red berries dominate. Véronique Boss-Drouhin
$28.00
|
|
Maison Louis Latour Macon Villages 2006, Borgogne
Great freshness and lovely floral aromas; great bottle to get acquainted with Borgogne blanc. WL~
The Latour family themselves have been viticulteurs since the 17th century, slowly building up a unique Domaine of 50 hectares (125 acres). This Domaine has the largest Grand Cru property in the Cote d'Or with a total of 28,63 hectares (71,58 acres) . The vineyards extend from Chambertin in the north to Chevalier-Montrachet in the south and are solely planted with the two noble grape varieties ; Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
$18.75
|
|
Maison Louis Latour Pinot Noir 2006, Borgogne
“...Seek out this wine, which looks and tastes more expensive than its bargain price tag. Medium-bodied and elegant with light tannins, it smells of sweet, moist earth and tastes of cherries.” Leslie Sbrocco - NYTimes.com Wines of the Week
$23.50
|
|
Château Larose Trintaudon 2002, Haut Medoc, Bordeaux
Supple, well structured and ready to drink!
A fragrant cuvée, interesting enough to to turn many monovarietal fans into a more elegant sipper. WL~
$24.75
|
|
Château Greysac 2004, Medoc, Bordeaux
“One of the largest Médoc estates, with 230 acres of vines, Greysac is a good, reliable source of classically styled Bordeaux. The style has become more modern in recent years, with an increased use of new wood, as in this 2004, which currently dominates. Enjoy it now for its toasty character, or wait for it to calm down.” Roger Voss
90,Wine Enthusiast
$26.75
|
|
Château Teyssier 2005, St Emilion, Bordeaux
“A lifted, floral nose minerally with violets. Very feminine and seductive. The palate is incredibly pure, with bouquets of violets and black fruits. Lovely balance and harmony. Caresses the palate. Gorgeous.” 90- 92, Neal Martin, eRobert Parker
$33.00
|
|
Château Teyssier 2006, St Emilion, Bordeaux
90, Robert Parker
The 2006 (90), which I did not review in my report published in issue #181, is an outstanding success as well as a sleeper of the vintage. Its dark ruby color is accompanied by plenty of black fruit, licorice, earth, and spice characteristics. It should drink nicely for 8-10 years.
$34.00
|
|
Georges Duboeuf Pouilly Fuisse 2006, Borgogne
Dry, very lively, floral with nutty undertones and very expressive 100% Chardonnay. WL~
$27.75
|
|
Clos de Perriere 2007, Sancerre, Loire
Drinking great! Emphatically dry and crisp, but with plenty of the lingering fruit and fragrance for which Sauvignon Blanc grown in Sancerre is world famous.
$29.50
|
|
St. Laurent Pouilly Fumé 2004, Loire
Generous aromatics reminiscent of flowery perfumes, citrus peels and a characteristic mineral touch. WL~
$28.50
|
|
Whispering Angel 2007, Chateau D'Esclans, Cotes de Provence
89, Wine Spectator
There’s a crystal clarity to the berry and cherry flavors. Powerful, almost tannic, with plenty of mineral and spice notes. The long finish lingers with white pepper and wisps of red peach. Drink now through 2011. 7,280 cases made.
This is the young wine from the impressive portfolio of rosés by Sacha Lichine, one of the world's most prestigious rosé focused winemakers. WL~
$22.50
|
|
Paul Jaboulet, Parallel 45 Rosé 2007, Cotes du Rhone
Simply stunning, the bright, bouncing, ripe-fruited '07 Paul Jaboulet Aine Parallele 45 Rose rates as one of the world's top pink wines; explosive in fruit; crisp in the finish. 90, Wilfred Wong
The House of Paul Jaboulet Aîné is one of the Rhône’s most recognizable wineries. The reputation of Jaboulet wines rests on the quality of the well-situated and well-tended vineyards, on low yields, careful vinification, and diligent aging in oak casks. The Jaboulet family prefers carefully integrated oak aging, in which the influence of wood is never allowed to become excessive. Since this is an important point, they have their own cooper who makes and maintains their stock of barrels.
$16.50
|
|
Paul Jaboulet Mule Blance Crozes Hermitage 2004
We recently served this wine at the Trois Cent Onze 9th Anniversary Dinner and it was one of the evening favorites. WL~
Pale yellow. Exuberant, assertive aromas of dried pear, ripe apple and vibrant minerals. Rich verging on unctuous, characterized by supple orchard fruit flavors. Full, thick and weighty on the finish. 88, Stephen Tanzer
$27.00
|
|
Paul Jaboulet Muscat de Beaumes de Venis 2006 (Dessert) Cotes du Rhone
Crystal clear color with golden reflections. Exceptionally intense bouquet, with aromas of peach, grape, apricot, mango and lychee. Full, velvety, sweet. Perfect balance between sugar, alcohol, and acidity. Great also as an aperitif or with foie in light preparations. WL~
$22.00
|
|
Paul Jaboulet Les Jalets Rouge Crozes Hermitage, 2006, Rhone
"Dark ruby. Classic syrah on the nose, displaying vivid red and dark fruit scents, violet, anise and cracked pepper. Supple raspberry and dark cherry flavors are supported by gentle minerality and firmed by dusty tannins, which add focus to the finish. Offers good silky texture and lingering sweetness." 88 pts. Josh Raynolds, IWC
“Bright and peppery, this crowd-pleasing Syrah is a candidate for by-the-case purchase. The quality of the 2006 vintage is evident in the wine’s concentration and deep black fruit flavors.” 2 Stars, Very Good, Food & Wine
$26.00
|
|
Paul Jaboulet, Parallel 45 Rouge 2006, Cotes du Rhone
"Solid, with fresh plum, violet and grilled herb notes, all backed by an iron-tinged finish. Drink now." Best Buy 87 pts. Wine Spectator
$16.75
|
|
Paul Jaboulet Thalabert 2004, Crozes Hermitage, Rhone
"From this almost 100-acre vineyard south of Hermitage comes one of the most impressive Crozes-Hermitage wines on the market." Wine & Spirits
“Deep red. Ripe, deep aromas of dark berries, cherry, tobacco and licorice. Rich cassis and dark chocolate flavors pick up a spicy, peppery note with air. Finishes with substantial but harmonious tannins and a lingering flavor of sweet blackberry.” 90, International Wine Cellar
$32.00
|
|
Champagne Laurent Perrier Brut NV Half Bottle
“Lovely. Candied citrus, ginger and mineral aromas and flavors integrate well with the lightweight, elegant frame. Beautifully displayed, from start to the long finish." 90, Wine Spectator
90, Robert Parker
The colour is a pale golden hue, with fine and persistent bubbles. The nose is fresh and delicate, showing good complexity with its hints of citrus and white fruit. With its elegant style, Brut L-P has led the way in making champagne the ideal apéritif. Perfectly balanced, with crisp flavours and finesse, it is also an ideal companion for fish, poultry and white meat. Like all good champagne it has an exhilarating finish.
$35.00
|
|
Nicolas Feuillate Brut NV Fun Pack, Epernay, Champagne
No reason to have lunch without a glass of Champagne!
These are personal size bottles of Nicolas Feuillate Brut. Just perfect for summer affairs, the boat, and especially appropriate when only two glasses for lunch is needed.
$14.50
|
|
Nicolas Feuillate Brut Rosé
NV Fun Pack, Epernay, Champagne
No reason to have lunch without a glass of Champagne!
These are personal size bottles of Nicolas Feuillate Brut. Just perfect for summer affairs, the boat, and especially appropriate when only two glasses for lunch is needed.
92, Wine Spectator
Puerto Rico's most sought after Rosé! WL~
$16.75
|
|
Nicolas feuillate Brut Rosé Half Bottle, Epernay, Champagne
Perfect to enjoy with friends at lunch or mid afternoon!
92, Wine Spectator
Puerto Rico's most sought after Rosé!
$27.75
|
|
Blanc Foussy Brut, Sparkling, Loire
“Fines Bulles de Touraine” is how is know this premium pétillant -lightly sparkling- wine from the Loire Valley for the French way to make more of your everyday life.
* Silver Medal “Concours des Grands Vins de Mâcon 2004”
* Silver Medal “Concours mondial de Bruxelles 2003”
* Silver Medal “Challenge International du Vin France 2003”
$18.75
|
|
Blanc Foussy Brut Rosé NV, AOC Touraine, Loire
A charming rosé that is just slightly sparkling, lighter in alcohol and a very delicate floral and berries palate. Enjoy with salads, quiches, goat cheese and toast and all kinds of shellfish. WL~
Excelent for graduation parties!
$18.50
|
Set Home Page
|
