Up & Down France
Starting in the North, the Loire Valley with Sancerre. Is it the finest Sauvignon Blanc in the world?… Maybe. Then hop over to Chinon for a Cabernet Franc that only Chinon can do. We travel down the Burgundy trail to Beaujolais for a Gamay, and we end at the Mediterranean in the Rhone Valley for a Cotes du Rhone of Grenache and Syrah. Outstanding French Wines!!
@ Humble Vine
September 11th
2-8 PM
Wine Tasting: $25
Andre Neveu, Sancerre “Chavignol” Loire Valley, France $38
OK. I Love Sancerree. Its Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley. It is different than moist sauvignon blancs because it isn’t grassy grapefruit. It is more lemon and honey suckle blossom. A bit richer and complex than the others… Aaaand this one comes from one of the most ancient villages of the entire region, there has been a settlement at Chavignol since the 5th century! Produced from 50-year-old vines planted on a limestone pebbles. Aromas of lemongrass, lychee, gun smoke and green herb, it’s quite round and generous on the palate and long finish that has lip-smacking minerality.
Pas Tout, Chinon Loire Valley, France $23
Chinon, a village in the Loire Valley, is known for Cabernet Franc. Although Cab Franc ’s earliest history is from Bordeaux, the grape loves the Loire. Here, it has a very consistent flavor and I can smell a Chinon a mile away. Elegant and fruity with black raspberry, red cherry compote, black tea, strawberry, and a pinch of garden peppers. Dark in color and medium to full bodied on the palette.
Mommessin, Beaujolais Villages “Grandes Mises” Beaujolais, France $25
Ruby-red color with violets hues. The nose reveals flavors of black fruits and spices. The mouth is dominated by ripe black fruits aromas, blackcurrant, blueberry and again spices notes. A well-structured wine, elegant and supple with silky tannins and very nice length. 100% Gamay.
Les Equilibristes, Premiere de Cordee Rhone Rouge Rhone Valley, France $31
Les Équilibristes are the tightrope walkers. They walk a daring path where their rules are straightforward and singular though their focus brings together several grape varieties over several French wine growing regions. The entire concept was imagined by two minds heavily rooted in the wine world, something they’ve dubbed “Winemaking 2.0.” It allows a network of creativity to be shared and manifested. Francois de Monval is the “wine merchant” while his partner Florent Girou is the “travelling oenologist” and winemaker. The wines are natural at their core, but showcase the importance of creating relationships and collaborating.
Farmed biodynamic and fermented spontaneously using low-intervention techniques, this wine shows off its terroir exceptionally well, highlighting its clay and limestone soils. Vine age averages 15 years resulting in a fruit forward, nimble expression of these classic grapes.
80% Grenache/ 20% Syrahwine linuo TBD!!
