Crazy for Chablis

January 15, 2018 By Clive Pursehouse Leave a Comment

White wine lovers may find heaven in the northern reaches of Burgundy, and the steely Chardonnay that comes from the magical place they call Chablis. White wine from Burgundy is perhaps the greatest wine in the world, and it’s often the most expensive, but the northern reaches of the region, where wines are grown around the village of Chablis. Winemaking in this region dates to the 12th century but Chablis’ recent history is more dynamic, and frankly, a little bit crazy.

The northern reaches of this region mean cold weather, and some times that weather plays havoc in the more southern reaches of Burgundy, so in Chablis it can be complete insanity. The weather here was so bad between 1950 and 1960 that there were only three harvests for the region, in a decade, it’s a wonder they survived. At one point some of the Grand Cru sites were actually being used as ski slopes.

Despite all that craziness, or perhaps because of it, Chablis makes magical white wines with zing and zip. The clay and especially the limestone marl and Kimmeridgian fossil rich soils that give Chablis their mineral, flinty character. Aside from the soil and the cooler weather, the use of stainless steel production makes sure that the wine retain their freshness and zip as their bottled, and can age quite well, but are plenty of fun to drink fresh.

2015 Domaine Denis Race Petit Chablis, France $17

Petit Chablis is the region just outside of the the Chablis AOC and it should not be dismissed as a lesser wine, though the soils in this AOC are a bit younger. While the concentration of limestone and fossilized soils may not be as intense in this area, the wines can be fantastic. This wine is pale green hued, and super fresh aromatics explode from the glass. Cut lime, orange zest and a hint of white flowers. The palate is lively and energetic. Flavors of lime zest, white slate and a touch of salinity. Out of sight!

2015 Joseph Drouhin Vaudon Chablis, France $19

From one of Burgundy’s most important names comes a classically styled Chablis. Drouhin is known for their 130 years and 4 generations of wine in Burgundy’s heart and soul, the village of Beaune, but they source fruit from 90 different appellations, and they never, ever, make a bad wine. If you were to look up Chablis in the dictionary, it should taste like this. Very fresh and crisp with aromatics of peach and nectarine, lots of depth of flavors with bright yet fleshy apricot, peach fuzz and wet stone. Loads of zing on the finish. Drouhin does it again.

2014 Dampt Freres Chablis Premier Cru Les Fourneaux, France $29

From the right bank of the Serein River perched high on steep slopes, Le Fourneaux offers a powerful example of what Chablis can be and in good vintages is often exceptional.

Wooohooo, this is an exciting wine. Dialed in aromas of lemon, slate, white flowers and gun flint. The palate is a doozy, with loads of depth, rich roundness and mineral driven complexity. The flavors of lemon, iron and a sort of salty minerality make a strong case of why Chablis is so cool. The finish is long and lively.

2013 Domaine Vocoret & Fils, Chablis Premier Cru Les Forets, France $35

The Les Forets cru parcel is on the left back of the Serein River, within a larger parcel of vineyards known as Montmains. Les Forets is situated in the center of this larger area with bedrock just a few feet below the stony soil. The Vocoret label is into its fourth generation of winemakers founded in 1870.

The aromas are balanced between ripe fruit like fleshy peach and pineapple along with smoke, flint and wet stone. The palate is round and bright with racing acid and great viscosity. The Flavors of lemon creme, gooseberry with hints of nutmeg and spice. There’s layers of complexity that can only be found in white wines from Burgundy and Chablis. The finish is viscous and yet thirst quenching.

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Fall into Autumn with Languedoc Wines

September 27, 2017 By Clive Pursehouse Leave a Comment

Languedoc might represent the single greatest source of high quality value wines in the world. This wine region that spans the Mediterranean coast known as Languedoc-Roussillon represents France’s largest wine region, with more than twice as many acres as Bordeaux, and nearly ten times more vineyards than Burgundy. One other key element separating it from those two storied regions is that the Languedoc has less of what can be strict and sometimes limiting regulations on wine production.

The sheer size of the region, and its wildly varied soils, weather and topography mean that you can taste a great range of wine types and styles across the Languedoc.The region has also focused on communicating terroir and cultivating a particular character in the region’s sub AOPs. Places like Faugères, Corbières and Minervois all with their particular ways of doing things, governing both quality and style of these regions within the larger Languedoc. It’s also cultivated a very strong reputation for rosé but in comparison to its famous pink wine producing neighbor in Provence, Languedoc rosé offers similar quality at a tremendous value.

2016 M+L French Rosé

In my humble opinion, it’s a massive mistake to think of rosé as “summer water.” The fact is every day and season needs a fruity, lean wine with lots acid. The autumn is when we start to revert to soups, and heartier meals and it’s an error to see it as exclusively, red wine time. A pink wine is your perfect option for Thanksgiving for example. I always hold onto a few bottles that tend to disappear at the end of summer for holiday meals come November and December.

A French rosé bottled by Long Island winery Maiden + Liberty, demonstrates the international appeal of pink juice from the Languedoc. A blend of the Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault and Mourvedre, delivers a pale pink, crisp and fruit forward and perfect for cutting the foggy weather and hearty meals that come with it. This rosé has aromas of wet stone and raspberry and a palate of cut strawberry, rhubarb and even a touch of structure and tannin to hold up against those heavy holiday meals.

2015 Domaine De Fontsainte Rouge, Corbières, France $13

Corbières is the largest AOC within the Languedoc wine region, a region that produces more wine than any one region in the world. Corbières reaches from the hills out to the coast and its diversity is a product of that range. Domaine De Fontsainte is near the town of Boutenac, which gets plenty of sunlight, as well as protection from the elements by the nearby Narbonnaise regional park. The five hundred hectare of forest help to moderate the coastal winds.

That a wine like this can exist for $13 is sort of an indictment on expensive wines. The preponderance of the blend is comprised of Carignan, which undergoes carbonic maceration (part of the Domaine’s signature style). The other 40% of the wine is a blend of Grenache and Syrah. And the three are blended together. The region is known for it’s juicy red blends and this wine certainly delivers on that, but the fruity freshness imparted by the Carignan really amplifies this wines aromatic and flavor profiles. The carbonic maceration plays a major role from the wine’s appearance through the palate. Bright purple hues, and aromas of blueberry and early season blackberry highlight a very fruit driven wine. The palate hints at notes of savory garrigue, but the fruit dominates. Flavors of fresh blackberry compote, raspberry and hints of anise and thyme round out this incredible value.

2013 Chateau Ste. Eulalie Minervois Plaisir d’Eulalie, France $13

Minervois is another of the Languedoc’s great AOCs producing hearty, earth and mineral driven wines. A blend of the same three grapes as the De Fontsainte with the emphasis placed on Grenache in this case. The wine was fermented in stainless steel to keep the emphasis on the bright fruit, and mineral character. From organic and seventy year old Grenache vines, comes a “vin du plaisir” or wine of pleasure that is truly that. Aromatics of red and black berries, turned earth and savory garrigue. The palate is easy going, with notes of minerality and stone and velvety black fruit, the balance and acidity brighten a nice finish.

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20 Wines Under $17 for 2017

January 8, 2017 By Clive Pursehouse Leave a Comment

It’s a new year and perhaps you’ve made some resolutions? Losing a few pounds, eating healthier, not watching so much television? No judgement. In any case, perhaps your resolution included exploration, in which case I offer you a to-do list of wine exploration. Twenty wines, under $17 for 2017. Good luck, and have a great new year.

Sparkling:

Sparkling wines are often seen as just a way to ring in the New Year, but I suggest that keeping your good fortune in mind on an everyday basis is the positive way to approach 2017. To that end, here are a handful of sparkling wines to help you celebrate the everyday.

14 Hands Winery, Brut, Columbia Valley, Washington $10

Certainly an everyday celebration pricetag, the 14 Hands Brut from Washington State’s Columbia Valley is a blend of many grapes and offers classic, yet quaffable qualities in a sparkling wine. Fermented using the same in-bottle technique as is used in Champagne this sparkler offers lots of cut Granny Smith apple, and citrus creme.

Valdo “Oro Puro” Prosecco Superiore di Valdobbiadene, Italy $12

Not all Prosecco is created equal, and this bottling from the DOCG of Valdobbiadene-Conegliano shows why. The Glera grape’s true home is in these steep hillside vineyards. Savory herbal notes mix with cut pear and apple, and the classically floral elements that make Prosecco one of the great sparkling food wines of the world.

Domaine J Laurens Cremant de Limoux Crémant Rosé, Languedoc, France $15

The Crémant Rosé from Domaine J Laurens is a pretty pale pink and aromatically fruity with red currant, and rhubarb notes. The palate is crisp and fruit forward and there’s a fair bit of body from this blend of Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Pinot Noir. Rich flavors and great acidity make for a nice balanced wine.

Zardetto Prosecco di Treviso Brut, Italy $12

A blend from vineyards within the broader Prosecco DOC indicated by the di Treviso. Classic Prosecco aromas of white flowers, chamomile and apple skin. The palate is lean, angular and loaded with citrus zest, underlined with notes of kitchen herbs and hints of apricot.

Non-Vintage, François Montand Brut, Jura France, $11

Brut sparkling wine is classical and clocking in at $11 marks one of the most ridiculous bargains on the wine planet. Aromas of white flowers and honey, flavors of baked bread, chamomile and ripe stone fruit. An incredible bargain from one of the most serious sparkling producers outside of Champage, making outstanding bubbles in the funky and cool Jura region.

White Wine:

Perhaps you’re a loyal white drinker, looking to expand your repertoire beyond that go-to Chardonnay. Or, maybe you’re one of those “red wine only” folks, in which case this list might push you to test your comfort zone a little, it’s a new year, take a chance.

2014 Wente Morning Fog Estate Chardonnay, Livermore Valley, California $11

California Chardonnay has perhaps developed a bit of a bad reputation based on the overly oaked models, this value priced Chardonnay shows that restrained use of oak results in an easy drinking balanced Chardonnay from California. The aromas are baked apple, and vanilla, but the palate is a balance of bright sweet, tropical fruit rounded off with notes of cinnamon.

2014 Los Dos White, Campo de Borja, Spain $9

Bright crisp and loaded up on fruit. This blend of Muscat and Chardonnay is all fruit all the time. Aromas of passion fruit, mango and pineapple come through with great clarity given the wine’s steel fermentation. The palate is bright, zippy and full of pineapple. As under $10 bottles go this one is a steal, and a change up on your typical white wine blends.

2014 Casal Thaulero Orsetto Oro, Trebbiano, Italy $15

Trebbiano is a classic white Italian variety and this one fits the bill. Lean, angular and complex compared to many American white varieties, a bit exotic. With aromatics and a palate somewhat reminiscent of an Older World Chardonnay. Aromas of sweet hay, lemon and sage and a palate with a lot of complexity, notes of pollen, honey and candle wax. If you’re looking for new wines to explore this one is perfect.

2015 Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, Oregon $15

Willamette Valley Pinot Gris is far and away Oregon’s most popular white wine. It’s fruit forward, round character balanced by bright acidity makes it almost universally enjoyable regardless of your personal preferences. This bottling from Willamette Valley Vineyards, one of Oregon’s largest and most consistent quality producers shows why. Aromas are exuberant with sweet fruit, ripe cantaloupe and a round mouthfeel that delivers pineapple, ripe stone fruit and honey.

2015 Tall Sage Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, Washington $12

As Chardonnay goes this wine clocks in at a fairly high alcohol percentage, north of 14% but that doesn’t show up on the palate. Rather than phenolic this wine is bright and zippy. The use of stainless steel tanks during fermentation highlights the crisp, fruit forward character of this Washington Chardonnay with aromas of cut stone fruit and white flowers. The palate is equally zesty with a citrusy hallmark of lime and grapefruit.

Red Wines:

You’ve had your fill of Merlot perhaps and for 2017 you’ve resolved to discover new wines varieties and new regions of the wine growing world. I’ve got you covered on both.

2014 Bodegas Caro, Aruma Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina $11

Frankly, it seems a little crazy to me that you can get a wine this good for $11. Argentinian Malbec faced a sort of identity crisis at the height of its popularity. A homogenity of style took hold and the reason the wine became so popular in the first place in Argentina, it’s ample fruit forward character, sort of got lost. This Aruma bottling from Bodegas Caro, arguably one of Argentina’s highest quality bodegas is an insane bargain at $11. There is a litheness to this fruit forward wine which makes it all the more enjoyable, bright red and blue fruit aromatics mix with hints of crushed stone. There’s a surprising acidity, and an incredibly elegant structure that highlights a fruit focused flavor profile. Outstanding wine. Look for it.

2013 Juan Gil Monastrell, Jumilla, Spain $12

Spain may be the single greatest wine value producer in the world. Seemingly the Spanish, throughout their country are cranking out well made wines always south of the $20 price tag, and this well made offering is no different. Monastrell is the Spanish name for Mourvedre, and this wine is a well made example. Intoxicating aromatics of black fruit and barrel spice, and hints of smoke. The palate is rich and redolent. There is ample oak influence on this wine resulting in a velvety mouth coating body. The flavors of dusty blackberry, tobacco and sage round out this masculine, rich wine.

2013 Tridente Tempranillo, Castilla y Leon, Spain $12

Bonus points for outstanding label art on this bottle from Bodegas Triton. While most folks think of Tempranillo from the classic region of Rioja, this grape is made throughout Spain. This wine is a bit brighter than the aforementioned Monastrell, and this is typical of young Tempranillo which really emphasizes red and blue fruit notes. Aromas of candied blueberry and dried violets and a hint of barrel spice. The palate is spicy, and soft. Flavors of sappy raspberry and blackberry along with black pepper.

2014 Mastroberardino Aglianico, Campania Italy $13

Aglianico is a wine with a great historical pedigree brought from Greece to southern Italy. It was the foremost component of the most famous wine of ancient Rome, Falerninan wine, a sought after cult wine at the time. Campania may be it most well known growing region these days. Aglianico has a well earned reputation for being highly, and almost unapproachably tannic in its youth and therefore is often blended with Sangiovese to soften it. That is not the case in this Mastroberardino bottling, nor is it necessary. This wine is wonderfully fruity and relatively light bodied. Aromas of stone, strawberry and fennel and a palate of pure bright fruit, bing cherry, wild strawberry and a hint of spearmint at the finish.

2013 Geyser Peak Cabernet Sauvignon, California $11

One might balk at the pedigree of California Cabernet in the nearly $10 bin but fret not, at least not when it comes to this bottle. Where cult California Cabernet can be a world changing experience, a well made iteration of this grape shows that California may offer a purity of fruit that you cannot find in Bordeaux. This wine is simple, easy drinking and at $11 is just begging for a pizza in the middle of the week. Yet with all that is unassuming about it’s price point and approachability, it’s still a damn nice wine. Aromas of of raspberry and streaks of fresh kitchen herbs and a bright palate of red fruits accent the palate. Raspberry and montmorency cherry with only the slightest hint of cocoa powder.

2013 Lander Jenkins Pinot Noir, California $13

A super approach and budget friendly California Pinot Noir that accents the red fruit character and hints at the elegance of this finest of fine wine grapes. Aromatics of turned earth, dried violets and red currant. The palate is sweet berry fruit, notes of clove and cola and a finish with ample acidity to make this a well paired food wine.

2013 Tie Dye Red Blend, North Coast, California $14

From two of California’s most well known red wine varieties to a “kitchen sink” blend that includes a little of those, along with nearly everything else, the Tie Dye blend, is perhaps aiming at peace and love by blending just about everything. If you like oak influence, this wine is for you. The resultant blend is loaded with barrel aromatics of cinnamon and baking spice. The palate continues to exhibit that oak with notes of cinnamon, espresso and cocoa powder. There is a streak of black fruit throughout the palate, framed by baking spices.

2014 Enrique Mendoza La Tremenda Monastrell, Alicante, Spain $12

If there’s a fitting example at just how much wine you can get for your dollar from Spain, this is it. Mendoza’s entry level Monastrell, offers a high bang for the buck and emphasis on bright fresh fruit flavors and aromas. The wine comes from thirty year old vines at an elevation of two thousand feet. The wine spent six months in neutral American oak barrels (used two to three times) and the resulting wine offers aromas of cola, baking spice and dusty ripe raspberry. The palate is lively, fresh and loaded with red fruit, tobacco and cocoa nibs. What an incredible bargain.

2014 Parducci Small Lot Blend Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendocino County, California $12

A use of restraint on the oak selection and with fruit from Mendocino County’s inland vineyards you have a wine that shows a lot of class for the price tag. Classic cabernet notes of red berry and white pepper when it comes to the aromas. There’s ample red fruit and brightness on the palate with hints of mocha and just a touch of peppery spice. A great food Cabernet from Parducci.

2014 Root:1 Heritage Red, Maipo Valley, Chile $9

This is a lot of wine for less than $10, about that I have no doubt. The aromas mix fruit, with earthen character,graphite and even hints of coffee. The palate is a core of black fruit, but what makes this wine stand out is its elegance and structure. A blend of Cabernet, Carmenere, Syrah and Petit Verdot, while this are heavy hitting varieties, the balanced blend between oak aged wine and a substantial portion done in stainless steel leaves the wine with a brightness and focus on fruit that make for a great food pairing and an undeniable bargain.

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Best Sparkling Wines Under $20

December 29, 2016 By Stacy Slinkard Leave a Comment

In the ongoing search for the best Champagnes and sparkling wines under the $20 mark, there is good news and bad news. Unless you are shooting for a small 187 ml, single serve bottle of Champagne, finding a true blue Champagne under $20 can be tough (read impossible) to do. For starters, Champagne is only Champagne if the grapes are grown and bottled in Champagne, France and that is never cheap. However, if you just want a sip of the real deal, you can snag small 187 ml bottles in the under $20 price range. Look for some of the bigger Champagne houses like Nicolas Feuillatte or Perrier Jouet in the small serving size bottles. However if you are going for full bottles of French bubbly, take heart. France dazzles with regionally-inspired sparkling wines, known as Crémants (for “creamy”) produced in regions outside of Champagne’s strict regional borders and made in the same traditional method as Champagne. Crémant d’Alsace is a sparkling wine with roots in Alsace or Crémant de Bourgogne represents a snazzy sparkler from Burgundy.

On to more good news, delicious sparkling wine at unbelievable price points is available from all over the wine world. One of the very best budget values in sparkling wines comes from Spain’s northeast Penedes region, carrying the label codename of Cava. Cava wows with fantastic pricing, delicious bubbles and extremely food-friendly leanings. America’s sparkling wine scene brings some serious diversity and palate appeal to the festive flavors and bubble-driven traditions of California, Washington, Oregon and New York. Prosecco, Italy’s fun budget-friendly bubbly, continues to welcome consumers to the wide world of sparkling wine with easy-going style and solid distribution.

Segura Viudas

Segura Viudas Brut Reserva Cava (Spain) $9

Spain has got it going on when it comes to budget-friendly bubbly and the Segura Viudas Brut Cava does its best to give buyers the most bang for the buck. This is a rich textured, creamy sparkling wine running initial floral aromas alongside toasted almond, green apple and d’Anjou pear-driven components that debut again on the palate amid the clean, crisp lines of distinct acidity and a fresh finish.

Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut (CA) $18

Gloria Ferrer

Sonoma’s ultra-popular and super sassy blend of New World Pinot Noir (85%) and Chardonnay (15%) captures clear fruit aromas with a heady combination of D’Anjou pear meets Granny Smith green apple, with a dash of lively citrus, a smidge of melon, and ripe strawberry essence all wrapped up in a toasty, vanilla nuance. The medium-bodied palate expression is dry, crisp and balanced with engaging complexity that lingers well into the finish. A top pick for quality to price in the wide world of sparkling wine.

Lucien Albrecht

Lucien Albrecht Cremant Brut Rose (France) $20 A top producer of “non-Champagne” sparkling wine, Lucien Albrecht is known for producing stellar Alsatian Cremants at equally appealing price points. This wine is no exception. Made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes, expect plenty of strawberry swirls to pop on the nose followed by intriguing mineral-driven notes, the palate profile shows a lively marriage of citrus and raspberry components, richly textured with a well-woven finish.

La Marca

La Marca Prosecco (Italy) $13 Prosecco, Italy’s sparkling white wine delight from Veneto, is a fun and festive burst of bubbles that carries an equally attractive price tag. La Marca’s Prosecco lives up to the lively expectations with full throttle bubbles, bright citrus aromas wrapped in a swirl of honey, and the fresh fruit profiles of sweet apple and tangy grapefruit on the dry, crisp palate. The finish maintains a charming minerality, with remnants of citrus in the mix.

Toad Hollow

Toad Hollow Risque (France) $15 This is a low alcohol (only 6%), light-hearted sparkler made from the Mauzac Blanc grape, a regional varietal found in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of southwest France. Easy-going apple-driven fruit highlights the nose and echoes again on the refreshing, zippy palate. Truly a unique sparkling wine experience, Toad Hollow Risque is always a crowd-pleaser thanks to its lighter style, fresh flavor and touch of sweet on the finish.

Roederer Estate

Roederer Estate Brut (California) $20 The name “Roederer” may ring a wine bell. It’s the name of one of the most successful Champagne Houses in France, Champagne Louis Roederer. They crossed the pond and began making sparkling wine in California in 1988. Since then, Roederer Estate has become one of California’s most well-reputed sparkling wine producers in the country. The Estate Brut illustrates why. All 600 acres of vineyards are family-owned and each Brut is a blend of multiple vintages, including the elegant addition of oak-aged reserve wines. Expect a 60/40 split of Chardonnay to Pinot Noir in the cuvee with characteristic focus, toasted, nutty aromas, baked apple nuances, solid acidity and a remarkable richness that carries the finish. This Brut is a go-to gig for those looking for Champagne-style on a slightly better than beer budget.

Mumm Napa

Mumm Napa Brut Prestige (California) $18 – Keeping with California’s top sparkling wine themes, Mumm Napa’s Brut Prestige rolls with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir as its base grapes. Granny smith apple, toasted notes of fresh baked bread and a hint of spice form the delicate aromatic on this sparkling wine. Dry with a medium-body and well-handled acidity, the fruit components rely largely on citrus-leaning flavors with a touch of melon and fresh ginger-like spice.

Gruet Winery

Gruet Blanc de Noirs (New Mexico) $15 Guaranteed to get the wine conversation rolling, when you share this wine with friends, they fall in love, and then you tell them it’s from New Mexico, south of Albuquerque. This particular sparkling wine gem is produced by French expats, a brother and sister team from Champagne. In the mid-1980s they moved to New Mexico to plant an “experimental” vineyard with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the main grapes of Champagne. The arid climate keeps rot at bay, while simultaneously eliminating the need for pesticides, and the dramatic temperature swings between hot days and cool nights slows the grapes ripening down and adds to the bright acidity found in Gruet wines.

Made in the same traditional method of Champagne (with the second fermentation taking place in the bottle to produce the prestigious bubbles), this smoked salmon colored sparkler dazzles with lively raspberry aromas, apple pie undertones, rich creamy textures and fresh acidity. A delight from start to finish.

*Quick Tip: Gruet (the “t” is silent, making the pronunciation Groo-ay)

Freixenet

Freixenet Sparkling Cordon Negro Brut Cava (Spain) $9 Cava, Spain’s sparkling wine, is made in the same method as Champagne (meaning the second fermentation takes place in the bottle not in a tank). Representing one of the wine world’s best deals, Cava is typically built on three indigenous grapes: Macabeo, Xarel-lo and Parellada. Expect some serious fresh factors to kick in here, with apple-themed aromas, a slice of orange and a bit of spice all bolstered by vibrant acidity and solid bubble beading.

Jaume Serra Cristalino Brut Rosé Cava (Spain) $9 Based on Pinot Noir and the local red grape, Trepat, it may be no surprise that ripe, red fruit dominates both the nose and the palate. Expect raspberry and strawberry components to sneak in and steal the aromatic show, followed by dried ginger spice and toasted vanilla notes. This is budget bubbly at its best!

Veuve Clicquot

Urge to Splurge? Check out Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label (France) $45

This is a popular, go-to wine for those looking to buy well-made, true blue non-vintage Champagne at a relatively reasonable price point, in the under $50 category. Built on the back of 50% Pinot Noir, close to 30% Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier taking 20% of the blend, you can expect a delicate balance of fruit and structure. Lively apple-driven fruit is bolstered by the yeast-filled aromas of fresh baked bread. The palate profile is rich and creamy with bright glints of mouth-watering acidity and a consistent fresh-factor that charms from first sip to full finish. Not ready to part with a full $45? Then check out half-bottle sizes (375 ml) at almost half the price.

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Catch the Gamay Rays from Beaujolais (All Under $20)

December 27, 2016 By Clive Pursehouse Leave a Comment

The region of Beaujolais has become synonymous with one particular wine, Beaujolais Nouveau. This wine is the first released of any vintage, anywhere in the world after fermenting for only a few weeks. It’s become a global tradition set for the third Thursday of November each year, but in the process what Beaujolais really offers as a region has been blurred at best, if not perhaps completely skipped over.

The region of Beaujolais is actually a part of the broader and very highly regarded Bourgogne, or as we call it in America, Burgundy. It’s a wine region that has staked its fortune on one grape, Gamay, or Gamay Noir and while Beaujolais Nouveau certainly gets a lot of publicity, the Cru Beaujolais (which are ten different sub-regions within Beaujolais), make amazing and unique wines of depth and complexity. Beaujolais wines age wonderfully, pair perfectly with food and are priced very, very fairly. If you love the Pinot Noirs of Burgundy but can’t swing the price-tag you will find plenty to like in Beaujolais, wines that are light, lively and food friendly at a fraction of the price.

For an aspiring wine geek, Beaujolais offers a real and all too rare treat. An opportunity to explore a region that has been established for a very long time, that knows what it’s doing, offering wines of place many of which are priced right around the $20 range. Beaujolais’ ten different crus each offer a different sense of what makes Beaujolais a unique region.

2014 Julien Guillot “Ultimatum Climat” Chénas, Beaujolais, France $19

An absolutely wild wine from the Domaine Vignes du Maynes, a vineyard that dates to 900AD, France’s oldest organic vineyard. The wine is crafted by a talented young winemaker in Julien Guilllot. Chénas is the smallest of Beaujolais’ crus, with the all of the vines grown in less than one square mile. This wine is a lively one, aromas are hyper-floral with dried violets and and hints of pepper. The palate is a zippy one, hitting notes of hightone raspberry, crushed stone and wintergreen.

2015 Château du Basty, Régnié, Beaujolais, France $16

Farming the land since 1482; let me say that again, 1482. Ten years prior to the discovery of the New World, this is truly Old World Gamay from Régnié, the Beaujolais Cru that is new for its fruit forward character. The aromatics are concentrated around a core of black fruit, with clove and spice notes.

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