Box: June 2020
A Lite French Breeze
Following last months wines full of heavy reds from Spain, we wanted to bring in some (hopefully) warmer weather and sunshine with something lighter. Whites that crisp and reds that are perfect for an outdoor lunch. Something that says summer has arrived!
So what better in the “fresh and crispy” category than a Sauvignon and a petit chablis. Both are full of minerals from the slate in their terroir making them perfect for an aperitif or a lunch of oysters or grilled
(white) fish. Or what about the day you don’t want to cook and pick up a Pho on the way home ? We have a Sylvaner , full of sweet and sour that is the perfect match for Asian and spicy foods. And this months “just want a glass of something that goes well with relaxing after work” wine trophy goes to the Viogner with it’s aromatic nose, and light floral taste.
We made a deliberate attempt to make this month’s red wines more delicate and ideal food wines. Lower in alcohol content and lighter on the pallet, they will work well with the pork and chicken on your summer grill. Their higher acidity makes them less relaxing for many, but means they don’t compete for your mouths attention over dinner. Try 12 Degrees with chicken, the syrah with Pork, and the Graves is a sophisticated fruit bomb from the southern edges of Bordeaux that will be THE wine for your filet (without sauce).
So as we come out of what has been one of the longest 3 months on record, get outside, invite some friends over and make some noise.
Celebrate the arrival of summer and let the BBQ begin !
Viognier – Florent Descombes
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Viogner
- Alcohol: 12,5%
- Style: Medium-bodied dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Le Marché
- Price: 189 Kč
Mike's Tip
Viognier is not a grape you come across every day. Noted for a heavy floral nose and its full body, this wine will make a big first impression . At the same time it is quite dry, so after a full fluty and flowery greeting, you will be left with a clan crisp finish.
Expression Sauvignon Touraine
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Sauvignon
- Alcohol: 12%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Mangustino
- Price: 219 Kč
Mike's Tip
What do you drink when touring the Chateau of the Loire Valley? A Sauvignon Blanc of course, and this is your wine. With it's colder climate, Sauvignon becomes more crisp. As it is a bit sharp, it does really well with fatty fish like salmon or tuna.
Sylvaner Vieilles Vignes
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Sylvaner
- Alcohol: 13%
- Style: Floral sweet semidry white wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Le Marché
- Price: 269 Kč
Mike's Tip
Sylvaner is similar to Riesling in many ways. High in acidity and sugar, making for a tart full bodied wine. This will be a great wine with Asian food. Sushi with wasabi will be a perfect companion. If you drink it on its own, be prepared for a very full (semi sweet) flavour.
Petit Chablis – Domaine Passy Le Clou
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Chardonnay
- Alcohol: 12,5%
- Style: Rich, full-bodied dry white wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Le Marché
- Price: 399 Kč
Mike's Tip
The first thing to know about any Chablis, is this is Chardonnay pure and simple. It comes from a land full of lime stone, that gives it it's distinct dry and crisp flavour. This wine has all that at a price that will not break the bank. Oysters or white fish will be your best bet.
12 degrés de Plaisir
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 12%
- Style: Medium-bodied red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Le Marché
- Price: 259 Kč
Mike's Tip
Light… This is the best description I can give to this cuvee of Nielluccio, Pinot Noir and Syrah toned down to a tame 12% alcohol. This is a lunch wine best paired with pork or chicken. Fruity and a bit acidic, this is a wine that must be drank with food at a table. Forget the sofa and chips here.
Jaubertie
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 13,5%
- Style: Medium-bodied red wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Le Marché
- Price: 279 Kč
Mike's Tip
Classic Bordeaux blend. Cabernet, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec - there is nothing left to add ! Aged 10 months in American oak, this is a well rounded easy to drink full bodied red suitable for anything you are serving tonight. Steaks, chicken of chips on the sofa with Netflix, you are covered.
Costieres de Nimes, Saint Benezet
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 13%
- Style: Medium-bodied red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Mangustino
- Price: 219 Kč
Mike's Tip
Syrah and Grenache are two varieties you will find across the south of France, dry and spicy, it is best drank with meats and stews. This is not a wine that lingers in your mouth after your swallow. Short and a bit tannic. Pair with a steak.
Esprit Syrah
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Syrah
- Alcohol: 13,5%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Le Marché
- Price: 259 Kč
Mike's Tip
Syrah or Shiraz in some parts of the world is known as a spicy red, that is meant to be drank with hearty red meat or stew. This wine comes from the southern region of Nimes known for its Roman history and monuments. Think of this wine as more intellectual than centurion as it is usually light and more suited for pork and grilled cheese.