Box: August 2021
Cotes de Cotes
This month we travel to France where I take a lot of “Artistic Freedom” in the name and selection. In other words, welcome to a French wine ”Mix” and a few grapes a little less travelled.
For our whites, we start with Sauvignon Gris that is not Italian, and then move on to a slightly tart Muscadet. We round out the whites with a couple of party wines and more serious Chardonnay that well demonstrate the variety of style you can get from one grape.
In our red corner, we concentrate on Bordeaux but move out of the region for a couple of surprises. First entry being a Syrah from one of my favourite Chateauneuf / Rhone valley producers. Some of you may remember Ju du Vie a few years back from this guy, and we now have a follow up to his infamous “left over” wines called Bon Ju. We also introduce the grape of Mauzac to your expert pallets – test the deep dark flavours of the south.
Enough from me and enjoy the last days of pre school start summer.
Muscadet Tradition
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Muscat
- Alcohol: 13%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Mangustino
- vivino: 3.5
- Price: 229 Kč
Mike's Tip
Dry and a little tart, you not be worried that this is a desert wine. Like all Muscadet, the nose is unmistakable but with a citrus and green apple tone that some may find quite overpowering. Best to pair with salmon or other strong fish.
Les Bons Vivants
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 13%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Mangustino
- vivino: 3.5
- Price: 222 Kč
Mike's Tip
Not far from Toulouse you will find a summer pic-nic party, and this wine will be everywhere. The Balaran family has been making wines for 90 years, and this simple wine, light and fruity will convince anyone that you need not spend a lot of money for something fresh and fun.
Domaine de Epinay
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Sauvignon
- Alcohol: 12%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Mangustino
- vivino: 3.6
- Price: 249 Kč
Mike's Tip
Been a long while since we have done a Sauvignon Gris coming from anywhere else but Italy. This one comes from much farther North, the Loire valley. Less sun, means a lower sugar content at harvest giving it a fresher, more acidity taste.
Bourgogne Chardonnay
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Chardonnay
- Alcohol: 13%
- Style: Rich, full-bodied dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Mangustino
- vivino: 3.7
- Price: 349 Kč
Mike's Tip
A clean and elegant wine reflecting the variety that Burgundy brings to chardonnay. Look for a crisp apple flavor with just a hint of oak. Lighter and crisper than what you will find in other regions. Pair with pasta in white sauce, or a roasted chicken.
Chateau Les Grand Jays
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 13,5%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Le Marché
- vivino: 3.4
- Price: 219 Kč
Mike's Tip
A Bordeaux Superior combining 5 grapes; Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. Despite the classification and mixology, the finish comes a little short, so best to pair with lighter foods like chicken or pork.
Chesnee des Moines
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 12,5%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Le Marché
- vivino: 3.8
- Price: 249 Kč
Mike's Tip
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this is a bold, tannic wine but still smooth enough to drink on its own. A classic entry in the Bordeaux Medoc category.
Chateau Reverdi
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 13,5%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Le Marché
- vivino: 3.8
- Price: 269 Kč
Mike's Tip
This Bordeaux was awarded an "Excellent" by the respected Guide Hachette in 2017, and continues a journey of quality / price excellence. This Wine of the Listrac region is a blend of all the familiar Bordeaux grapes - Cabernet, Merlot and Petit Verdot.
Bons Ju
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Syrah
- Alcohol: 13,5%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Mangustino
- vivino: 3.8
- Price: 249 Kč
Mike's Tip
Hands down, this winemaker is my favourite discovery in the Rhone region of the past 10 years. Non-traditional is an understatement in his marketing, but the quality of the wines speak for themselves. This fruity Syrah is another trophy to accompany salami and cheese.