Box: February 2019
La Belle Vie
There is nothing better to chase winter blues away then some warm, feel-good wines from the southern French countryside. Returning to this land with our old supplier and friends at Chez Greg makes it all the better! Rolling hills, big rocks and plenty of salt in the earth creates some fantastic flavors from one of the most beautiful parts of Europe.
Leading the white wines this month is Le Triporteur, a lovely blend of fruit and minerals meant to be an easy and romantic wine. Think of the delivery bike filled with local produce and this local blend of spring sunshine. Once you are warmed up, we put a typical rose from Provence filled with strawberries and red fruit. We haven’t done rose for a while, so hope you enjoy “Le Retour” as much as we did. And to top things off, a chardonnay from Burgundy that has that classic mineral flavor that we all love from Chablis.
Leading the reds this month is a new wine from one of my favorite “Off the radar” winemakers Le Becassines. All his wines are dominated by salt giving them remarkable characteristics. Let it breath, and then dive right in. For something authentically Rhone Valley, try the Ju de Vie. The winemaker predominantly concentrates on making his famous Chateauneuf du Pape, but he also creates some stunning blends with his Grenache and Merlot. Fresh and ready to go. And we have not forgotten something dry and elegant from Bordeaux. Sarabelle will be just right for that Sunday roast.
Enjoy the South and the light of spring. This months wines will help you shake off the winter blues.
Le Triporteur
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 12,5%
- Style: Medium-bodied dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Chez Greg Père et Fils Praha
- Price: 198 Kč
Mike's Tip
Very similar to a white Chateau Neuf du Pape, this is a gold medal winning blend of six grapes. With so much going on, it is surprisingly round and long in the finish. Mild acidity and great for sipping on its own.
Terre et Mer
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 12%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Chez Greg Père et Fils Praha
- Price: 220 Kč
Mike's Tip
Something you probably have never tried before, "Terret" is a local variety which grows mainly along the Thau river in the Languedoc-Roussillon region. A fresh nose with floral and citrus scents that has a medium finish.
Carolle Rose
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 12,5%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Chez Greg Père et Fils Praha
- Price: 220 Kč
Mike's Tip
Strawberry, raspberry and all those red fruits you expect from a southern French rose. This is an exceptionally easy drink wine and is presented beautifully in this carafe like bottle. Been a long time that we dropped a rose in the box - enjoy this one!
Bourgogne Chardonnay
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Chardonnay
- Alcohol: 13%
- Style: Rich, full-bodied dry white wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Chez Greg Père et Fils Praha
- Price: 310 Kč
Mike's Tip
The closest thing to a Chablis you will find at a fraction of the price. Like it's better known cousin, this chardonnay is crisp and full of all the characteristics of the noble Bourgogne white. Chill well and drink like royalty.
Sarrabelle Gaillac Rouge
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 13%
- Style: Medium-bodied red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Chez Greg Père et Fils Praha
- Price: 325 Kč
Mike's Tip
Aged for 6 months in large oak barrels, this blend introduces us to some new varieties. Although based on Syrah and Merlot, 40% of this wine is based on local varieties Braucol and Duras. Look for plums and read red tones with light tannins and moderate acidity.
Ju de Vie
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 14%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Mangustino
- Price: 259 Kč
Mike's Tip
A deep, dark blend of Grenache, Mourvedre, and Marselan that will deliver a punch that you never saw coming. Flavor this smooth we normally find only in wines at a 40% premium. Lovely for sipping or with red meat. A real treat.
Domaine de Bagnoles Merlot
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Merlot
- Alcohol: 13,5%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Mangustino
- Price: 189 Kč
Mike's Tip
A ruby red Merlot from a dry and warm part of the country. What this wine lacks in depth, it makes up for in a smooth presentation. Light and clear, this is a perfect lunch wine when you want only a glass. Serve with a sandwich and fries.
La Bécassines
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 13,5%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Chez Greg Père et Fils Praha
- Price: 259 Kč
Mike's Tip
One of my favorite winemakers from the French south. This blend of Grenache, Syrah and Carignan, is a complex arrangement of fruit and tannin. Full enough to stand up to any red meat, Let this wine breath a bit before drinking an you will be overcome with it's smooth, silky presentation.