Discovering French Wines
Come learn with us on Friday, March 25th from 4:30-6:30pm as we discover and taste French Wines with Master Sommelier, Damon Ornowski.
A starting point…
Remember all wine in the world is either new world or old world. Old world is Europe and new world is everywhere else. New world wines are less intimidating at times, as the grape varietal is usually written on the label. In the old world it’s not that easy. In France the label will tell you where the wine is from, the vintage, the producers, and what quality it is.
So when you pick up that bottle, it’s helpful to pay attention to the name of the region where the wine originates as it will be your best clue to determine what grapes are in the wine.
Burgundy
Red- Pinot Noir, White- Chardonnay
Bordeaux
Red- Cabernet, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot
White- Semillon,Sauvignon Blanc
Southern Rhone
Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Carignon, Cinsault
Northern Rhone
Red- Syrah
White- Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne
Loire
Red- Cabernet Franc, Pinot noir
White- Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc
Champagne
Pinot Noir, Chardonay, Pinot Meunier
On the tasting table…
Maison L’Envoye Morgan Cote Du Py 2013
Winemaker’s Notes
The 2013 vintage was an excellent one in Beaujolais. Layered aromas of red and dark berries are complimented with subtle savory characters. The palate is bright and shows an intense juiciness of ripe red berry and early undertones with a refreshing thread of acidity.
Louis Latour Marsanny 2014
This wine offers delicous aromas of black fruits such as blueberries and cherries and finishes with a peppery note.
JJ Vincent Pouilly- Fuisse Cauvee Marie Antoinette
Winemaker’s Notes
The wine is sourced from several parcels including young vines from the Chateau Fuisse vineyards of Le CLos, Les Brules and Les Combettes as well as several non-domaine yet family owned parcels throughout the appellation. Cuvee Marie Antoinette is created with a fresh, youthful profile in mind. The grapes are vinified in stainless steel tank with oabout 25% of the total blend seeing any time in oak. The resulting wine is pleasing, refreshing, and crisp on the palate, with youthful layers of acidity, apple, peach, and vanilla.
Joseph Drouhin Meursault 2013
Winemaker’s Notes
A beautiful golden color and a great aromatic palette: honey, linden flower, hazelnut butter, sometimes even chamomile or hawthorn. On the palate, a silky roundness. Long on the aftertaste, with flavors of yellow plum and gingerbread.
Bourgogne Rouge “La Chapelle Notre- Dame”2014
Hand-picked and destemmed, the fruit starts out in stainless steel at cool temperature and then 40% is given a three year barrel. It has rich aromas of red currants and spice on the palate.
Chateau Phelan-Segur 2012
A dense and ruby color medium bodied wine with sweet blueberry and blackberry and a hint of ground espresso on the nose.
Chateau Carbonnieux Blanc 2013
A crisp white blend of 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Semillion. Spring flowers, honeysuckle, and citrus peel on the nose.
Domaine Faiveley Gevrey- Chambertin 2013
A brilliant dark ruby color with a complex nose of red fruits with woody notes.
