by L.M. Archer | FWS, Bourgogne + Champagne ML

Wine should not be regarded simply as a beverage, but as an art of living, a pleasure.” – Henri Jayer

The Hedonistic Taster provides an intimate format to share industry trade samples with you.

Enjoy this affordable sampling of food-friendly French wines that pair well with any ‘socially-distanced’ situation this summer.

Disclaimer: No compensation is received; all opinions expressed are that of the author.

TASTING NOTES:

Wine:  Terres Secretes Mâcon Verzé Croix-Jarrier 

Vintage:   2018

Alcohol:  13%

Link to Producer Specs here. 

Suggested Retail: $  16.00

Robe:  Clear light golden robe. 

Nose: Citrus, pear, mineral nose.

Palate:  A rounded, full wine with a linear core. Well-balanced. Exceptional quality-to-value.

More about Terres Secretes here.

TASTING NOTES:

Wine:  Château du Moulin-à-Vent  – Moulin-à-Vent AOC, Beaujolais

A cuvée comprised of three premier terroirs, all located near the winery’s iconic 15th-century windmill for which the winery derives its name (Moulin-à-Vent”):

“Les Thorins,” a south-facing vineyard with mineral-rich granite soils layered with clay.

“Le Moulin-à-Vent – a centrally located and east-facing site with similar soils.

“Aux Caves” – a silica-rich vineyard with 80-year old vines.

Vintage:   2017

Alcohol:  13%

Link to Producer Specs here.

Suggested Retail: $  39

Robe:  Inky purple-garnet robe.

Nose: Dark fruits, violets, savory, black pepper nose.

Palate: The 2017 vintage in Beaujolais proved difficult. Hail in July reduced yields, with highly concentrated berries. This wine reflects the vintage: Full body, solid structure, good tannins, with a dense, spicy finish. The first of three wines, each a step higher in site expression and price, this presents excellent quality for value.

TASTING NOTES:

Wine:  Château du Moulin-à-Vent – Champ de Cour

A wine of specific terroir, sourced from a favored site located on a plateau between the historic windmill and Fleurie. Thirty-five year old vines dig into heavier soils of alluvium and clay deposits.

Vintage:   2017

Alcohol:  13 %

Link to Producer Specs here.

Suggested Retail: $   62 

Robe:  Intense dark garnet robe.

Nose: Heady notes of rich red fruits and cracked black pepper.

Palate: Medium-to-full-bodied, supple tannins, lengthy mineral finish. This wine competes easily with any premier cru in structure, balance, and harmony.

TASTING NOTES:

Wine:  Château du Moulin-à-Vent – Clos de Londres

Sourced from an exceptional clos facing the château deliniated 250 years ago by the original owner, Madame  Philiberte Pommier. This unique microclimate encompasses .56 hectares (1.38 acres) of mineral-rich, thinly layered granite soils over a basalt roche-mére seamed with metallic oxides such as manganese, copper, and iron. 

Produced in exceptional years only, this wine honors Madame Pommier, who – at age 99 – won the gold medal at the London Exhibition in 1862 for her ‘Vins du Mâconnais.’

Vintage:   2015

Alcohol:  13 %

Link to Producer Specs here. (Produced only in exceptional vintages: 2009, 2011, 2014, 2015.)

Suggested Retail: $    99

Robe:  Rich red and purple robe.

Nose: Subtle yet intoxicating florals aromas – peony, violet – with a hint of red fruit and spice.

Palate: Medium-to-full bodied, with fine tannins and an ample finish. Une grande dame.

More about Château du Moulin-à-Vent here.

TASTING NOTES:

Wine:  Domaine de Cala – Coteaux Varois en Provence

Vintage:   2019

Alcohol:  12.5%

Link to Producer Specs here. 

Suggested Retail: $  17.50

Robe:  Pale rose petal pink robe.

Nose: Almond, white flower, stone fruit, lemon-lime aromas, with a slight hint of rose petal.

Palate:  Medium body, lovely texture. Vigorous lemon zest and white peach attack, a hint of pear on the mid-palate, and a lingering saline finish. Pairs well with poisson.

More about Domaine de Cala here.

TASTING NOTES:

Wine:  Domaine Lauriga Côtes Catalanes ‘Le Gris’ 

Vintage:   2019

Alcohol:  13%

Producer Specs: 100% Grenache Gris. 

Suggested Retail: $  19.99

Robe:  Pale salmon robe.

Nose: Firm stone fruit, white peach aromas.

Palate:  Light body, refreshing acids, textured, almost lees-aged quality. White nectarine attack, white peach on the mid-palate, satisfying finish. Vivacious vin de soif.

TASTING NOTES:

Wine:  Château Lauriga Côtes du Roussillon Rosé

Vintage:  2019

Alcohol:  13 %

Link to Producer Specs here.  

Suggested Retail: $ 13.99

Robe: Clear salmon robe.

Nose: Peach, summer melon, saline, slightly oaky nose.

Palate:  Medium body. Lush honeydew melon attack, fleshy peach mid-palate, touch of tangelo on the finish. Pretty-in-pink patio and poolside pleaser.

TASTING NOTES:

Wine:  Côté Mas Rosé Aurore – Sud de France

Vintage:   2019

Alcohol:  12.5%

Link to Producer Specs here.

Suggested Retail: $  12.99

Robe:  Light watermelon pink robe.

Nose: A riot of summer fruit aromas – apricot, peach, nectarine, watermelon.

Palate:  Medium body. More watermelon and plush stone fruits on the palate. Perfect for picnics.