We've got another week of four delicious french wine recommendations for you to enjoy — great wines with distinct 'old world' styles.
Staff Picks
NV Louis de Grenelle ‘Platine’ Brut, $23
Grapes: Blend of Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay
Tasting Notes: A fresh, citrus-flavored wine with attractive fruitiness and a crisp texture. The Chenin Blanc gives this bottle of bubbles a subtle nutty complexity and a touch of fermented honey in the finish. This has been a Bottle Shop go-to sparkling wine for the last couple of years. Outstanding for the price!!
2016 Jean Pierre Gaussen Vin de Pays du Mont-Caume, $17
Grapes: Blend of Mourvedre, Grenache, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon
Tasting Notes: Jean-Pierre Gaussen makes rustic, soulful Provencal wines that impress with their depth, authenticity, and character. In addition to his highly touted Bandols, Gaussen also crafts this Vin de Pays – his "country" wine – by taking the traditional Bandol varietals, Mourvedre, Grenache and Syrah, and adding just a bit of Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep, meaty, peppery, and herbal, with black cherry, cassis, and violet aroma. Fine, integrated tannins and hints of sweet tobacco, and chewy red fruits.
2017 Domaine St. Croix ‘Le Founas’, $15
Grapes: Blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Carignan
Tasting Notes: Great weekday wine! Blackcurrant, black cherries and floral scents on the nose followed by complex notes of prunes and dried fruit. The palate is soft with clean, rich berry fruit - a charming little red table wine from Southern France.
Geek of the Week
2017 Breton 'Trinch' Bourgueil, $27
Grapes: 100% Cabernet Franc
Tasting Notes: Catherine and Pierre Breton are consistently among our top French wine producers year after year. They make several stellar wines in the Loire region, producing Chinon and Bourgueil, as well as a bit of Vouvray, creating honest wines for both early consumption and more extended aging.
The Bretons first introduced biodynamic practices into their viticulture in 1994, just after receiving their organic certification in 1991. Over the years, they have helped elevate both farming practices and wine practices in a region that had historically been thought of as making 2nd tier table wine.
Recently, they started the three-year process of seeking biodynamic certification. They have become international icons for the natural wine movement in an area where the climate and soil can make organic viticulture difficult. This week we offer their Bourgueil "Trinch!" - a robust yet lively dark cherry red. On the nose, scents of orange peel, licorice and pine. Medium-bodied on the palate with elegant acidity and balanced tannins. Sweet-edged cherry notes, and still retains a nice bit of that classic cab-franc crunchy bell pepper funk. Excellent Fall weather wine!!
Order for Delivery
You have until Thursday at 5 pm to get your orders in for wine and beer, and we'll bring it right to your doorstep Friday! Please email your orders to info@pdxbottleshop.com and let us know the style and price point you are looking for. We will call you to confirm your order and you can pay over the phone. There is a $5 delivery charge and we will deliver within 5 miles of the shop. Easy peasy.