Tag Archives: france
Agour
Petit Agour Pur Brebis
Semi-hard Sheep’s Milk Cheese
France
Gabriel Coulet
December Bubbly Club: Iowa
Maison Pierre Sparr Successeurs
Crémant d’Alsace Brut Rosé
Pinot Noir
Alsace, France
BUBBLY WINE STYLE
Salmon pink color; fresh aromas of soft red berries, predominantly strawberry and raspberry. On the palate, round and fruity with hints of peach; the flavors are intense, with lively acidity framed by a well-made structure and delicate bubbles. The finish is smooth, clean and dry.
Analysis: 12.5% alcohol / volume
Total Acidity: 7.5 g/L
Residual Sugar: 13 g/L
Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Appellation: Crémant d’Alsace AOC, Alsace, France
Aging: 18 months in stainless steel
Soil: Granite, limestone, gneiss, chalky-clay
Vineyard Age: 23 years old
Vine Yields: 80 hl/ha (5.9 tons per acre)
Eco-Practices: Sustainable
Certification: Vegan
Critical Acclaim: 93 pts Wine Enthusiast 2022; 91 pts Tasting Panel 2021; 90 pts Wine Enthusiast 2020
Wine:
Crémant d’Alsace Brut Rosé is a sparkling rosé from 100% Pinot Noir. The brut-style wine’s red berry aromas of strawberry and raspberry lead into mouth-filling, juicy flavors and lively acidity.
Vineyards:
Pierre Sparr’s sparkling wines use grapes that are farmed sustainably, dry-farmed (no irrigation), and hand-harvested. Located in the Vosges hillsides and Rhine valley, elevation 200 to 400 meters (656 to 1,312 feet), primary eastern and southern exposures.
Harvest Notes:
Dates for the beginning of harvest for each Alsace AOC are set by decree, generally 100 days after the median date of flowering, at the time when the grapes display the best sugar-to-acid ratio. Intended vineyards for sparkling wine must be declared in advance of harvest and must be picked by hand. Grapes destined for Crémant are generally picked a few days before those for still wines in Alsace.
Winemaking:
Whole-cluster pressing; first fermentation occurs in temperature controlled, stainless-steel vats, transforming the must into still wine. Six months later, wines from hillsides and valley floor are blended to achieve the distinctive flavor profile of the rosé. Blended wine is then bottled with a specific yeast added to relaunch the second fermentation in bottle. The wine rests on lees a minimum of 18 months prior to disgorgement. Finally, the dosage is added to provide the particular brut style of this sparkling wine.
About the Winery:
The origin of winemaking in the Sparr family dates back to 1680. Generations later, Charles Sparr developed the business that his son, Pierre, later took the succession at the age of 20. Pierre had a distinct sense for business, making him a pioneer of “estate bottled” wines in Alsace. Pierre also had the courage and obstinacy to rebuild their entire estate after Sigolsheim and its vineyards were completely destroyed during WWII. In doing so, Pierre rebuilt one of Alsace’s most beautiful and prestigious Domaines. Today, with the help of the 9th generation, Pierre Sparr remains focused on producing quality wines, a pure expression of Alsace, that are aromatic, fruity, elegant, clean and vibrant. Pierre Sparr wines are food-friendly and accessible for everyday consumption. Learn more here.
The origin of winemaking in the Sparr family dates back to 1680. Generations later, Charles Sparr developed the business that his son, Pierre, later took the succession at the age of 20. Pierre had a distinct sense for business, making him a pioneer of “estate bottled” wines in Alsace. Pierre also had the courage and obstinacy to rebuild their entire estate after Sigolsheim and its vineyards were completely destroyed during WWII. In doing so, Pierre rebuilt one of Alsace’s most beautiful and prestigious Domaines. Today, with the help of the 9th generation, Pierre Sparr remains focused on producing quality wines, a pure expression of Alsace, that are aromatic, fruity, elegant, clean and vibrant. Pierre Sparr wines are food-friendly and accessible for everyday consumption. Learn more here.
Photo and Information © Pierre Sparr – All Rights Reserved
J Vineyards & Winery
California Cuvée
California
BUBBLY WINE STYLE
This vibrant and approachable California Cuvée bursts with aromas of tart pineapple and orange blossom on its expressive nose. The palate is bright and rich, featuring layered flavors of Asian pear and honeysuckle, accented by fresh mandarin peel and a touch of marzipan, leading to a zesty, focused finish.
Analysis: 9% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 61% Chardonnay, 36% Pinot Noir, 3% Pinot Meunier
Critical Acclaim:
- 90 Points – James Suckling: A really fresh nose with green apples, limes and green papaya. Light to medium body, bright acidity and a fresh finish. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Drink now.
- 90 Points – Wine Enthusiast: Flavorful and polished, this supple wine blends subtle apple and pear notes with buttery, creamy accents. It is rich in character and softly framed by fine bubbles and elegant acidity, with a hint of sweetness on the finish.
About the Winery:
J Vineyards & Winery, located in the heart of Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley, is renowned for its exceptional sparkling and varietal wines. Founded in 1986 by Judy Jordan, the winery is celebrated for its commitment to quality and innovation. It combines traditional winemaking techniques with sustainable practices across its estate vineyards, which are meticulously cultivated to highlight the unique terroir of the region. Learn more here.
Photo and Information © J Vineyards & Winery and Ed’s Fine Wines – All Rights Reserved
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Château Grézan Louis Blanc Villa d’Amandine
DECEMBER WINE CLUB:
Château Grézan
Louis Blanc Villa d’Amandine
Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah
IGP Pays d’OC
Languedoc-Roussillon, France
MELLOW WINE STYLE
The richness and intensity of the Cabernet, combined with the finesse and elegance of the Syrah give a velvety purple color and a unique character. The powerful nose, with aromas of blackcurrant buds and dark chocolate, opens onto a full-bodied palate with accents of green pepper, licorice and violets, followed by hints of menthol.
Varietal: 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Syrah
Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
Terroir: Clay and limestone
Appellation: IGP Pays d’OC, Languedoc-Roussillon
Vinification/Aging: Total destemming. Traditional fermentation under temperature control. This wine is matured in vats and partly in barrels, bottled at the end of the winter following the harvest.
Keeping: Drink young
Food Pairing: Ideal companion for an evening with friends over a ribeye steak.
About the Winery:
Nestled in the heart of Faugères, Château Grézan intertwines history and winemaking excellence. Once a Roman villa and later a medieval commandery, the château was reborn in the 19th century as a neo medieval landmark inspired by Viollet-le-Duc’s famed restoration of Carcassonne. The Cros-Pujol family acquired the estate in 1989, continuing a winemaking tradition that began in 1877. Their vineyards, spread across three villages, thrive in shale-rich soils that retain heat for optimal grape maturity. With varieties like Syrah, Grenache, and Viognier, the family employs modern techniques alongside ancestral practices to create Mediterranean wines that balance tradition and innovation, offering a taste of history in every bottle. Learn more here.
Try this wine with the following recipe…
Classic Shepherd’s Pie
INGREDIENTS:
Meat Filling:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1 lb. 90% lean ground beef or ground lamb
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 garlic cloves -minced
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup frozen mixed peas & carrots*
- ½ cup frozen corn kernels
Potato Topping:
- 1 ½ – 2 lb. russet potatoes -about 2 large potatoes peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter -1 stick
- 1/3 cup half & half
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
DIRECTIONS:
Make the Meat Filling:
-
Add the oil to a large skillet and place it over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Add the onions. Cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Add the ground beef (or ground lamb) to the skillet and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Add the parsley, rosemary, thyme, salt, and and pepper. Stir well. Cook for 6-8 minutes, until the meat is browned, stirring occasionally.
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Add the Worcestershire sauce and garlic. Stir to combine. Cook for 1 minute.
-
Add the flour and tomato paste. Stir until well incorporated and no clumps of tomato paste remain.
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Add the broth, frozen peas and carrots, and frozen corn. Bring the liquid to a boil then reduce to simmer. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Set the meat mixture aside. Preheat oven to 400°F.
Make the potato topping:
-
Place the potatoes in a large pot. Cover the potatoes with water. Bring the water to a boil. Reduce to a simmer. Cook until potatoes are fork tender, 10-15 minutes.
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Drain the potatoes in a colander. Return the potatoes to the hot pot. Let the potatoes rest in the hot pot for 1 minute to evaporate any remaining liquid.
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Add butter, half & half, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mash the potatoes and stir until all the ingredients are mixed together.
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Add the parmesan cheese to the potatoes. Stir until well combined.
Assemble the casserole:
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Pour the meat mixture into a 9 x 9 (or 7 x 11) inch baking dish. Spread it out into an even layer. Spoon the mashed potatoes on top of the meat. Carefully spread into an even layer.
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If the baking dish looks very full, place it on a rimmed baking sheet so that the filling doesn’t bubble over into your oven. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes.** Cool for 15 minutes before serving.
Information & Photos © Château Grézan – All Rights Reserved.
© Recipe courtesy of The Wholesome Dish.
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Château Grézan Louis Blanc Treille
DECEMBER WINE CLUB:
Château Grézan
Louis Blanc Treille
Vermentino, Grenache Blanc
IGP Pays d’OC
Languedoc-Roussillon, France
SILKY WINE STYLE
This wine is very floral, lively and fresh. The nose successively evokes citrus fruits—lemon and zest—and white flowers. The mouth evolves between mint and fruity notes with a very thrist-quenching mineral finish.
Varietal: 50% Vermentino, 50% Grenache Blanc
Analysis: 12.5% alcohol / volume
Terroir: Clay and limestone
Appellation: IGP Pays d’OC, Languedoc-Roussillon
Vinification/Aging: Direct pressing followed by static settling. Fermentation under temperature control.
Keeping: Drink young
Food Pairing: Seafood and fruit dessert. Will be unanimous around an aperitif.
About the Winery:
Château Grézan is more than a winery—it’s a living history of five generations dedicated to crafting wines that embody Faugères’ unique terroir. Dating back to 1877, the Cros-Pujol family’s journey began with Jules-Anatole Cros and a small Carignan vineyard worked by horse and donkey. The estate, built on ancient Roman and medieval foundations, showcases a neo-medieval architecture inspired by Carcassonne, earning it the name “Petit Carcassonne.” Today, the family combines traditional and innovative methods, from amphora aging to full-barrel fermentation, to produce sustainable wines that reflect the Mediterranean climate and shale-rich soils. With a deep respect for their land, heritage, and customers, Château Grézan offers a remarkable range of wines for every occasion. Learn more here.
Try this wine with the following recipe…
Winter Citrus Pavlova
INGREDIENTS:
- For the Pavlova:
- 4 large egg whites, room temperature
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
-
For the toppings:
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 blood oranges, peeled with a knife and cut into circles
- 1 navel orange, peeled with a knife and cut into circles
- 1 cara cara orange, peeled with a knife and cut into circles
- 2 tablespoons pistachios, roughly chopped
- a few tablespoons balsamic glaze (optional)
DIRECTIONS:
- Preheat oven to 180°F.
- Using a pencil, draw the outline of an 8-inch cake pan on parchment paper. Flip the paper over and place on a cookie tray. Set aside.
- In a larger bowl, using a mixer on high speed, beat the egg whites until foamy. Add in salt and cream of tartar. Beat on high speed until soft peaks form. In small additions, beat in the granulated sugar until completely combined, then continue to beat until hard peaks form.
- Spoon the meringue onto the parchment paper and, using the back of a large spoon, push the meringue so it spreads out to the 8-inch circle you outlined with the cake pan. Using the spoon, create a large well in the center of the meringue. The center should be about ½ inch tall and the outside should be about 1 ½ inches.
- Bake in the oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes, then turn off heat and allow meringue to sit for an additional hour in the oven. It is in this hour that the meringue will dry out completely. Then, remove from oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
- While the meringue is cooling, whip up the topping. In a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, whip the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Spread over the meringue, then top with citrus, pistachios, and balsamic glaze.
Information & Photos © Château Grézan – All Rights Reserved.
© Recipe courtesy of Broma Bakery.
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December Wine Club Pairing Recipe
DECEMBER WINE CLUB:
Château Grézan
Louis Blanc Pergola
IGP Pays d’OC
Languedoc-Roussillion, France
MELLOW WINE STYLE
The blend of Merlot, Syrah and Carignan blend together to give this wine a beautiful mix of red fruits, cherries and blackcurrant. Delicious, the mouth is very supple, fleshy and greedy.
Varietal: 50% Merlot, 35% Syrah, 15% Carignan
Analysis: 12.5% alcohol / volume
Terroir: Clay and limestone
Appellation: IGP Pays d’OC, Languedoc-Roussillon
Vinification: Total destemming. Traditional fermentation under temperature control.
Aging: Aged in vats and is bottled at the end of the winter following the harvest.
Keeping: Drink young
Food Pairing: Ideal for an evening with tapas
About the Winery:
The story of Château Grézan and the Cros-Pujol family spans over five generations, beginning in 1877 with Jules-Anatole Cros cultivating Carignan vines with a horse and donkey. Situated in Faugères, the château’s history is rich with Roman origins, medieval transformations, and a neo-medieval revival in the 19th century. Today, it combines ancestral winemaking traditions with modern techniques, producing sustainable wines that express the unique Mediterranean terroir, including AOP Faugères and IGP Pays d’Oc varieties. With shale-rich soils, Mediterranean-mountain climates, and cutting-edge methods like amphora and full-barrel fermentation, the estate crafts wines celebrated for their authenticity, quality, and heritage. Learn more here >
Try this wine with the following recipe…
Bacon Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Manchego Cheese
INGREDIENTS:
- 12 medium sized dates
- 6 oz Manchego cheese
- 6 slices bacon
- 12 tooth picks
DIRECTIONS:
-
Preheat oven to 400°F.
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Partially cook 6 slices of bacon, stopping before it becomes crispy.
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Chop 6 oz Manchego cheese into 12 small blocks, sized to stuff in dates.
-
Remove seed from 12 dates.
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Stuff dates with Manchego cheese.
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Wrap dates with bacons, securing with toothpicks.
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Cook in oven for 10 minutes or until bacon becomes fully crispy.
-
Serve with or without toothpicks.
Information & Photos © Château Grézan – All Rights Reserved.
© Recipe courtesy of A Fork’s Tale.
Join our WINE CLUB and enjoy these amazing wines and pairing recipes each month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases!
August Cheese Club: Iowa
Jean Perrin
Morbier AOP
Franche-Comte, France
Morbier was behind Jean Perrin’s creation of their cheese dairy in January 1965. Produced in strict keeping with tradition, it is the only Morbier available in the United States. It’s made from raw cow’s milk and cellar-refined for between 45 and 130 days to create a creamy, ivory-colored texture, and a range of flavors from soft and creamy to those with more character for bolder cheese lovers.
It is known for its distinct appearance, with a layer of ash running through the center. The ash used in Morbier cheese is vegetable ash, and it is primarily a traditional and aesthetic feature. The smell is legit; funky, washed and briny. The paste has a silkiness to it while still being firm. The flavor is multi-layered with a tannic finish.
PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
Pair the Morbier AOP cheese with this month’s Maison Biotteau AOP Anjou Rouge. The delicate tannins and bright acidity of this red wine complement the creamy and slightly tangy flavor of Morbier. For beer, reach for a Belgian Dubbel. The caramel and dark fruit notes in the beer balance well with the creamy texture and earthy flavors of the Morbier.
WINESTYLES: Mellow
BEERSTYLES: Dark & Roasty
Information and photo © Jean Perrin & Zuercher & Co. – All Rights Reserved.
Onetik
Ossau-Iraty AOC
Pyrenees, France
A genuine AOC treasure, this cheese boasts a rich, fruity, and nutty flavor from the milk of Manech and Basco-Béarnaise sheep. Ideal for picnics, its semi-firm and smooth texture offers delightful notes of hazelnut, butter, and herbs. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of fruits, vegetables, and salty meats like Prosciutto di Parma.
PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
Pair the Ossau-Iraty AOC with this month’s Maison Biotteau Anjou Blanc. The Chenin Blanc’s fresh acidity will enhance the nutty, buttery flavors of the cheese. As for beer, try with one of our August Beer Club selections, or another Belgian Saison. The farmhouse ale’s herbal and spicy characteristics complement the rich, nutty, and herbaceous profile of Ossau-Iraty.
WINESTYLES: Crisp
BEERSTYLES: Fruity & Spicy or Sour
Information and photo © Zuercher & Co. – All Rights Reserved.
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Huteau Boulanger Gamay
Cedar Planked Salmon
INGREDIENTS:
- 3 (12 inch) untreated cedar planks
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 ½ tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 (2 pound) salmon fillets, skin removed
DIRECTIONS:
- Gather all ingredients.
- Soak cedar planks for at least 1 hour in warm water. Soak longer if you have time.
- Stir soy sauce, vegetable oil, rice vinegar, sesame oil, green onions, ginger, and garlic together in a shallow dish.
- Place salmon fillets in soy mixture and turn to coat. Cover and marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 1 hour refrigerated.
- Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat. Place planks on the grill grate. Heat planks until they start to smoke and crackle just a little.
- Remove salmon from marinade and place on planks; discard marinade.
- Close grill cover. Grill salmon until it flakes easily with a fork, about 20 minutes; salmon will continue to cook after you remove it from the grill.
© Recipe courtesy of Wendy Freeman-More and All Recipes.
AUGUST WINE CLUB:
Huteau Boulanger
Gamay
Loire Valley, France
FRUITY WINE STYLE
Huteau-Boulanger is crafted in Vallet, a quaint town west of Nantes in the Loire region. This wine is made entirely from Gamay grapes, offering a soft and light profile with delightful red fruit, a mineral note, and just a hint of tannin.
This red wine is unique, hailing from the Muscadet region, which is predominantly known for its white wines. Despite being made with Gamay, this wine is bold and robust, unlike any other Gamay from the northern areas. It boasts dense flavors of morello cherries and Victoria plums, a satisfying full mid-palate, and lacks the harsh acidity typical of less expensive Gamays. This wine has real attitude!
Varietal: Gamay
Appellation: IGP Loire Valley, France
Serving Suggestions: This wine matches well with lighter dishes and would go well with meatier fish. It can be served chilled on a hot day, making it an excellent summer wine.
Winemaking:
Harvested at peak ripeness. The grapes undergo a light maceration for 3 to 4 days without added sulfur, maintaining temperatures between 77 and 82°F. Alcoholic fermentation begins with indigenous yeasts, with daily pump-overs for 15 minutes to extract color and tannins. Traditional pressing follows, separating free-run juice from press juice. Malolactic fermentation occurs in vats, followed by racking.
Information & Photos © Huteau Boulanger – All Rights Reserved.
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Maison Biotteau Anjou Blanc
Tandoori Chicken
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 ½ pounds bone-in, skinless chicken thighs and drumsticks
- 2 juicy lemons
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- ¾ cup plain yogurt
- ½ medium onion, peeled and quartered
- 5 garlic cloves
- 1 (¾-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and quartered
- ½ fresh hot green chile, roughly sliced
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
- lemon wedges
DIRECTIONS:
-
Make two diagonal incisions, each about 1 inch long, on center of each side of chicken pieces. (Slits, which should not start at an edge, should be deep enough to reach bone.)
-
Place chicken pieces on a rimmed baking sheet. Squeeze 1 lemon over chicken, and sprinkle with salt. Gently rub 1 teaspoon salt and lemon juice into slits. Turn chicken over and repeat with remaining lemon and salt. Set aside for 20 minutes.
-
Blend yogurt, onion, garlic, ginger, green chile, and garam masala in a food processor or blender into a smooth paste, about 3 minutes. Transfer spice paste to a large bowl. Add chicken to bowl and turn until coated evenly in spice paste, being sure to get paste into slits. Cover chicken and refrigerate at least 5 hours, up to 24 hours.
-
Heat charcoal grill to high. Grill chicken over moderately high heat, basting with butter, until browned, 10 minutes. Turn and cook, basting with remaining butter, until lightly charred and cooked through, about 12 minutes. Squeeze lemon wedges over chicken and serve with naan bread.
© Recipe courtesy of Madhur Jaffrey of Food & Wine.
AUGUST WINE CLUB:
Maison Biotteau
Anjou Blanc
Chenin Blanc
Loire Valley, France
CRISP WINE STYLE
This wine is pale yellow straw in color and shows characteristics that are typical of the variety. With honeyed notes of apricot giving way to a tangy mineral finish, this off-dry white has a fresh acidity. On the palate, the wine is bright, full-bodied and focused.
Varietal: 100% Chenin Blanc
Appellation: AOP Anjou
Production Region: Loire Valley, France
Vinification: The grapes are harvested from the schist and limestone vineyards when beautifully ripe and then sorted in the cellars to ensure they retain as much of their complexity as possible. Vinified traditionally with slow maceration at low temperature, gentle clarification and bottling in late spring.
Pairings: Fish (cooked or sushi), Indian or Asian-inspried dishes, herb-roasted pork or chicken
Maison Biotteau at Château d’Avrillé
Vineyard Notes:
This wine is produced by the Biotteau Family at the Château d’Avrillé. The castle is located in the heart of Loire Valley, more precisely in the Anjou area. Geographically, the region is divided into two dominant profiles based on soil types. The first of these, “Anjou Blanc,” lies toward the west of the appellation, where chalky limestone soils impart a lighter, more energetic expression of Chenin. Then, there’s “Anjou Noir”, referring to the dark volcanic schist soils of the easternmost edge of the Massif Armorican, where Chenin assumes a richer, more full-bodied character. Sourced from vineyards that fall exactly along the border of these two sub-regions, this gorgeously subtle white from fourth-generation winemaker Pascal Biotteau comes from the village of Saint-Jean-deMauvrets, situated on the old Roman road from Angers to Poitiers.
Information & Photos © Maison Biotteau – All Rights Reserved.
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August Wine Club Pairing Recipe
Beef Carpaccio
INGREDIENTS:
- 8 to 10 ounces beef tenderloin*, from the tip end of the roast
- 4 handfuls arugula or mixed greens
- your favorite vinaigrette
- kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- shaved Parmesan cheese
DIRECTIONS:
- Wrap the tenderloin in plastic wrap and place in the freezer for 2 hours.
- After 2 hours, unwrap the tenderloin and thinly slice the beef into approximately into 1/8 to 1/4-inch pieces. Lay out sheets of plastic wrap and place each slice onto the plastic. Top with another piece of plastic and gently pound the meat with a meat mallet until paper thin.
- Repeat until all of the meat is sliced and pounded. Divide the meat evenly among 4 chilled plates. Serve with greens tossed with vinaigrette, salt, pepper and/or Parmesan cheese.
*Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness, especially if you have certain medical conditions. See full disclaimers on video from Alton Brown and the Food Network.
© Recipe courtesy of Alton Brown and the Food Network.
AUGUST WINE CLUB:
Maison Biotteau
AOP Anjou Rouge
Loire Valley, France
MELLOW WINE STYLE
This wine is red cherry in color with a nose of red fruits and slightly spicy pepper and cinnamon notes. The palate is round and fruity with delicate tannins. Enjoy this wine now, it is meant to be fully appreciated in its youth. Serve at room temperature, 1 hour after opening.
Varietal: 80% Cabernet Franc, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon
Winemaking: 5-7 days of maceration after destemming
Aging: 4 to 6 months in stainless tank
Appellation: AOP Anjou
Production Region: Loire Valley, France
Pairings: Grilled red/white meat, tartares or carpaccios, Firm-fleshed fish, soft cheeses (Reblochon, Brie, Camembert Fermier)
Maison Biotteau at Château d’Avrillé
Vineyard Notes:
This wine is produced by the Biotteau Family at the Château d’Avrillé. The castle is located in the heart of Loire Valley, more precisely in the Anjou area. From a geological standpoint, the region has two dominant profiles from the influence of the Paris Basin – the bottom soil is composed of chalk and the top soil is a mixture of clay-limestone as well as silica. The banks and the bed of the Loire are made up of sand and gravel. The main red varietals produced in this area are Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and white wine varietals Chenin and Chardonnay.
Information & Photos © Maison Biotteau – All Rights Reserved.
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April Bubbly Club Iowa
Vollereaux
Rosé De Saignée Brut NV
Champagne, France
BUBBLY WINE STYLE
Intense raspberry in color with consistent fine bubbles. The nose has initial aromas of red berries and crushed strawberry; after aeration, the nose reveals notes of fresh pastries and vanilla. The palate is full bodied and round with subtle notes of red berries and a long finish.
Analysis: 12.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
TA: 3.8
pH: 3.18
RS: 9.2 g/L
Winemaker: Franck Vollereaux
Serving Suggestions: Delightful on its own, or perfect with macaroons.
Vinification: Pinot Noir grapes are macerated via the traditional saignée’ method, or “bleeding” off a portion of pink juice during red wine production. The juice spends three years on lees, more than twice the time required by appellation rules.
Critical Acclaim: 93 pts. – Wine Enthusiast, December 2020
About the Winery:
Champagne Vollereaux was established in 1805 by Paul Emile Vollereaux. For six generations, the Vollereaux family’s attention to detail has been reflected in each bottle, leaving a finished product that delivers a fresh, light, elegant and fruity profile. What was once enjoyed by a small group of friends and family is now available worldwide. With its casual-chic style, Champagne Vollereaux creates the occasion and elevates any moment. Vollereaux is one of the very few champagne wineries to use the traditional saigne method of maceration for its Rosé Champagne, which involves bleeding off a portion of pink juice during red wine production (as opposed to blending red and white wine together). This process occurs after a short contact with the grape skins and seeds.
Today, the winery is owned and operated by brother-sister team Franck and Hélène Vollereaux. Franck is the winemaker and director while Hélène handles the domestic business and winery hospitality. Together, they carry the spirit of continuously strengthening and improving on the success achieved by their forebears.
Photo and Information © Palm Bay International – All Rights Reserved
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