8/19/15 AUGUST WINE PLAYLIST

MONTHLY WINE PLAYLIST

Monthly Playlist for August


We've been feeling a bit froggy so it's all French, all the time for the August Playlist

6 WINES - $80.00

Easy to order - just click on the link at the bottom...as always - all selections are available separately or by the case, too




2014 BEAURENARD COTES-DU-RHONE

More that just 'simple' Cotes-du-Rhone. Cerebral and sophisticate juice made by one of Chateauneuf-du-Pape's apex producers. ($13.00)

Where It's From:   Southern Rhone Valley.
Grape(s):   70% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 15% Cinsault.
Aromas and Flavors:   Lavender, licorice, thyme and white pepper. One of the smoothest and prettiest Cotes-du-Rhones you'll ever taste.
Food Choices:   Grilled chicken jacked with provencal herbs. Also will work with tomatoes stuffed with sausage, garlic & mushrooms
Music Choices:   L'Amour et la Violence' by Sebastien Tellier.



2012 GUION BOURGUEIL

Loire red wines are all the rage in the hip wine bars and restos throughout France. The Guion family wines have been farmed organically since 1965. ($12.00)

Where It's From:   Bourgueil, across the river from Chinon in the Loire Valley.
Grape(s):   100% Cabernet Franc.
Aromas and Flavors:   Red cherry, sandalwood, aromatic herbs and prominent earthy tones. Bursting and touching all points of the palate.
Food Choices:   A bigass charcuterie plate as well as a lamb or chicken curry dish.
Music Choices:   D'Angelo's seminal track, 'Chicken Grease'



2013 ROUMAGNAC FRONTON ROUGE

Let's play Jeopardy! 'I'll take Obscure Brilliance for 500, Alex'. And you should, too - this is one of the ultimate bistro selections. ($14.00)

Where It's From:   Fronton region that is literally in the suburbs of Toulouse.
Grape(s):   50% Negrette, 25% Syrah, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc.
Aromas and Flavors:   Currants, black pepper, kisses of licorice and undertones of red earth and nutmeg. Supple attack and mid-palate with a structured, spicy finish.
Food Choices:   Pan-seared ribeye slathered in sweet Walla Walla onions or a nice ripe Brie de Meaux.
Music Choices:   'Lights Out' by UFO.



2014 LELIEVRE COTES-DE-TOUL BLANC

All about aromatics yet flavor never takes a back seat with one of the coolest white wines from a once forgotten Northern French growing region. ($14.00)

Where It's From:   Lorraine region of Northern France not far from Luxumbourg.
Grape(s):   100% Auxerrois.
Aromas and Flavors:   Devestatingly fragrant honeydew melon, lychee, mandarin and mineral. Bone dry, full of thrust and brisk succulence.
Food Choices:   Steamed mussels or sushi.
Music Choices:   Cotes-de-Toul? Why not the band Tool's track called 'Sober'.



2013 FONTSAINTE CORBIERES

One of our ultimate go-to reds when wishing to please a bunch of palates including those who may fancy themselves some sort of 'expert' ($13.00).

Where It's From:   Languedoc's Corbieres region, specifically the Boutenac portion.
Grape(s):   0% Carignan, 30% Grenache, 10% Syrah.
Aromas and Flavors:   Room filling scents of strawberry, rosemary, pepper, cocoa and roses. Mouth coating, fleshy and deceptively expansive.
Food Choices:   A plethora of pork. Pork loin roast, grilled pork chops and all kinds of pork sausages.
Music Choices:   Ma mere l'Oye'. Classical piece by Maurice Ravel.



2012 SEROL COTES ROANNAISE 'VIEILLES VIGNES'

Engaging red wine from an area that could well be referred to as the 11th Cru of Beaujolais. ($14.00)

Where It's From:   In all actuality, a portion of the Loire valley that's closer to Macon/Lyon than Tour/Angers. Or as we say in Pittsburgh, 'it's way the hell out in Cranberry'!
Grape(s):   100% Gamay.
Aromas and Flavors:   Cherry pit, violet, mineral, graham-like spice. Vivacious, elevated, middleweight and dancing in the mouth.
Food Choices:   Terrific with pot au feu or steak tartare. Also will work well with grilled salmon.
Music Choices:   Je t'aime...Moi non plus' from Serge Gainsbourg



Order the Playlist!