WINO 101

Hello Friends and Wine Lovers!

It is time, once again, for the Exercise in Enological Experimentation and Elevated Excitement Evermore (EEEEEE!, for those who love acronyms. And alliteration.) with the Carpe Vinum Thursday Newsletter for the Friday Tasting! Now that we’re entering the Summer months, or at least the late Spring months, there are a number of tastings I love to do this time of year. This week is one of them! It’s the French Loire! (”Cheer-In For ‘L’ ” for those who love anagrams . . . Did I lose you there?) Let’s talk about the Loire for a bit, shall we?

The Loire is the region that follows the Loire valley that also, not so coincidentally, follows the Loire river. The Loire river is the longest in France, stretching from the Western coast well into the heart of the country. This takes the Loire wine country across quite a bit of terrain and widely varies the growing conditions, soil types and, of course, regional specialties. There are several grapes that reign in the Loire. Ever-popular is the Melon de Bourgogne that makes a great number of Muscadet wines, popular for the easy-drinking-and-way-affordable style. The region is even better known for the other whites Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc, and is the only region in the world that specializes in Cabernet Franc as the red variety.

Now, if you’ve followed the tastings here at the shop, I think you might know of my love affair with the Cabernet Franc grape. I’ve been following the Cabernet Franc productions around the world, and although I love what they’re doing with it in Washington, the Loire is really where they specialize in it, especially in Chinon and Saumur-Champigny. Granted, it takes on a completely different character in the Loire, and varies from vintage to vintage. Recently, though, with all the warm summers we’ve been having, the Loire Cabernet Franc has been ripening to perfect levels. Well, that and the general decision in the Loire that fruitier wines are a good thing. There has been a recent shift in the way they’ve been growing those things over there. Rather than harvesting the grapes when the potential alcohol levels say the grapes are ready, they’re waiting until the grapes are ripe. Ripe grapes? Huh. Go figure. This means that although some of the reds from the Loire in the past have been the green and herbaceous and tannic beasts, the newer fruitier and easier-to-drink reds coming from the region are certainly more fun. Sure, both serve their purpose. But if the purpose of the wine is to drink it and not, say, soften up a new baseball glove, the new style is definitely it.

Alright, alright. That’s not fair to the old Loire reds we’ve had here before. Some can be a bit green and astringent but can also go as well with a steak as any Cabernet Sauvignon. But wait until you get a load of these new ones! Also, in addition to the reds becoming riper, the whites are too. The Chenins and Sauvignon Blancs are achieving riper, more refined, and also fruitier styles. Heck, even the Muscadets are getting riper and more serious. I have to say, though, the Marc Bredif in this tasting is probably the best Vouvray I’ve ever had. And I’m super-super impressed with the rest, as well. also a word: Sancerre! If you don’t know it, you should. A well-made Sancerre can be the finest Sauvignon Blanc wine in the world.

So there you have it. It’s one of the best regions to feature this time of year. It’s got some nice reds that aren’t too far over the top, and some excellent whites that are sure to please after a hot afternoon. Of the 7 we’ve got here there are 4 whites and 3 reds. It’s an excellent cross-section of the region, and Francly, I can’t wait!

Heh . . . get it? “Franc-ly”? Ah, never mind . . .

So Friday, May 25th, between 4:30 and 9:00 PM it’s:

Loire!!!
Chateau de la Fessardiere 2005 Muscadet
Marc Bredif 2005 Vouvray
Domaine du Salvard 2006 Cheverny
Domaine de la Seignerie 2005 Saumur-Champigny
Domaine de Pallus 2004 Les Pensees, Chinon

Loire, Loire, Loire!!!
Patient Cottat 2005 Vielles Vignes Sancerre
Domaine des Roches Neuves 2004 Terres Chaudes, Saumur-Champigny

A stellar deal at $10 for the First 5, $6 for the Extra 2 Premium Pours.
Hope to see you here!

Seize the Wine!

Next Friday tasting is Wines of Oregon!

M