Tutored  French Tasting - Vintage '59 Imports

Whether French or American, organic, biodynamic, or simply a common-sense sustainable farmer, all of Vintage '59's growers are artisans striving to make the best wines of their appellations while protecting a traditional way of life. Their holistic approach requires a great deal of work in the vineyard, but it is work that is embraced because the rewards sought are not so much financial as they are personal and spiritual. The shared belief of this enlightened minority is that all of the extra effort preserves an ecological balance and results in superior fruit. Such fruit, when tempered with deft restraint in the cellar, results in superior wines. Vintage '59's growers' minimalist winemaking practices include extended lees contact to enhance texture and reduce the need for sulfur; minimal racking, fining, and filtration, all of which can strip flavor; and careful use of oak so as not to mask the individual characteristics of grape varieties or terroir. The aim is to let the wine and vineyard site speak rather than the man or marketplace. While many importers represent a worldwide variety of wines, Vintage '59 focuses on representing cutting edge wines from France- it's what excites us and it's what they know best. We're proud to have them in Charlotte for an evening of great wines. As Vintage '59 says, "perhaps the most important lesson we can provide is that even the best artisan wines don't have to cost you an arm and a leg. It requires only an open mind."  We'll see you at the Shop - don't think about missing this one!!!

THE MAY FAB FIVE...

Discount Price $15.99 

 

 

 The Loire is home to some of the best Sauvignon Blancs in the world, Domaine du Salvard Cheverny, a Kermit Lynch discovery comes from the Cherverny AOC (in Touraine, and just down the river from Sancerre). It's a blend of Sauvignon Blanc (85%) and Chardonnay (15%) cofermented and aged on its lees. It shows a very light golden color, with just a hint of green around the edges. Lots of minerals and flint with a hint of citrus and fresh cut hay.The flavors continue to develop in the glass as the wine opens up, with tangy apples and more fresh cut hay following the minerals. The finish was amazing - very long and dry. Serve it up with lighter fish dishes, summer salads with lots of herbal flavors or anything with goat cheese as an ingredient. With the presence of Chardonnay, even a lighter cream sauce might work. Those of you that are fan of New Zealand Sauv Blancs would do well to give this one a spin.

 

 

 Domaine Houchart Rosé 2007

(Cotes de Provence) 
   Reg. Price $13.99     

Discount Price $9.99

   

  Aurelien Houchart was an forward thinking proprietor and negociant in wine during the last century, and created one of the largest domain in Provence. Today it is owned by Genevieve, the wife of Jerome Quiot and granddaughter of was Aurélien Houchart. Today the estate produces a wide array of wines but it is one in particular that got  our attention. Domaine Houchart Côtes de Provence Rosé is a blend of 35% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 20% Cinsault, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Mourvèdre and 5% other grape varieties. is a blend of 35% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 20% Cinsault, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Mourvèdre and 5% other grape varieties.This is exactly what a rosé should be. Dry, lip-smacking and full of charm. This rosé is simple and fresh, but don't let that deter you, it is a beautiful summer sipper...
 

 

  Urban Uco Malbec 2007

(Uco Valley, Argentina) 
Reg Price $12.99

Discount Price $10.99 

There's about 8500 cases of this wine made. Produced by the O Fournier family and  known as Urban Uco Malbec 2007 Mendoza in the US,  this wine over-delivers massively. There is an abundance of totally natural ripe fruit here with more than whiff of high altitude Malbec's rather haunting appeal. It is a deep dark purple hue. This particular vintage was exceptional because it was cooler than usual weather. The estate only sources their grapes from the Uco Valley retaining that extra acidity and freshness in the aromas. You  also get great Malbec personality in the Uco Valley. The wine is made to be very fruity with soft tannins and a very accessible style. It has been aged for three months in oak barrels It has a hint of a flowery bouquet dominated by blackberries. The taste is intense. I thought there was just enough oak to give a little bit of the vanilla taste. Ripe but focused, with a nice beam of crushed raspberry, roasted vanilla and cocoa running along plush, medium-weight tannins. 
 

The first thing you notice on the nose is sweet cherry liquor. A blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet this little IGT by Italian wine specialist Neil Empson and winemaker Franco Bernabei is aged in oak barrels for a year and in bottle for 6 months. On the nose are aromas of black cherry, chocolate, spice, earth, leather and plums. It's well balanced and on the palate are spice and cherries.It has fruit, acid, structure, mouth feel and for a wine at this price point. There's not much this wine wouldn't pair with when it comes to food. This is a red for those of you who should be drinking a white wine but refuse to. Great acid and a easy to like , food-friendly style. I for one will be taking it home to pair with some linguine and red sauce.

 

 
     El Chaparral De Vega Sindoa  Old Vines Grenache 2007

(Navarra) 

Reg Price $16.99 
Discount Price $13.99 

 

 

This is old vine Grenache from the northernmost reaches of Spain in the region of Navarra, produced by female winemaker Concha Vecino. Long a stronghold of Grenache, this Basque territory is sandwiched closely between Logroño's Rioja country to the southwest and the Pyrenees directly to the northeast. One of Spains cooler growing regions the wines here or at least this one is very Rhone-like on the palate and otherwise. Rich and supple, this wine is very balanced showing black cherry, chocolate and cracked pepper notes. Decant for pure decadence.This elegant Grenache displays a velvety texture and balance of raspberry, plum sweetness that contrasts red berry acidity perfectly.The finish is lovely, with concentrated hints of strawberry preserves, dark fruit and smoky black pepper. A nice one for warm weather grilling or possibly a rack of ribs!