wine-info
Alsace Etc., October 2011
The vineyards of Alsace run in a long, thin north-south strip protected by the Vosges Mountains; here the multitude of soil types produce a fascinating selection of wines. The range of grape varieties offers some welcome relief in a world seemingly awash with Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. These wines are an ideal match with a huge variety of food, not just the Asian and fusion dishes promoted enthusiastically by the region’s professional body.
Here are the fruits of my visit to Alsace in the summer. As the region has enjoyed a string of excellent vintages we felt it was time to feature these wines, so admired within France yet all too often ignored here.
Gordon Coates-October 2011
Our Favourite Selection
-
Château Pierre-Bise, Savennières, Clos de Coulaine, 2009
“Pale gold with a suggestion of green. Apricot on the nose with grassy hints. Richly textured, powerful quince fruit, with a fine mineral thread and a...”
-
Château Pierre-Bise, Coteaux du Layon, Beaulieu, Rouannières, 2009
“From a vineyard on thin soil over spilite. Old gold colour. Very expansive tropical aromas. Apricot and rich fruit cake flavours , cut with tingling...”
-
Domaine du Joncier, Lirac, Le Gourmand, 2010
“Marine Roussel adopted organic viticulture a few years ago, after being near-organic for years. From the 2008 vintage the wines have been certified...”
-
Santa Luz, Sauvignon Blanc, Bin 955, Valle Central, 2011
“Chile is the best place in the world for good value Sauvignon Blanc: though one still has to hunt hard to seek true varietal character at a fair...”
-
Conviviale, Primitivo, Salento, 2010
“Bittersweet , brambly fruit - quite punchy and lively, but also supple. Discreet smokiness. One for robust Mediterranean cuisine: tomatoes, peppers,...”
-
Domaine Ninot, Rully Blanc, 2009
“From a single vineyard south west of the village. Engagingly open hazelnut aroma. Clean, ripe pear fruit, with well integrated acidity and mealy...”
-
Château Barrejat, Madiran, Tradition, 2009
“From 60% Tannat, with 20% Cabernets Sauvignon and Franc, lightly oaked, this is an honest, mildly rustic wine, a perfect foil for sausages or...”
-
Domaine de la Pigeade,Ventoux Classique, 2010
“We have listed Thierry’s red Ventoux Classique (from Grenache, Carignan and Syrah), before but he has moved it onto a different level with the...”
-
Domaine Fontanel, Côtes du Roussillon, 2009
“Aromas of black cherries with dark chocolate touches. Lively, plum and black cherry favours,. Good ripe tannins. Just slightly (and attractively)...”
-
Domaine des Amadieu, Côtes du Rhône Villages, Cairanne, Vieilles Vignes, 2007
“Retains a good deep colour. Attractive Kirsch aromas. Concentrated, old-viney fruit, redolent of red berries and mulberries, lightly spiced. This is...”
-
Château Tour de Bellegarde, Bordeaux, 2009
“Crafted by the Janaud family at Villegouge near Fronsac, this 100% Merlot cuvée is all aged in barrel; and offers another example of how the superb...”
-
Ca’ di Ponti, Grillo, IGT Sicily, 2010
“As a grape which retains freshness and character in Mediterranean heat, Grillo is perfectly suited to Sicily.”





























