Domaine Les Chardons Touraine Gamay

                                                        Dombek PHOTO 2012

Domaine Les Chardons Touraine

Gamay 2011

Thierry Chardon - Vigneron

Loire, France

100% Gamay

I have been enjoying this wine all summer but too busy to sit myself down to computer to let you know about it!  Many of you perhaps already do, but for those who have not tried it, it’s not too late.  Luckily we’re still experiencing summer-like weather in the midst of September, perhaps an even more perfect time to drink this lively, light, yet vivid red wine as we segue into Fall

Ruby red, magenta/garnet in color, this wine has a distinctive funky earthiness on the nose.  Aromas of fresh bright fruit such as cranberry, elderberry and boysenberry along with dark currant, mingle with perfume and spice.  Notes of dark cherry, twigs from the forest floor and black and white pepper provide depth, minus any heaviness whatsoever.  This is completely fun, refreshing and dry to the finish.  Serving with a chill on it made an excellent summer red, which holds equally true now!  Serve with prosciutto & melon, comte’ cheese and fresh crusty french baguette.  Have a picnic while you still can!  $12.99/btl @ Rosemont Market.

                            Dombek PHOTO 2012

Gamay is the grape most associated with the region of Beaujolais, located in the southern part of Burgundy.  This Gamay wine comes from Domaine Les Chardons, an organic family winery located in Touraine, in the middle of the Loire Valley, and an area known for its castles.  This past March, Ned from Devenish Wines took a trip and discovered with his Importer Laurent this unique gem of a winery owned by Thierry and Sophie Chardon.  Clay, limestone and flint comprises the terroir from which this Gamay comes.  Check out his blog below for more detailed information!

http://devenishwinesgeek.typepad.com/wines_tasted/2012/03/domaine-chardon-organic-wines-from-touraine.html

I love their wines and had also reviewed their sauvignon blanc back in May.  Check it out:  http://www.wine24-7.com/2012/05/domaine-chardons-touraine-sauvignon.html

These wines are brought to us here in the states by Devenish Wines through the importer, Laurent Bonnois of Maximilien Selections.  Available at Rosemont Market-Munjoy, Downeast Beverage and Browne Trading Co. in Portland as well as The Blue Hill Wine Shop in Blue Hill, ME.