Mas d'Alezon Faugères

Mas d'Alezon 

Faugères 2010

Le Presbytère

Languedoc, France

80% Grenache, 20% blend of Syrah & Mourvèdre

First off to all of my loyal readers, thank you for your patience during this lapse of time between articles!  This does not mean I have not been tasting wines .... au contraire!

This wine from the Languedoc region of southern France is deep black red garnet in color. Autumnal! At first opening, earthy humus with underlying briar and incense (even graphite), along with brighter dark cherry notes on the nose and tongue. Also, hints of rhubarb and eucalyptus, with a distinctive vibrancy on the surface. With time the Syrah and Mourvèdre emerge with a more saturated balsamic, sweet anise and sherry on the nose. Ripening fruits such as blackberry, plum and raisins, along with subtle spice perfume mingle with the resonant barnyard funk, even some black pepper on the palate.  Smooth mouth feel.  Give this one some breathing time and you will experience how it evolves.  Mercurial! Love it with perhaps boeuf bourguignon, duck or even Thanksgiving turkey? $16.99/btl @ Rosemont Market - Yarmouth. 

The property Mas d'Alezon is comprised of 7 hectares located in the high altitudes in the northern corner of Faugères in southern France, with its omnipresent schist and metamorphic rock. "It is believed that these Paleozoic rocks in Faugères give birth to wines of finesse and austerity". I couldn't agree more in this case. Mas d'Alezon was acquired in 1997 by the vigneronne Catherine Roque. She grows plots of 70 year old Grenache and 80 year old Mourvèdre. Grapes ripen very slowly here due to a combination of infertile soils and cool micro-climate. This terroir really comes through the wine. Her vineyard is certified organic and she tends them biodynamically to enhance the health of the soil and vines. A winning combination!

Imported by Wine Traditions, Ltd., Falls Church, Virginia; Distributed in Maine by Wicked Wines, Bangor, ME; Find this wine locally at Rosemont Market - Yarmouth & Brighton stores, ME. 

SUMMER ROSE' - French . Italian . Greek . Spanish!

Here it is the end of summer, and I'm just now getting to review some fun and fabulous Rosé. There is still plenty of time to enjoy these lovely and festive wines ... into the autumn and beyond! Being a colorist as well, I've lined them up from lighter to more saturated palette, which perhaps not uncoincidentally also translates into tasting palate. 

Domaine Houchart Cotes de Provence rosé

Domaine Houchart
Cotes de Provence Rosé 2012
Aix-en-Provence, France 

Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Cabernet Sauvignon & Mourvedre.

Lovely light salmon pink in color, this rosé is clean, refreshing and surprisingly light given such a blend of varietals! Subtly floral with hints of raspberry fruit and minerality on the nose, along with a quiet explosion of fresh berries and cream on the tongue. Expressively pleasant, creamy, lush and lean. Classic Provençal Rose'. 

Domaine Houchart is owned by Geneviève Quiot. Located at the foot of Mont Sainte Victoire near Aix-en-Provence, it was acquired originally in the 1850's by her great-grandfather Aurelien Houchart, friends with the famous French painter Paul Cézanne, who often came to visit and to no doubt share a few glasses of wine!

Available for under $14/btl at all Rosemont Markets, RSVP, Boones Fish House & Oyster Room and Downeast Beverage, Portland. Perkins & Perkins, Ogunquit. Cape Porpoise Kitchen, Kennebunkport. Black Sheep in Harpswell. From Devenish Wines. Imported by USA Wine Imports, New York.

Terredora DiPaolo Rosaenovae Rosato

Terredora DiPaolo
Rosaenovae Rosato 2012
Irpinia D.O.C. 
Campania, Italia

100% Aglianico

A brighter steely salmon pink in color, this wine is understated and elegant, even a little racy! A mix of minerals and earth, this is clean and refreshing with calcite & schist on the nose, wild strawberries, apricot, white peaches and essence of roses on the palate. Very beautiful modern style made with a very old world varietal, "Aglianico". This is the same used in making the wine of that name, only with brief contact with the skins of the grapes.

The winery is owned by the Mastroberardino Family since 1978. They have been instrumental in rediscovering and reviving Campania's ancient grape varietals (one of which is Aglianico). I was honored to meet Daniela Mastroberardino recently at a tasting of their wines at Rosemont Market (see photos below), an articulate and passionate spokesperson for their wines. Look for a more in-depth article of the Terradora wines in a future article!

The Rosaenovae Rosato is available exclusively at Rosemont Markets for under $14/btl . They loved it so much they bought it all! Imported by VIAS Imports, New York. Distributed by Pine State Beverage Co., Gardiner, ME

Domaine Skouras ZOE rosé

Domaine Skouras
ZOE Rosé 2012
Argos, Greece

70% Aghiorghitiko, 30% Moscofilero

Deep brilliant cerise in color ... not unlike Dorothy's ruby slippers, this wine is OCEAN on the nose, lively and vibrant. With candied fruit, this is completely crisp and refreshing on the palate with juicy wild berries, watermelon and hint of lime citrus for acidity. Such a mouthful! So lush with a bit of spice, yet so lean, easy and clean. Celebrate with friends, enjoy with Paella or a soft, creamy cheese!

Established in 1986 by Dijon-trained winemaker George Skouras, Domaine Skouras is located in the village of Argos, in the region of Nemea in Peloponnese, Greece. They source their grapes from their own vineyards as well as dedicated growers in the region. Estate bottled and terroir-driven, these wines are enjoyed in Greece and around the world. Printed on the bottle ... "ZOE = LIFE = HAPPINESS"!

From Central Distributors, Lewiston, ME. and MS Walker, Fine Wines & Spirits. Imported by Diamond Wine Selections, Chicago, IL. Available for under $14/btl at RSVP and Old Port Wine Merchants, Portland. Trattorina Athena in Brunswick. 

Abadia de la Oliva Rosado

Bodega Abadia de la Oliva
Rosado 2012
Navarre, Spain

100% Garnacha

Bright deep cherry in color, with apple and watermelon on the nose, here is a huge mouthful of juicy fruits such as bing cherry and kiwi with cherry cola and earthy bark underneath. Completely clean and dry on the finish, brisk and refreshing. Perfect for barbecue or picnic!

The winery was originally the Monastery of La Oliva, located in northern Spain near the Pyrenees, housing an order of Cistercian monks who were dedicated to agriculture, making bread and wine used in liturgies, as well as olive oil. Motifs on the ancient architecture depict their daily work - labors of the grape harvest and vine imagery. 

From Wicked Wines, Bangor, ME. Imported by C&P Wines, New York. Available for under $12/btl at Rosemont Markets/Yarmouth & Brighton in Portland, Bangor Wine & Cheese, Shephard's Pie in Camden and Vic & Wits, Saco. 

Daniela Mastroberardino of Terredora DiPaolo & Michael Burke, VIAS Imports

Daniela Masterberardino of Terradora di Paolo Winery (with a bottle of Fiano) and Michael Burke, representative for VIAS Imports (with Rosaenovae Rosato) before a recent tasting of her wines at Rosemont Market/Brighton in Portland.

Daniela Mastroberardino of Terredora DiPaolo

Domaine Skouras ZOE rosé with Morbiere cheese

A glass of the ZOE rosé in outside garden setting ... with some morbiere cheese and late summer light!  Enjoy them all!

DEVENISH SUMMER WINES

Clos Cibonne Tibouren Rose' 2011

DEVENISH SUMMER WINES

Last Sunday afternoon was one of those gorgeous days of summer, perfect for a wine tasting at our local Rosemont Market (Munjoy Hill) - Portland, and hosted by the illustrious Ned Swain of DEVENISH Wines. And such a fabulous and unique line-up ... wines from France, Italy, California and Slovenia!

I had been excited to try the Cru Classe' (top rated chateau/growth) Clos Cibonne Tibouren Rose' 2011 from Côtes de Provence.  What a treat!  Made from 100% Tibouren, a rare/indigenous grape from Provence on the Mediterranean, this was exquisite in every way.  Amazing salmon pink in color, this wine had blossoms, wild berries and sherry on the nose and palate, possessing that "old World" depth that I love.  Lush yet ultimately clean/austere mouth feel. Heavenly. Herbaceous, one might say eucalyptus in the back. Sexy & understated, you feel like you're sipping sherry with a refreshingly lively illusiveness!  Aged in 100 year old oak barrels, which explains those sherry tones. Imported by De Maison Selections, Inc. Not inexpensive but worth it. $26.99/btl. Available at Rosemont Munjoy Hill. 

Tasting DEVENISH Wines at Rosemont Market - Munjoy Hill, Portland

Cantina de Srobara "Nicchia" NV Lambrusco

Cantina di Sorbara "Nicchia" NV Lambrusco from Emilia Romagna, Italy is a super fun, lively sparkling red with mixed bright berry flavors of raspberry, blackberry, black cherry. Subtly sweet with great acidity and clean, vibrant, zingy finish. Lambrusco is the grape and the wine is named for Virginia Oldoini, the Countess of Castiglione, fondly nicknamed "Nicchia". She is apparently credited with having surprising political power, in the 19th centured hailed as unifying Italy and helping prevent "post-Franco-Prussian was occupation of Paris".  Well okay! This is completely affordable and delicious at $11.99/btl. Wine to share and celebrate! Imported by T. Edwards Wines, New York.

Ned Swain (DEVENISH Wines) pouring Nicchia Lambrusco

Also featured, from  Matthew Rorick Wines Valdiguie 2012. Slightly tannic in a youthful sense, with notes of twig, forest floor, blackberry & raspberry followed. Refreshing and quaffable. Valdiguie is a rare grape varietal grown by Matthew Rorick at his vineyards in Fairfield, California (located midway between San Francisco and Sacramento). $18.99/btl. Available at Rosemont Munjoy and Vignola Restaurant.

Matthew Rorick Valdiguie & Terminus Cotes du Rhone

The Terminus Côtes du Rhone 2011 was earthy, with dark fruit and elderberry. Classic peppery notes. A red Rhone blend, mainly with Grenache. This is completely approachable in terms of palate and pocketbook. $10.99/btl. Imported by T. Edwards Wines, New York.

The tasting actually began with  Črnko Jarenincan 2012 from Stajerska, Slovenia (here pictured back at the abode!) This is a blend of Laski Rizling (Riesling), Sauvignon Blanc and Ravenec. Light lemon in color with minerals and lightly aromatic on the nose, it had hints of lush, rich fruit. Gooseberry, apricot, melon. Smooth mouth feel. Clean, delightful finish. This is considered the village white wine, and in summer the locals of Jarenincan mix it with sparkling water and drink through the day! Only 11% alcohol. $14.99/1L btl. 

Produced and bottled by Silvo Črnko. Imported by Blue Danube Wine Company, Los Altos Hills, CA. Available in Portland at Rosemont Munjoy Hill & Brighton, Aurora Provisions, Le Roux Kitchen, Oh No Cafe; in Brunswick at Local; also at Bow St. Market, Freeport, Treats, Wiscasset, Rising Tide Market, Damariscotta and Rockland Food Service.

Enjoy the rest of summer!

Château Coupe Roses "Champ du Roy" Blanc

Château Coupe Roses 
"Champ du Roy" Blanc 2011
Vin de Pays des Côtes de Brian
Languedoc, France

Muscat & Viognier (roughly equal parts), with 5% Marsanne, 5% Grenache Blanc.

Light white gold in color, this wine has briny minerals on the nose with lime/citrus on nose and palate. Elegant and rustic all at once, yet completely unpretentious, there is plenty to get excited about! Muscat and Viognier impart lovely aromatics, perfume and acidity. Floral notes of light orange blossom and edelweiss give way to stone fruit and white peaches. Marsanne and Grenache Blanc provide the body and richness. Clean, dry, refreshing finish. This bottle is seriously gone before you know it! Perfect summer enjoyment ... better get two! (around $15/bottle at Browne Trading Co. in Portland).

Château Coupe Roses' vineyards are located in the Minervois appellation of the Languedoc region of France (south near the Mediterranean) on an arid windswept, plateau above a cliff at 750 - 1,350 ft. above sea level.  These vineyards reside in the two highest zones in the Minervois, Le Causse and Le Petit Causse, names that refer to exposed rock and garrigue, calcified limestone to be exact. The name "Champ du Roy" means field of the king. Winemakers Françoise Le Calvez and her enologist husband Pascal Frissant are hands-on and passionate about their wines. "At Coupe Roses, the sum total of high-tech wizardry is confined to the modern winery press and the narrow gauge Lamborghini vineyard tractor" (Vintage '59). 

The Vin de Pays designation is only because Viognier is not allowed in Minervois AOC wines and in no way reflects the quality or sophistication of this wine. In fact, François Serre, a friend, colleage and consulting enologist at Château Rayas in Châteauneuf-du-Pape is also consulting enologist at Coupe Roses.  Tres Bien!

Brought to us in the northeast by CRUSH Distributors through Vintage '59 Importers, Washington, DC.  Ask your local market or restaurant to carry it!

Cheers!

WINES at OLD VINES - KENNEBUNK

Steininger Cabernet Sauvignon Sekt, Sparkling Rose' 2010

One of my absolute FAVORITE places to enjoy wonderful wines, tapas and great company is at Old Vines Wine Bar in lower village, Kennebunk.  It's not unusual to find a fellow artist or compatriot there and always a pleasure to sit with a super gracious bar staff.  Thanks Scott & Ben!

WINES for the evening ... I am loving the Steininger Cabernet Sauvignon Sekt, sparkling Rose' from Kamptal, Austria, distributed here in Maine through CRUSH Distributors.  Have you ever tried a sparkling Cabernet Sauvignon?? I had the opportunity of tasting it this past spring and was so happy to be reunited with it again at Old Vines. It's not what you might imagine, given the varietal. This is the loveliest light salmon pink color, not unlike a provencale rose'.  Wild berries such as raspberries, strawberries, faint wild roses and perhaps some herbaceousness, along with a creamy mouthfeel make this a lively and elegant experience ... a little racy with a sparkly dry finish!  Enjoy with some marcona almonds or selection of cheeses & arugula salad.

Bartender Scott Doherty pouring Steininger sparkling Cab Rose'

Compatriots enjoying the Steininger Cabernet Sparkling Rose!

The Steininger Winery is family-owned and run, located in the wine growing village of Langenlois in the Kamptal Valley, Lower Austria. Best known for making wine from Grüner Veltliner, Austria's most important grape, they are also well know for producing exceptional sparkling wines, produced according to the traditional bottle fermenting method. Bravo!
Available in retail locations: Browne Trading Co. & Whole Foods, Portland.




Friends Deborah and Marc generously shared their bottle with me!

Domaine du Bel Air Bourueil - Cabernet Franc

Next up was Domaine du Bel Air Bourgueil 2010, from Loire Valley, France.  100% Cabernet Franc.  On the nose hints of violets & light tobacco, with violets, cassis and earthy bark on the palate.  A light, dry red. Fun fruit, very approachable! And it's organic to boot. Pair with one of their French Cheeses, perhaps the Bucheron or even the Castelinhos, a soft cow's milk cheese from Portugal.   This comes to us from Devenish Wines.  Look for it at Rosemont Markets or Aurora Provisions. 

Bourgueil is an appellation in the Loire Valley located in the region of Touraine and one of the few areas in the Loire focused on red wines.  

Radio Coteau Syrah 2011

Radio-Coteau Syrah 2011 from Las Colinas, Sonoma Coast, California was a real pleasure!  Stunningly deep burgundy/black magenta in color, with luscious aromas of dark fruits such as blackberry, plum and cherry lulling the nose and palate.  Notes of black pepper and spice. Silky smooth on the tongue, with a beautifully balanced and integrated finish.  This was a Wow. Paired with their house-made duck prosciutto on flatbread pizza ... stop the press! This little beauty comes to us from CRUSH Distributors.  It is highly allocated and not even available retail. The folks at Old Vines were wise to snap some of this up.  Go Taste!

Old Vines Owner Mike Farrell

Old Vines Wine bar is the brainchild of Mike and Jodie Farrell.  With many years in the hospitality industry, including stints at some of New York's top kitchens, Mike decided to relocate to Maine and open a place of his own. Located in an old renovated barn, full of warmth and atmosphere, it's within easy walking distance to Dock Square in historic Kennebunkport. I actually like that it's situated away from the fray however. To me all the more inviting, with time and space to relax and enjoy a glass and a plate of something delicious with a few friends.  Enjoy!

Old Vines Wine Bar 

173 Port Road, Kennebunk, ME

207-967-2310

Guests enjoying

El Pájaro Rojo Mencía

Losada Vinos de Finca

El Pájaro Rojo Mencía 2011

Castilla y León, El Bierzo, Spain

100% old vine Mencía

Burgundy black in color, this wine has deep, mystical, musty/earthy fruit on the nose ... with pepper and bark. Soft mouth feel immediately present with herbaceous, sensuous dark cherry and cranberry on the palate. This one is complex without being overbearing, expressing elegance, depth and earthy, integrated fruit. Cherry cola berry. On day 2, blueberry/huckleberry on nose and palate, black currant. Spicebox, luscious fruit, hint of eucalyptus ... incredibly silky mouthfeel and ultimately dry finish. LOVE 

... okay, now that I've collected myself ... we are talking northwest Spain, in the region of Castilla and  León.  This vineyard spans more than 2,600 hectares, located in a valley and bordered by mountains. To the north by the Montes de León, to the south by the Azuilianos. Terroir consists of shale, sandstone and loam, in a semi-humid, Continental climate.  Yes, this makes sense!

Established by Bierzo winemaking veterans in 2004, Losada Vinos de Finca was established in 2004, an ultra-modern facilty in the midst of old Mencía vines. The vines are farmed organically and undergo malolactic fermentation in French oak, with low yields. Winemaker Amancio Fernández.

Imported by Classical Wines, Seattle, WA., distributed through Dendor Wine Management. Not presently in greater Portland area, however ... if you inquire at your local vendors, they may procure it through SoPo Wine Co., South Portland, ME.  Around $17.99/btl. Yes, Please!

CAN FEIXES Blanc Selecció 2011

Huguet de Can Feixes

Blanc Selecció 2011

Penedes, Catalunya, Spain

Grapes:  40% Parellada, 36% Macabeo, 18% Chardonnay, with a touch of Malvasía de Sitges. 

I've been dying for some fabulous Spanish whites for summer.  The Can Feixes

Blanc Selecció satisfies that yen! Light straw yellow in color, like lemon chiffon or light golden champagne, this wine has lemon schist on the nose, even the slightest touch of petrol, imbuing it with a serious minerality. Crisp and clean (even rich) with lively/zesty acidity and notes of green apple, stone fruit, lime citrus and white pepper, it's like a limeade surf wave (if there is such a thing!).  I Love it! Enjoy with scallop ceviche and of course oysters on the half shell!

The family-run estate of Huguet de Can Feixes is located in the foothills of the Upper Penedès, within the region of Catalunya in northeastern Spain.  An historic estate, it was originally founded in 1768 by Don Jaime Feixes and later acquired by the Huguet family in the 19th century, who continue to steward their lands with great care and respect for the environment and terroir, producing wines of high quality and limited production.  Vineyards are located at high altitudes on gravelly mountainside slopes.  Rocky and chalk clay soil, along with extremes in temperatures result in slower ripening and yields, but with greater concentration of both fruit and character.

Parellada (locally known as Montonec, or "grape of the mountain") and Macabeo are the major grapes in Cava, Spain's sparkling wine. The lively quality definitely comes through in this wine. Malvasia de Sitges offers that touch of richness and the Chardonnay a certain finesse.

This wine is brought to us by Classical Wines, Seattle, WA., Importer of quality, individual family vineyards in Spain & Germany; Marketed/managed by Dendor Wine Management; and while not yet available in Maine, it would be represented/distributed by SoPo Wine Co. in the event they choose to do so. Yes please! Suggested retail price: $15.99. Ask your local wine store or restaurant to bring this in this summer!