THYMIOPOULOS "YOUNG VINES" XINOMAVRO

Thymiopoulos Vineyards 

"Young Vines" Xinomavro 2010

Naoussa, Macedonia Greece

100% Xinomavro.

Unique and engaging, this wine is earthy cinnamon red in color, like the underbrush. Briar. Slight essence of sherry gives way to juicy, refreshing wild berries on the nose. This continues on the palate with undertone of pure bing cherry. Notes of blackberry, red and black currant are tart and wild sweet. Spicy herbaceousness is present, with ubersoft, smooth mouthfeel and tannins that offer an ultimately dry finish. I love this style wine and found it absolutely delightful, with much finesse, even restraint.  After some breathing time, depth and sensuality. One could also imagine enjoying it with a slight chill on, in warmer sunnier climes that is ... such as, of course GREECE!

$14.99 at Rosemont Market, Portland.  

Thymiopoulos Vineyards are located in northern Greece - Macedonia, specifically at Trilofos and Fytia, the southern tip of the appellation of Naoussa. The Thymiopoulos family has owned their 200 acre vineyard for several generations and formerly grew vines to sell to co-ops.  Apostolos studied oenology at the University of Athens and since then has been producing wine for his own label.  For the "Young Vines" bottling he used 5-7 year old newly replanted vines to maintain his high quality standards.  Where terroir is concerned, Naoussa has soil rich in clay and also calcium and limestone.   Vines are farmed biodynamically in this also rich agricultural area.  Fermentation is with wild yeast and the juice sees no oak.  Indeed, his distinct and innovative Xinomavro wines have created international waves.  

Speaking of the grape itself, the Xinomavro varietal is perhaps idiosyncratic to say the least. Grown in various parts of Greece, particularly the north, it is highly regarded as Greece's finest red and known for its high tannin, acidity and deep red color.  The grape's name means bitter (Xino) black (mavro) - as Negroamara is for Italy.  It's the primary grape in the areas of Naoussa and Goumenissa. And in the inspired hands of Apostolos Thymiopoulos, it becomes wine for those "in the know" and enjoyed by Greece's hip wine drinking circles.  

I look forward to tasting the "Uranos" as well (another from Thymiopoulos Vineyards), should it become available here, which reportedly has the depth and characteristics of a powerful modern style Barolo.  Yes please!

This wine is brought to us by SoPo Wine Co., South Portland, ME and Athenee Importers, NY (the largest importer of fine wine, spirits and beer from Greece and Cyprus).  Available at the following retailers: Rosemont Markets, Browne Trading Co. & RSVP, Portland; Lakonia in Saco; Perkins & Perkins in Ogunquit.  Also find it on the wine list at Street & Co. and Eventide Restaurants, Portland.

OTELLA ROSSO ALTO MINCIO GEMEI

Rosso Alto Mincio Gemei 2011

I know it's a mouthful ... both in words and palate, but I've unearthed what I believe to be a gem of a wine in the midst of this winter freeze!  Obscure and/or unfamiliar doesn't have to be scary however, especially when you get down to tasting and exploring a bit as to it's origins.  

AZIENDA AGRICOLA OTTELLA

Rosso Alto Mincio Gemei 2011
Peschiera del Garda
Verona Veneto, Italia

40% Merlot. 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. 40% Corvina, Molinara, Rondinella & Lagrein. 

One first notices a depth of color, deep dark crimson red, luscious like a regal robe.  Immediately on the nose, dusty earthy fruit, spice box, brambleberry along with red and black fruits.  Rich, bright cherry dances on the palate and later anise, eucalyptus and herbaceous brush.  With a beautifully soft mouth feel this gets more unctuous with time.  The color seems to intensify, along with a pronounced funkiness on the nose, spiced fig on the palate with flashes of tartness from deep cerise fruit.  Finish is uber smooth with herbaceous residuals and fine balance.  Delicious!  Enjoy with a hearty antipasti plate of meats, roasted vegetables and cheeses and imagine enjoying in your garden, while inside your dining room!  $17/bottle at Browne Trading Co., Portland

OTTELLA is the producer.  Azienda Agricola Ottella is the actual name of this agricultural estate located in the town of Peschiera del Garda in the DOC (designated growing area) of San Benedetto di Lugana.  Located at the southern end of Lake Garda in northern Italy, the vineyard is owned and run by the Montresor family, winegrowers for many generations - Franceso, his father Lodovico, his wife Elena and brother Michele.  They vinify all grapes from their own 25 hectares of vineyards and all are completely harvested by hand.  Terroir has glacial origins, composed of layers and layers of calcerous sediment, clay and red clay, called "leopard spot" configuration.  Surrounded by beautiful countryside, lakes and olive groves, the adjacent vineyards exude these influences.  The Montresors aim to create wines that are exceptionally modern yet are intrinsically expressive of the earth and vines from which they come and all of the history that holds.  

Brought to us by Easterly Wines, Belfast, ME and the Importer, Ideal Wine & Spirits, Medford, MA.  May be found at the following venues:  Browne Trading Co., Aurora Provisions and Bresca, Portland; Tess's Market and Trattoria Athena, Brunswick; The Lighthouse, Manchester; Blue Hill Wine Shop, Blue Hill; Uncorked Wine & Cheese, Augusta; Burby & Bates, Orono.

VINTAGE '59 IMPORTS

Henry Natter Sancere Rouge 2009

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Exciting wine news for us here in Maine in the new year, is the arrival of a new Importer - Vintage '59 Imports!

Based out of Washington DC and established by Roy Cloud in 2003, they specialize in cutting-edge, French regional artisan wines, the classic vins des terroirs. A common thread connects Vintage '59 vignernons. These are growers who manage small domaines, whether farming organically, biodynamically or simply sustainably with a common sense approach, and who seek to preserve a traditional way of life, creating wines that are a unique expression of the earth from which they come.  "Their holistic approach requires a great deal of work in the vineyard, but it is work that is embraced because the rewards sought are as much personal and spiritual as they are financial. (Vintage '59)"  This approach fits beautifully with the philosophy of CRUSH Distributors, purveyors of fine, unique and artisan wines to Northern New England, a company created and run by women (Tabitha Blake and Megan Sleeper), who will be bringing them to us.

I had the pleasure of being able to experience some of these wines recently over the holidays and previously. Consider this a little warm-up sampler ... the actual line-up is yet to be determined!

Domaine Henry Natter

Sancerre Rouge 2009

Loire Valley, France

100% Pinot Noir (pictured above).  Brilliant garnet red in color, with a tinge of sienna (like soil and earth). Underpinning of earthy notes such as bark or twigs resonate, while beautiful/austere fruits of bing cherry, cranberry, even teaberry emerge through just the subtlest hint of smoke. Matured in oak barrels, using natural and traditional methods.  Elegante.  Lean.  Jubilant, yet understated.  We enjoyed with a delicious holiday ham, wild rice w/pecans, acorn squash quarters and arugula salad with pear and shaved Parmesan!  Wonderful chefs in my family ... Formidable!

Henry Natter Sancere Blanc 2010

Domaine Henry Natter

Sancerre Blanc 2010

Loire Valley, France

100% Sauvignon Blanc.  Golden light yellow in color.  Gorgeous and clean, minerality personified. One whiff says ... "Oysters on the half shell" !!!   The limestone soil comes shining through here.  There is also a richness present, no doubt due to some aging in oak. I frankly got so enthralled with this I neglected to take explicit notes!  

Nonetheless, this was elegant, lively and transported my senses to a heavenly end!

Pavillon de Chavannes, Côte de Brouilly 2011

Domaine du Pavillon de Chavannes,

Cuvee Ambassades 2011

Côte de Brouilly 

Beaujolais, France

100% Gamay.  Côte de Brouilly is a small area within Brouilly, the largest of the ten Beaujolais Crus in the region of Burgundy.  Vineyards are situated high up on the slopes of the extinct volcano, Mont Brouilly.  Terroir - blue granite laced with volcanic, crystalized mineral deposits.  

This wine has aromas and notes of violets, cranberry and plum, tart/deep fruit.  Peppery.  As it opens a bit more earth, even smoke and tobacco.  Balanced and Smooth.  Here I enjoyed with a rustic soup, but I'm thinking ... where is the cassoulet?!  

Mas Conscience terrasses du Lanzac 2008

Mas Conscience

Cuvée L’As 2008

Terrasses du Larzac

Coteaux du Languedoc, France

45% Grenache, 45% Syrah, 10% Carignan.  

I love the story of how the name "Mas Conscience" and the "donkey logo" came about.  The vineyards are located on the outskirts of Saint-Jean-de-Fos, a village in the Languedoc-Roussillon region near the Mediterranean.  It was originally known for its ceramics, such as large jugs used to store olive oil and wine, and transported via donkeys during the Middle Ages.  The Benedictine abbeys of Aniane (founded in 777) and Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert (founded in 804) were located nearby.  Every year, the notables of Saint-Jean-de-Fos would offer the abbeys either a jug of oil or wine or both, according to their conscience.  Winemakers, Geneviève and Laurent Vidal spent time there as children, and so integrated a bit of history of the village when establishing their vineyards in 2003.  Also, L'As means ace, as this is the top wine from Geneviève and Laurent.

Terroir is limestone and gravel, surrounded by the Languedoc underbrush, garrigues. Deep dark burgundy in color.  Rich earthy fruit such as plum, chocolate, blueberry and huckleberry permeate the nose and palate.  Graphite and bark follow.  Emerging in time an herbaceousness, with deep black cherry and hints of fig, even raisin.  Beautifully smooth mouth feel from the Syrah - but with the tenacious grenache, completely balanced to a dry finish.  I love wines from the Languedoc and this is a beauty!

This is merely scratching the surface of what's sure to come.  Stay tuned to and keep your eyes open at restaurants and retailers in the area, for many more wines from Vintage '59 Imports, the fruits of partnership with CRUSH Distributors.  CHEERS! 

WINES of ZEV ROVINE

Line-up of wines from Zev Rovine, presented at Rosemont Market Cellar!

I recently had the opportunity to taste some exciting, unique and cutting edge wines, alive with character and multiplicity.  These are the Wines of Zev Rovine. Based in Brooklyn, NY but also spending an equal amount of time in Paris, he is committed to representing wines that express a strong sense of place or terroir, created by winemakers who practice a completely hands-on approach in the vineyard, far from any sort of industrialization and with usually very small production/low yields. He represents wines that are produced in France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Argentina, and the US.    His selections have found an harmonious partnership here in Maine with Devenish Wines and Rosemont Market, to be sure! This particular evening we were privy to some of these wines, along with a glimpse at Rosemont's Cellar ... "Les Cave Domaine du Rosemont" peut-être?

Zev Rovine & Ned Swain (Devenish) w/tasters @Rosemont

Strongly aligned with the Natural Wine movement with his vins naturels, Zev prefaced our tasting by saying that these wines are just wine - nothing added.  No sulphur (preservative), no yeast (only that produced naturally), no sugar, additives, fillers or stabilizers, no fining or filtration.  Emphasis is on winemaking in the vineyard rather than the winery and on creating a diverse and harmonious ecology in which grapes can grow - no chemicals or pesticides.  Some of you may find this a no doubt radical approach ... I say taste these wines with a curious and open mind and allow your senses and taste buds to be moved in unexpected, even mercurial ways! 

Jean Pierre Robinot Bistrologie Chenin Blanc 2010

Let's get to the wines.  

Jean Pierre Robinot 
Les Vignes de l'Anges 2010
Vin cuvee' Bistrologie 
Loire Valley, France

100% Chenin Blanc.  This wine was made from 90 year old vines. With oxidized/crystalized tropical fruit on the palate, crisp acidity and underlying earthiness, this was clean and youthful. High strung, with a fair amount of vibrant tension, this one was great for opening up the palate. However I am advised, that this one is beautifully suited to aging! $25.99/btl.   Robinot makes wines in the heart of the Loire Valley in France and center of the natural wine movement.  Again, he uses organic, hand-harvested grapes without industrially manufactured yeasts, additives or sulphur dioxide.   We also tasted his pineau d'aunis toward the end of the evening, which was vibrant, an absolute delight and in that moment, defied classification.  I love his name for the wines, "Les Vignes de l'Anges", Vines of the Angels!

Domaine la Roche Buissière
Petit Jo 2011
Cotes du Rhone, France

100% Grenache.  Ruby red garnet in color, this was earthy, pungeant forest floor and a touch of barnyard on the nose. Untamed and lively with pepper, spice box and dark cherry on the palate.  While lighter to medium in weight, this had plenty of depth and funk, but on the cool with a dry finish.  Vivacious value @$14.99/btl.  La Roche Buissière is situated near Vaison-la-Romaine, in the southern part of Côtes-du-Rhône. They've been practicing organic farming since 1975.

Serious tasters ...

Azienda Agricola Cirelli
Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2010
Abruzzi, Italy

100% Montepulciano.  Deep dark magenta in color, I immediately sensed "Italy" on the nose, with that dusty scent of earth.  A soft mouthfeel and round fruit follow.  Hints of tobacco and light smoke weave their way through. Another great value @ $14.99/btl.  

Located near the Adriatic Sea in the town of Abruzzi, Agricola Cirelli is a certified organic farm, home not only to the vineyard but also also olive trees, other horticultural crops and farm animals, as well as woods and National parks.  Rotation of crops allows land to rest and fertilization takes place as a result of the free ranging animals.  An ancient variety of the Montepulciano grape is harvested during the 2nd or 3rd week in October when the grape is fully ripe.  

Domaine Benjamin Taillandier
Minervois "Bufentis" 2010
Languedoc-Roussilon, France

80% Syrah, w/Grenache and Cinsault.  This was one of my favorites of the evening!  At first delicate on the nose ... then lively deep, unctuous fruit emerge, such as deep, dark plum - earthy, tannic and initially dry, even rustic.  As the evening progresses I revisit, finding the syrah coming through with characteristic silkiness, complexity and depth.  Speaking of the mercurial/evolving nature of these wines, this one speaks leagues.  $22.99/btl.  I'm bringing this to a family holiday celebration!

John Naylor/Rosemont w/Ned & tasters

Benjamin Taillandier is a young winemaker who established his domaine in 2007.  He grows organic grapes making wine without added yeasts or filters and only a little sulfites. He uses only grape varietals from the Languedoc:  Syrah, Grenache noir, Carignan, Cinsault and Terret gris.  As he puts it, he wants to make accessible wines "with a lot of French in the mouth".  Bien sure!

Cornelissen Rosso del Contadino No. 9

Frank Cornelissen 2011
Rosso del Contadino No. 9
Sicily, Italy

Field blend:  Nerello Mascalese w/25% local red varietals - Allicante, Minella Nera, Uva Francese, Nerello Capuccio & 5% Inzolia

Here was another favorite of the evening. This wine is made from grapes grown on high altitude/terraced 60-110 year old vines on a still active volcano on Mt. Etna, Sicily.  Hard rock and black sand is the growing medium.  A dynamic polyculture surrounds the vineyard.  

Dark sienna garnet red in color, flavors of deep bing cherry greet the palate.  Sherry-like notes emerge. Later layers of cedar and incense follow ....  mysterious, inexplicable, amorous ... delicious.  $25.99/btl  

The Muniebel Rosso No. 8 was a complete surprise.  Light earthy red in color, with suggestions of stewed red cabbage on the palate creating an integration of sweet/sour.  Hints of white/black pepper.  Tannic dusty finish.  Eccentric.  Untamed.  $42.99/btl.

Frank Cornelissen takes an even more radical approach to growing and winemaking in as he says, "avoiding all possible interventions on the land we cultivate, including any treatments, whether chemical, organic, biodynamic, as these are all a mere reflection of the inability of man to accept nature as she is and will be".   His products are, "the result of this philosophy and our hands, with team." 

The wines of Zev Rovine are the antithesis of static or constant.  Rather they are alive and vital - not complacent, ever-evolving.  And how could I forget? These are meant to be enjoyed with food! For starters try Rosemont's homemade sausage (turkish or duck perhaps?) with sauteed garlic & onions, mushroom risotto and braised greens along with my favorite Taillandier Minervois "Bufentis"!  Parfait!

Joe Appel - Rosemont Market

Rosemont Market was a gracious host to its guests on that evening, giving us a glimpse at its burgeoning cellar!  Burgundy, Bordeaux, Brunello, Barolo, Barbaresco, as well as more esoteric bottles, Lirac, Champagne signed by the winemaker, etc, etc,!  

Make inquiries to Joe Appel for unique purchases for the Holidays! 

Joe Appel - Rosemont Wine Cellar

2005 Barbaresco - Rosemont Wine Cellar

Zev Rovine Selections distributed in Maine by Devenish Wines.  Available at Rosemont Markets and Bier Cellar, Portland.

DAMILANO Marghe Nebbiolo d'Alba 2009

                                                                        DOMBEK photo © 2012

DAMILANO
Marghe 2009
Nebbiolo d'Alba 
Piedmont, Italy

100% Nebbiolo

Here is another wine I've been enjoying for quite some time and finally getting around to sharing my thoughts on, especially since we're on the eve of Thanksgiving Holidays. This would be a unique and fabulous choice!

I've loved other wines from this producer and may now add this one to the list!  I've found the DAMILANO wines to be unique in character, with subtlety, depth and of course always food friendly.

This wine is burnt sienna in color with highlights of garnet, like the forest floor in autumn.  On the nose, heady aromas of aged balsamic, mossy earth, star anise, clove and spicy fruit, along with hints of cedar and light perfume of violets;  One can almost drink the nose!  On the palate plum, cranberry, dark bing cherry and a hint of dusty cocoa as well as red/black licorice.  This is well integrated, having a smooth harmonious mouth feel and dry finish. It comes alive when paired with food.  As well as your Holiday turkey, enjoy with roasts and braised meats, along with rustic cheeses.  Aging potential (2011-2017). A great value @ $14.99 (Whole Foods).

The region of Piedmont is located in the northwestern part of Italy.  Red wines are the favorites here, where Nebbiolo is the premier grape varietal as well as the oldest and most noble.  It is also used also to make the great Barolo and Barbaresco wines.   Thought to have taken its name from the Italian word for fog, "nebbia", a common site in the hills of Alba in early to mid-October when this late-ripening variety is harvest, it's often called the "queen of black grapes" due to the meticulous and laborious care taken in the process.

DAMILANO winery, one of the historic cellars from Barolo, has ancient traditions.  Four generations of winemakers in the family date back to 1890, when Giuseppe Borgogno, great-grandfather to today's generation, began to grow and vinify vines.  Their traditions continue today, producing the classical Langhe wines.  

The 2009 vintage of this wine features a label celebrating the memory of Margherita Damilano, a beloved family member.

This wine comes to us through VIAS Imports, Ltd., NY, NY. via Pine State Beverage Co., ME. Find it at Whole Foods (ask Colleen!) and Rosemont Markets (Yarmouth & Brighton) in Portland. Also available at the Wine Cellar in Rockland.  ENJOY!

Wine Seminar w/Laurent Bonnois at LFK

Laurent Bonnois (left) here from France for wine seminar @ LFK

One of those moments we are so fortunate to experience on a more than frequent basis here in Portland is when a winemaker or wine importer comes to town to speak about and share first hand the wines he/she either makes or represents.  In this case Laurent Bonnois, the importer behind Maximilien Selections was here recently giving a wine seminar at LFK, a local hotspot in the West End of Portland, (which incidentally provided an excellent space for an intimate tasting seminar).  Laurent hails from the Loire Region of France and thanks to Devenish Wines (Ned Swain & Brendon Pringle - local afficionados), we are now able to experience his wines directly.  He is truly at the forefront of the Natural wine movement, representing natural, organic, sustainably farmed and biodynamic wines.  As Ned states, "his local connections allow him access to smaller production off the beaten path wines and limited releases of older vintages that wouldn't normally make it into the US". In a few cases, Devenish has releases available no where else in the US!

Laurent has been around wines and winemaking since a young boy, when at age 8 he recalls working on the harvest.  His family also owned wine property.  Later on he found himself in the US, working in New York city restaurants and then opening his own wine shop, Blanc et Rouge in Brooklyn.  He, his wife and children moved back to France in 2007, to Bourgueil in the Loire.  This enables him to stay close with family and also to be more intimately connected with the winemakers and wines that he loves.

We tasted a unique selection of wines including some obscure grapes from the terroir of the Loire. Have you heard of Tressalier?  Trousseau?  Or tasted a sparkling Cabernet Franc?  Here's some of what went down!  These are beautifully well crafted, subtle wines.  Don't expect big fruit bombs here!

The Line-up!

The Laurent St. Pourcain 2011 Tressalier/Chardonnay was first on the list.  This white blend is racy and minerally with perhaps a touch of chalkiness, along with a hint of pear.  The Tressalier is a local grape and brings liveliness and acidity to the blend.  Clean, Refreshing, Simply Complex, Delightful!

Terres Blanches Chenin Blanc

Domaine des Terres Blanches 2010 Chenin Blanc was one of my favorites.  Aged on lees for 6-9 months, this wine has a rich golden yellow color with hints of citrus on the palate, more in terms of the acidity and clarity present rather than a lemony flavor. Fleshy yet dry, it made me think of sea air and oysters on the halfshell ... yet also weighty enough to entertain a nice goat cheese!  This is biodynamically grown with corn and sunflowers raised nearby. Esoteric and Rambunctious!

The winery itself (Domaine de Terres Blanches), owned by Benoit & Céline Blet is located in the historic village of Oiron next to a centuries old Abbey. They came upon the property previously owned by a single man in his 60's who was reluctantly starting to consider selling, and ended up moving in for a half year to get to know each other.  Thereafter, the man decided they would be excellent caretakers of the vineyard and agreed to sell.  They immediately began farming biodynamically, as Benoit was so accustomed as a young person.  His family grew seasonal crops and tended livestock as well as a small vineyard.  Biodynamic is where everything grows in concert with nature - insects, other plants, and with cycles and seasons.  

Tasters reveling in the wines!

Laurent poured the Alexandre Monmousseau Vouvray Sec "Ammonite", to illustrate how the Chenin Blanc grape can be expressed differently.  This one had a subtle vein of sweet that lightly touched center of tongue, like nectar (and incidently was served to President Obama last spring when he was here at the Portland Museum of Art!) ...  medium dry (sec); In contrast to the dry very clean finish of the Terres Blanches Chenin Blanc.  

Domaine Grand Cotes du Jura Trousseau 2010.  Trousseau is the varietal, rare indeed!  This one exhibits much restraint and subtlety. The region of Jura from whence it comes is located East of Burgundy, near to Switzerland.  With a distinctive earthiness on the nose, like twigs on the forest floor (see earthy sienna red color below), it has a light perfume and sherry on the palate.  A dry, light red.  Lovely.  For a more in-depth review, see my previous article back in August:  http://www.wine24-7.com/2012/08/trousseau-assyrtiko-cru-muscadet-why-not.html

Cotes du Jura Trousseau

Dom. Terre Blanches Ancestral Rouge

I think my absolute favorite was Domaine Terres Blanches Ancestral Rouge, sparkling Cabernet Franc!! (same winery as mentioned above).  The color is a brighter, lively red (see photo right).  With red licorice on the nose along with a hint of anise, immediately followed by lively juicy red and black fruits such as red raspberry and cassis, this has fine sparkly bubbles and was absolutely delicious!    No added yeast is used here.  This is completely natural fermentation in the bottle (and completely fun!)  

This would be splendid at Thanksgiving, either as an aperitif or with the bird itself!  Serve it with your meal or bring it as a gift ... and Enjoy!

Dom. Terre Blanches Ancestral Rouge

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the two other Cabernet Francs presented that evening.  Again, very unique and individual expressions here.  Domaine des Terres Blanches Anjou Demon 2010.  A very new world label ... playful and a play on words *Angel (Anjou)/Demon (Demon).  With much depth and earth on the nose, even herbaceous, this was ever lighter on the palate.  Understated restraint alongside pungeant earth.

Chevalerie Bourgueil Galichet

Domaine de la Chevalerie Bourgueil Galichet 2009.  This Cabernet Franc is deep red garnet in color, with funky/musty aromas, slightly spicy with ripe fruit on the palate.  Dry finish.  Austere in every elegant sense of the word.  

This winery is located in Bourgueil, the appellation in the central Loire Valley of France that's focused on red wines.  Part of the Touraine region, Bourgueil is often associated with its neighbors Chinon and Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil.  For more info on the winemakers and vineyard itself, read Ned's blog about his trip there last spring:

http://devenishwinesgeek.typepad.com/wines_tasted/2012/03/tasting-at-domaine-de-chevalerie.html

Laurent with inquisitive & happy tasters!

These wines range in price from $12.99 - $17.99 a bottle.  Reasonable prices for a rare experience! And as Laurent says, they are truly meant to be enjoyed with food in the most down to earth way. Distributed here in Maine through Devenish Wines and available at the Rosemont Markets, The Bier Cellar and Brown Trading Co. in Portland; Blue Hill Wine Shop in Blue Hill (and perhaps other venues ... I'll be checking and let you know!)

All photos by Lisa Dombek  © 2012

Chateau Barrail Meyney Bordeaux

Chateau Barrail Meyney 
Bordeaux 2010
Bordeaux, France

80% Merlot. 15% Cabernet Franc. 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.

I've been wanting to write about this wine for MONTHS. Yet every time I bought a bottle, before you knew it ... POOF, il a disparu! Whether enjoying with friends or oneself this is one fabulous affordable Bordeaux!

Deep, rich, sienna red garnet in color, this wine has a pronounced earthiness on the nose.  You could even say funky/musty earth, like moss or humous on the forest floor.  I detected some herbaceous qualities ... Mysterious notes of anise and fennel, like red/black licorice make their way through as the wine opens up. Flavors of dark cherry and spice emerge on the palate, accentuated by a silky mouthfeel.  Medium bodied, this is still weighty without being heavy, with a long, dry, elegant finish.  This is the perfect wine to enjoy on an autmnal rainy (or otherwise) day!  Pair with roasted harvest vegetables such as parsnips, garlic, squashes, potatoes, beets, etc., and roasted chicken or beef.  $13.99/btl at Downeast Beverage Co.

The estate of Barrail Meyney is located in Génissac, between the two major rivers of Bordeaux, i.e., the Garonne and Dordogne.  Approximately 5 miles from St.-Emilion, the Chateau lies just outside the appellation (or designated growing area). However, one definitely experiences the influence of area and terroir in the glass!

You can find this lovely bottle mainly in  midcoast Maine at the Belfast Coop in Belfast, French & Brawn in Camden and Rayr Wines in Rockport.  I was shocked to learn of only one purveyor in the Portland area, that is Downeast Beverage Co., located at 79 Commercial St.  Bravo to them!  Other retailers include:  Ampersand in Orono, State Street Wine Cellar, Bangor; The Claremont Inn, Southwest Harbor; The Country Store, Trenton; John Edwards Market, Ellsworth; Rising Tide Natural Foods, Damariscotta and Treats in Wiscasset.  

This wine comes to us via Easterly Wine in Belfast and through the importer Ideal Wine & Spirits Co., Inc., Medford, MA.