St. Francis “Red” 2005 – Sonoma County, CA – $14.99

Tuesday, January 5th, 2010

The St. Francis Winery owns 600 acres of some of the highest quality vineyards in Sonoma County and has been making their own estate wines for over 35 years.

Their St. Francis “Red” 2005 is a Meritage blend (popular these days), made up of Merlot (58 %), Syrah (25%), Cabernet Franc (9%), Cabernet Sauvignon (6%), and Zinfandel (2%).  Very much in the California style (big fruit & oaky), it is still smooth and well-balanced.

You will find ripe plummy black cherry and currant fruits, toasty mocha, exotic spices, and black and green pepper overtones.  A perfect party or barbecue wine that is best with grilled meats, hefty pizzas, and hearty pastas with red sauce. 

Named as one of the “Best American Wines Under $15.oo” by Food & Wine Magazine.  I agree!

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Better than that great bottle of Scotch you got for the holidays?

Saturday, January 2nd, 2010

Well, the gift of a great bottle of Scotch is hard to top, so I’m not even going to try.  “So, why are you writing this post, then?” you may ask.  Well, I’m not going to try to top it, but I’m going to divulge the decadent way that I found to savor a glass of Scotch that I gave to my sweetie for X-Mas — hey, it was understood that he’d be sharing…  The Scotch in question:

Bunnahabhain 12 Year Islay Single Malt Scotch Whiskey $48.99

Tasting Notes:  like any Islay single malt, this has a smoky-peaty influence, but in this case it is harmonious, expressive yet subtle, and perfectly balanced by the smooth, rich, sweet caramel finish.

The Experience:  sitting on the couch together after a long day of work and a cold drive home, sipping delicious Scotch while enjoying small bites of artisan dark chocolates (that I purchased from the France 44 Cheese Shop, naturally).  Ideally there would also have been a fire crackling in the fireplace and soft jazz playing in the background, but I won’t exxagerate…  The Scotch and the chocolates played off of each other beautifully!  The Scotch brought out the complexities in the chocolates, the chocolates brought out the complexities in the Scotch…  It just got better and better with each little sip and each little bite.  Now, we aren’t talking about Hershey’s, here — comparing these artisan dark chocolates to Hershey’s would not only be sacrilege, but would be like comparing a single malt Scotch to, oh, I don’t know, moonshine sounds a bit extreme…cheap whiskey, ok?  In all, we sampled four different chocolate bars.  As with any pairing, some worked better than others.  The home-run?

Rogue Chocolatier’s “Hispaniola,” (70 % cacao, sourced entirely from a small cooperative in the Dominican Republic):  This LOCAL Chocolatier – local, as in NE Minneapolis local – makes arguably the best chocolate I’ve ever sensed.  “Sensed?!”  Well, the word ‘taste’ doesn’t go far enough.  The silky texture of Rogue chocolate is as important as its extremely layered and complex flavors.  And, talk about flavors – Rogue chocolate bars even come with tasting notes! ($6.99)

Conclusion:  Pairing artisan dark chocolates with good Scotch was a such a memorable sensory (shall I say sensual?), experience that I cannot recommend it highly enough.  And thank-you Rogue for bringing chocolate to a new level.

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Henri Bourgeois – Stellar Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley

Thursday, December 3rd, 2009

Considered by most experts as one of the top producers of Sauvignon Blanc in the French Loire Valley (ie:  Sancerre), Henri Bourgeois is actually based in Chavignol, a village known for it’s goat cheese.  Since 1950 his estate has grown from only 2 hectares to an impressive 65 hectares, still having to buy half of his grapes from local growers to fill his needs.  We cary four excellent examples of his wines, all slightly different from one another depending on the exact area from where it comes.  All are the 2007 vintage.

1.  Petit Bourgeois – Sauvignon Blanc – Vin de Pays du Val de Loire (from the valley of the Loire river)

First up is the “Petit”, sourcing its fruit from all over the valley.   It’s very light pale in color, but doesn’t taste light.  After the beautiful bouquet of green grapefruit, pear, and melon, you get a nice mouthfeel on the palate of the same.  With balanced acidity and relatively low alcohol (only 12 %), it is very refreshing to drink.  Made for lighter fish dishes or salads, it was a big hit with our Thanksgiving turkey (the white meat, that is – Fleurie Beaujolais with the drumsticks).  Uncomplicated, but not simple by any means, it’s great for Sauvignon Blanc drinkers that don’t want it too dry or too much of a grassy edge.  Reg $19.99 / Sale $17.99

2.  Quincy Blanc – “Haut Victoire”

This tiny appellation, Quincy, is located 40 miles west of Sancerre on the left (south) bank of the charming Cher River.  After delicate citrus and white flower aromas, you taste bright fruits of lemon/lime and pear.  Elegant but still rich and round on the palate, with fresh lively acidity, and subtle dried grass, chalky and gunflinty notes, this will appeal to Sauvignon Blanc and Chablis drinkers alike.  Try it with trout.  $19.99

3.  Sancerre – “Les Baronnes”

Coming from the major “creme de la creme” region of Sancerre, this is an always reliable and classic Sauvignon Blanc.  Loaded  with goooseberry, grass, and citrus, you also get mouthwatering lush grapefruit and lemon fruit leading to a zesty, tangy finish.  Great with fancy steamed mussels in butter sauce or simply with tuna sandwiches, this is also a good choice with goat cheese from France or Holland, or our Montgomery Cheddar (cow) from England.  A real bargain now.  Reg $28.99 / Sale $19.99

4.  Sancerre – “Le MD de Bourgeois”

The top of the line, this Sancerre comes from the slopes of Les Monts Damnes.  Fullest of the group with more power and toasty notes, it still has excellent focus and clean minerality.  Treat yourself and try this wine with richer fish such as salmon or swordfish and flavorful poultry dishes.  89 points – Wine Spectator.  Reg $39.99 / Sale $29.99

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The Seduction of Cabernet Franc

Tuesday, December 1st, 2009

Cabernet Franc , one of the parents of Cabernet Sauvignon along with Sauvignon Blanc, is lighter in style than its progeny and used to add more complexity to blended wines including those of the Bordeaux region. It has the ability to express floral and sometimes slightly peppery notes. It thrives in slightly cooler climates such as the Loire Valley well known for dry and distinctive whites of the Sancerre region (Sauvignon Blanc) and the off –dry aromatic whites of Vouvray (Chenin Blanc). Both the reds and whites of the Loire, often forgotten, can offer excellent quality wines for great value.

A great example is the Cabernet Franc from the Bourgueil region of the Loire :

Domaine les Galluches Bourgueil, par James Petit- 2005. $21.99
A perfume of red flowers wafts out of the glass with hints of sweet vanilla and a dash of pepper with underlying notes of bright cherries. Smooth as silk, it runs over your tongue with seamless flavors of red cherries, rich cassis, and a finish of spice that gives the wine depth and complexity. Peppery tannins present at the finish give weight to the initial softness for an overall well balanced wine.
This wine left me wanting more with every sip. With an amazing nose and a complexity that brought more with every taste, this is one of the better wines I’ve had in a while. It’s very easy to taste the care and love that coaxed these grapes into a veritable work of art. If James Petit of Domaine les Galluches can create a wine with flavor galore it leaves me wondering what else is this grape capable of bringing us? I think it’s time for a Cabernet Franc Adventure!

Erica

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It's Spanish, Jim, but not as we know it

Tuesday, November 17th, 2009

The world is awash in Spanish wine. This is not necessarily a bad thing. Spain has offered superb value for the money pretty much from the beginning of its modern-day growth spurt. But one shouldn’t be blamed for wondering if Spain produces anything red other than Tempranillo, Garnacha and Monastrell.

As one of the most ancient wine-growing places on earth, Spain surely does produce much, much more. It’s just that the “big three” are certainly the most prolific (and marketable). Hence, the dominance of only three grapes on retail shelves.

If you’re into trying something new (and ancient), I would direct your gaze to the Cermeño Tinta de Toro. The grape has a lot to offer. It’s certainly got punch with loads to bright red fruit, almost like a Brouilly. But it has plenty of body to boot, unlike its Beaujolais comparison. In fact, the big tannins (which are sweet, not bitter, but definitely pronounced) can make the fruit just a bit hard to find at first. My advice is to either cellar the wine for a few years (like 7 or so), or more likely, decant and let it breathe for something like 3 hours. Really.

This is not a break-the-bank wine, and since we’re getting into hearty-fare season, it’s a great match with stews, game and rich beef or lamb dishes (preferably super-herbed and served with a rich demi-glace).

- Rick

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Pondering Popularity

Sunday, November 1st, 2009

Bell-bottoms.  Tight-rolled pants.  “Skinny” jeans (if the wearer is skinny?)  Twiggy.  Curvaceous.  Emaciated.  Six-inch-high, hairspray-encrusted bangs.  Long, flowing, natural tresses.  The mullet.  The “duck tail.”  The “Caesar.”  The “Euro-mullet”?!  Side burns.  Mustaches.  Clean-shaven.  Scruffy on purpose.  Shoulder pads.  High-waisted pants.  Very low-waisted pants.  Fat ties.  Skinny ties.  Tiki.  Fondue.  Sushi.  Diets.  Yoga.  Carbs.  No carbs!  Carbs?

Chablis.  Chianti.  “Chablis.”  White Zinfandel.  Cabernet.  Chardonnay.  Merlot.  (wait, that never happened ; )  Pinot Noir!  Sauvignon Blanc.  Pinot Grigio.  Malbec.  Sweet.  DRY!  Oak.  No oak.  France.  Italy.  California.  Oregon.  Argentina.  Thunderbird.  Screaming Eagle.

Yes, we’ve been through a lot of them.  Quite a roller-coaster ride if you think about it:  I’m talking about FADS.

It’s quite entertaining to reflect on the fashion fads we’ve all been through.  Actually I was doing just that today when I started thinking about wine-drinking fads, too (being in the business, everything, in the end, comes down to wine).  Wouldn’t it have been cool to be the person in the ’80’s who said “hell no, we won’t go” …there to the mullet, mall bangs, and giant shoulder pads?  I’m not saying that wines that happen to be fashionable are necessarily –or are even at all– tacky.  I’m just calling for a bit of self-liberation:  Explore!  Discover for yourself what YOU really enjoy.  There’s a world of wine out there.  Find it.  Own it.  And if someone teases you for liking something that isn’t “fashionable,” just remind them of their high school senior class picture…

Now, to up the ante:  let’s get interactive!  It’s all the rage.  Respond:  What are your favorite fads? They’re fun to think about.  Let’s hear ‘em:

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For the Adventurous

Thursday, October 29th, 2009

A bold and savvy young lady called last week with a special assignment. The mission I was very pleased to accept came with the following instructions: assemble a mixed case of wine consisting of 9 reds and 3 whites, with an average cost of $15 – $20/ bottle. The wines were to showcase the best of our collection, were to be my choice, but were expected to appeal to her taste. She offered examples of wines that she likes—Pinot Noir, Chianti, & white Burgundy, to name a few—and wines she does not like (ie: NO sweet wines, thank-you very much).

I knew our reputation was on the line, but I was confident. And was I ever excited to put together this surprise mystery case! Choices, choices, choices—dozens of possible candidates filled my mind. After weighing many options, I was able to put together a diverse and enticing case that averaged under $18/ bottle (falling within the parameters even after tax). The cool thing was, because I know of some fantastic bargains that over-perform for the price, as well as some great sale items, I was also able to include a few higher-end options—such as a Pouilly-Fuissé (a white Burgundy), that was marked down from $39/ bottle to only $29—and we still came in under budget!

Are you an adventurer? If so, now is the perfect time to put us to task.  Here at France 44 we have several Wine Specialists who are also fluent in beers and spirits, and even a Beer Extra-Specialist (as I have chosen to dub him just now, since Matt is also quite versed in wine). From October 29th through November 14th we are having our BIG Fall Wine Sale. That not only means that a ton of wines, beers & spirits are on sale, but—as always—any 12 or more items get a 10 % case discount* on top of the already reduced sale prices. During our sale, Club 44 members also get double point rebates, which means that they also receive a 10% rebate (normally it is 5 %). All told, that means that you could be saving upwards of 30 % on many items. Let us professional geeks choose the perfect adventure for you, uniquely suited to your taste & budget. It’s an adventure you can savor for weeks to come.

*Mix/ match case with discount applied to wine and select specialty beers only

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Just opened

Thursday, October 22nd, 2009

We just opened a wheel of Appleby’s Double Gloucester. Wow! It’s super creamy and buttery with nutty flavor. Come in and ask for a taste before I finish it.

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Wine from the Land of Fire

Thursday, October 22nd, 2009

I cannot believe I’m writing about a Malbec, what with it being all that and a bag of chips these days, but this one caught my eye. The 2008 Humberto Canale Estate Malbec is not your typical Argentine grape juice. This one comes from Patagonia. Why does that matter? Well, for starters, Patagonia is a pretty inhospitable region. After all, there is a line of cold-weather outerwear named after the place. It’s not really where one would expect to find good land for vineyards. Upon further reflection, maybe that’s the point. Malbec always carries the risk of becoming too fruity, even to the point of reminding me of a Dolly Madison blueberry pie. The Humberto Canale, though, is a touch more French. It’s got nice fruit, but there is some tannic structure woven into the fabric, too. The acidity is well integrated, keeping the heavier nature of this wine in balance. I had it with a pot roast last night and it was quite suitable. It probably would have been even better with a juicy steak. The point being: This is a food wine, so be advised. This is NOT your all-too-typical fruity concoction shoved into a bottle with the ‘MALBEC’ epithet emblazoned in big, friendly letters on the front. Salud! – Rick

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Favorite favorite

Wednesday, October 21st, 2009

We’re going to be firing up the foundue hearth this weekend and I was thinking what I would drink with fondue…

Right now the answer is Kayak Kolsch from Lake Superior brewing company.  Beer and cheese, friends, the future is now.

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