Champagne Wine Club
For the month of November I really wanted to put a rosé on the table. Many of you will be either stuffing a bird or doing some kind of red meat and although most do not think of Champagne with red meat...I do! Now if you are doing up prime rib, a nice filet or just a rack of beef ribs...Champagne pairs perfectly and when you toss a rosé into the mix...it gets real.
Champagne Besserat de Bellefon Cuvee des Moines Brut Rosé $71
1930 was a historic turning point for Besserat de Bellefon, which was soon to become legendary. Victor Besserat took up the challenge laid down by the Director of a distinguished Parisian restaurant, the Samaritaine de Luxe, and crafted a delicate and lightly sparkling Champagne as a perfect accompaniment to an entire meal. This marked the birth of a range which is now called the Cuvée des Moines in tribute to the Benedictine monks who first mastered the techniques of fermenting Champagne. This creamy flavored Champagne, specifically designed for fine dining, was complemented by a rosé version in 1972 to the very great pleasure of all those who appreciate variety in food and wine pairing.
The color is a soft pink with salmon highlights. The nose is generous, intense, and refined, with very marked notes of wild strawberry. As the wine opens up, there are notes of lime and hawthorn blossom. Initial impact is slightly acid, then red fruits are back to the fore with blackcurrants and redcurrants. The finish is delectable and delicately spiced.
Red Wine Club $75 per month
I was lucky enough to taste with the owners of Bodegas Calar a few weeks ago so this wine has been stuck in my head. I bought just enough to have a few in the shop but mostly to cover the wine club members. The 2015 Abrego de Calar is 100% Tempranillo from gentler slopes, with yields restricted to two kilos per vine. Polished fruit and minerality lead to a plush and gracious yet mouthwatering flavor and finish. Finca Montanchuelos is a historic estate located at the southern extreme of La Mancha in the volcanic sub region of Calatrava. ($25)
Most of you have never had a bottle of Gran Selezione from Chianti. This is they're latest attempt at making the DOCG system more confusing with Selezione at the top of the pyramid. We are five years into this new classification and I can say I like it although I was kicking and screaming when it came out in 2014. All the grapes have to be estate grown or...grown for a producer and you have to have a lease with the grower. This kinda slaps the bulk producers out of the game...in theory.
The 2013 Castello di Bossi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is deep ruby in color with garnet lights that hint at the wine's extended barrel aging, Castello di Bossi Gran Selezione is explosive in its intensity and yet the wine manages an astounding complexity and finesse. Aromas of rich black cherry and plum integrate well with cedar, sweet cooking spices, chocolate and saddle leather. On the palate the wine is fleshy and dense. The finish achieves great balance and very pronounced length. This is a wine that will age with grace for many years. ($50)
Daily Drinking Red Wine Club $39 per month
The daily wines are upon us and the wine gods have smiled upon you all. The 2013 Domaine Giacometti Patrimonio Rouge “Cru des Agriate” is a monster. I was able to pick up about 10 cases and we went through so I had to get some more. This is a blend of 97% Niellucciu, 3% Grenache from 10-45 year old vines. This spicy little beast is right up your alley.
The 2013 Clos Chanteduc Cotes du Rhone usually sitting on the shelf for around $20 a bottle but it typical form I decided to buy every bottles they had left...all 108 bottles they had left. Lots of red berry-fruit with some solid forest floor-action going on. If you're having game...this wine won't let you down. If you're having BBQ...get ready to hold on tight and enjoy. If you're having tofu...I'm sorry.
I have one more wine to add...
