The November Sommelier Series will feature one of my favorite
wine regions in the world: the Loire Valley of France. Known for producing some of the most
food-friendly and value-driven wines, we’re excited to offer these four
selections by the glass from November 23 – November 29:
Muscadet AOP sits on the western border of the Loire, near
the Atlantic Ocean. Dominated by maritime air, the area is known for producing
wines from a single varietal called Melon de Bourgogne, which are typically
fresh and crisp, laced with subtle ocean saltiness. The Luneau-Papin,
La Grange, Muscadet-Sevre et Maine, Loire, France ($6 6oz) is an
excellent example of the potential and value from the area. With herbal and
floral aromas, followed by flavors of green apple, this is the obvious complement
to our oysters on the half shell
On the opposite end of the Loire valley is one of the most
revolutionary producers of Sauvignon Blanc. Though the life of Didier Dagueneau
ended far too soon, his legacy and the pursuit of making the best Sauvignon in
the world continues with his son, Benjamin. Produced from grapes grown on
Kimmeridgian soils, the Dagueneau,
Blanc Fume de Pouilly, Loire, France ($14 3oz / $28 6oz) is the
benchmark for all others. Packed with bright citrus and flinty aromas, this wine
is light on the palate and perfectly enhances our Alaskan King Crab.
The mere mention of Sancerre will generally conjure thoughts
of bright and racy Sauvignon Blanc; however, there is a small percentage of
Pinot Noir also being produced in the area. The Lucien Crochet, La Croix du Roy, Sancerre Rouge, Loire, France ($9
3oz / $18 6oz) is a stunning example of the potential for red wine in a
region famous for white grapes. Fresh notes of strawberry and cranberry offer a
beautiful aromatic lift as the wine is silky and elegant on the palate, pairing
nicely with our Salmon Au Poivre.
Located in the heart of the Loire Valley near the town of
Tours, Charles Joguet is producing some of the most exciting expressions of
Cabernet Franc in the world. A perfect example of what makes the wines from
this region so food friendly is the Charles
Joguet, Les Varennes du Grand Clos, Chinon, Loire, France ($8 3oz / $16 6oz). This wine is elegant yet complex, with violet
and ripe plum on the nose, followed by refined tannins on the palate. It makes a great match with our Signature
Porterhouse.
Follow me on twitter @invitisveritas. Tell me what’s in your
glass #wiyg
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