The Cellar: Value Wines for Every Day

Saturday, March 31, 2012

Steffen Rasch, GoLocal Wine Critic

Stock up on both these varietals and pull them out any time... you'll be glad you did.

This week we are exploring two of my favorite wine regions for every day value wines; France’s Loire and Rhône Valleys. While Sauvignon Blanc’s are great for aperitifs, with goat cheese and light dishes, such as white fish with a squirt of fresh lime juice, Côtes du Rhônes are for the meat dishes, including everything off the grill. If you have a thirst for more and would like to expand your knowledge about wine in a fun and relaxing atmosphere, you should consider attending one of my ‘Evening with Wine’ events. The next such event, featuring the classic varietals Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot, is scheduled for Thursday April 12th, 2012. For more information visit www.ProvidenceWineAcademy.com

2008 Alphonse Dolly Sauvignon, Vin de Pays du Val de Loire, France

The Loire Valley is famous for making some of the best examples of Sauvignon Blanc in the world. While the top examples, those from the appellations of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, can cost quite a penny, the

fact is that there is a lot of good Sauvignon Blanc to be had from other parts of the Loire. The Sauvignon Blanc’s labeled ‘Vin de Pays du Val de Loire’ are created from grapes grown throughout the Valley and are often delicious, as well as great values.

This week’s first wine is a great example of Sauvignon from Vin de Pays du Val de Loire. Awarded with 87 Points from acclaimed wine critic Stephen Tanzer, the 2008 Sauvignon from Alphone Dolly displays pungently fruity aromas of pink grapefruit, fig and herbs. The mouth-puckering citrus in this wine are undeniable. The finish is long and lingering with pear and minerals notes.

2009 Vieux Clocher, Côtes du Rhône, France

This week’s next wine is a classic everyday red blend from the Rhône. The Arnoux family’s first 60 acre parcel of land located in the Vacqueyras area was acquired in 1717. Since then the family has doubled its

holdings in the Rhône, as well as increased their activities by buying wine from other producers. Today, Arnoux & Fils remains in the family with descendants Marc Arnoux being responsible for the winemaking and Jean-Francois Arnouxbeing for the business operations.

While the Arnoux’s best known Rhône wines are from their vineyards in Gigondas, Vacqueyras and Châteauneuf-du-Pape, their $10 entry-level Côtes du Rhône, made from grapes sourced from throughout the Rhône, shouldn’t be overlooked. Côtes du Rhônes are generally easy drinking wines meant for early consumption (while waiting for its before-mentioned bigger brothers to mature in the cellar). Their 2009 Vieux Clocher is made from 70% Grenache, 5% Syrah, and 25% Carignan. It is deliciously dry, medium-bodied wine featuring ripe dark fruit, spice and an earthy component. There is nice acidity in this wine making it a great food wine.

Enjoy!

Steffen Rasch CSW is ready to answer any wine-related questions, comments or concerns you may have. Feel free to email him at [email protected]. And as always, don’t forget to follow GoLocalProv’s Wine Cellar on Facebook and sign up for one of his tastings through the Providence Wine Academy.