wine tasting Feb. 26 & 27
Small Domaines–Big Flavor: Wines of Rosenthal
Concord & Belmont
Fri. FEB. 26, 4-7pm, Belmont
Sat. FEB. 27, 2-6pm, Concord

Importer and wine merchant Neal Rosenthal has traveled the backroads of France for more than 30 years, seeking out small family domaines that take great pride in their land and their traditions. There’s a difference you can taste in these authentic, artisan wines – the warmth and enjoyment that comes from something handcrafted and homemade!

white
2008 DOM. CHEVEAU Macon Fuisse “Les Grandes Bruyeres” $22 (Macon, Burgundy)
Nicolas Cheveau is the third generation to uphold the family tradition of their Maconnais domaine.  At this 14-ha estate based in Pouilly, grapes are hand-harvested and farmed without fertilizers.  100% Chardonnay from  40-yr-old vines from a small parcel just south of Mâcon.
 
2007 CH. DE L’EPERONNIERE Savennieres Croix Picot $25 (Loire Valley)
After Pierre-Yves Tijou retired and sold Chateau Soucherie, his youngest son Mathieu has continued his family’s legacy with Chateau de l’Eperonniere. Mathieu Tijou has produced this aromatic and beautifully complex & compelling Chenin Blanc –truly exceptional!
 
red
2008 COMMANDERIE DE PEYRASSOL La Croix Vin de Pays de Mediterranee  (Provence, France) $14.99 Commanderie de Peyrassol, once owned by Templar Knights centuries ago, was transformed by the Rigord family in the 70’s.  Philippe Austruy purchased Peyrassol in 2001, and has taken Provencal tradition to heart with tantalizingly pale roses, aromatic whites and luscious reds.  “La Croix” is a  blend of Grenache, Syrah, and a touch of old-vine Cabernet– a great match for hearty, warming dishes.
 
2007 DOM. FAILLENC SAINTE MARIE Corbieres $15.99 (Languedoc) Corbieres is a large area in western Languedoc with a dramatic landscape and a long history under vine. Faillenc Ste. Marie, however, is a very small domaine certified ‘organic’ that has been brought to life by the Gibert family. Jean-Baptiste Gibert has now taken the reins. This distinctive style of Corbieres rouge is intensely flavored and concentrated, yet lively on the palate. Blend of Syrah, Grenache and Cinsault.
 
2006 MAS CAL DEMOURA L’Infidele Coteaux du Languedoc $25 In the 70’s, when most Languedoc producers were closing down, Jean-Pierre Jullien named his domaine “Cal Demoura” (one must remain).  Today, the estate is run by Burgundy-trained Vincent and Isabelle Goumard.  “L’Infidele” is considered the historic cuvee of the domaine, blending Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Mourvedre and Carignan. A rich and full, yet complex and vibrant red.
“L’Infidele displays an uncanny combination of palate richness and viscosity with vivacious brightness of fruit and fine-grained tannin.“ –WA