Red Wine Allimant Laugner Pinot Noir 2019. Alsace might be best known for its elegant and aromatic white wines, but the region also produces sensational reds like this Pinot Noir from Domaine Allimant-Launger. This noble estate is blessed with 12 hectares of top quality vineyards planted on hillsides along the Rhine River and was founded in 1965 following a marriage between two members of Alsace’s top winemaking families, Mariette Allimant and René Laugner. Today the domaine is run by 11th generation winemaker Hubert Laugner whose family has been growing grapes and making wine since at least the 1500s. Thanks to this incredible heritage, Hubert knows his family’s land inside out and is able to craft sensational wines from traditional local grapes like Pinot Noir which is the only black grape variety permitted to be grown in Alsace. On the nose there are enticing notes of red cherry, plums and dried herbs while the first sip reveals a medium body and bright freshness. The refined structure and soft tannins make this Pinot very easy to drink and the ripe red fruit character makes it a great match for rich duck dishes like Peking duck or a smoked duck salad.
2019
Red Wine Allimant Laugner Pinot Noir 2019
Red Wine Andre Brunel Cotes du Rhone Village Cuvee Sabrine 2019. It can benefit from decanting. The Domaine André Brunel is one of the oldest in the region with 21 hectares, complemented by plots in two other appellations: in Côtes du Rhône (for 40 hectares) and in Vin de Pays de Vaucluse (for 30 hectares). The entire estate was registered with the Les Cailloux trademark immediately after the Second World War, referring to one of the twelve plots of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, that of Farguerol with its typical ground covered with rolled pebbles. After the death of Andre Brunel, the company is managed by his son Fabrice. The wine is produced with Grenache grapes that are vinified in purity and come mainly from a single plot located just north of Orange. The vineyard, with 50 year old vines, was named Sabrine in honor of the previous owner’s daughter and Andre Brunel has kept this tradition. Cuvee Sabrine reflects the complexity and power coming from the terroir but also freshness and elegance due to the careful handling of the grapes in the cellar and the sober use of oak. This is a solid Cotes du Rhone, with intense aromas of plum, blackberry, black cherry, hints of leather and smoky notes. In the mouth, it is dry and acidic with a perfectly balanced body and elegant tannins. It is extremely food friendly: try it with lamb or beef.
2019
Red Wine Andre Brunel Chateauneuf du Pape 2019. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour before service. Domaine André Brunel is one of the most prestigious producers of the Chateauneuf du Pape appellation and the family winery has been attested since the 17th century. In 1954 Lucien Brunel created the Domaine Les Cailloux, which since 1971 experienced rapid growth under the guidance of André Brunel. He was one of the first in Chateauneuf du Pape to practice a non-chemical approach to viticulture. In 2012, his son, Fabrice Brunel, joined him to perpetuate the history of the family. This Chateauneuf du Pape is a blend of 70% Grenache, 17% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah, 3% Cinsault. The grapes are manually harvested from multiple plots: le Bois de la Ville” and “les Serres” whose very poor and very filtering gravel bed allows optimum drainage of the water and therefore the obtaining of a very concentrated juice, “Farguerol” and ” Cansaud” whose red and blue clays are at the origin of an extreme aromatic richness,”Cabrières” and “Revès” whose limestone in its chalky form brings structure and length. The wine shows a beautiful and deep garnet color. The nose is complex and elegant with black fruit aromas, notes of thyme, and lavender. In the mouth, it is rich and voluptuous, with a nice roundness and smooth tannins. More aromas of orange peel, notes of garrigue and white pepper come back on the palate. It needs some game or red meat to be fully enjoyed.
2019