Tour De France
For the month of May, The Alpana Wine Club is taking a tour through France. French wine is renowned for its exceptional quality and diversity with regions like Bordeaux, Loire Valley, Rhone and Burgundy producing some of the world’s most esteemed wine. The French concept of terroir, where the delicate interplay of soil, climate and location is the driving force in determining the wine’s flavor profile and not necessarily the grape. Our wine club members received these curated pours but you can also stop by enjoy them by the glass, bottle or try a flight of all four!
Clement et Florian berthier, Sauvignon blanc, Menetou-Salon, Loire 2022
Move over Sancerre and make way for Menetou-Salon, a quaint wine producing village located 20 miles southwest of its more illustrious neighbor. Brothers Clement & Florian are fifth generation wine producers now at the helm of their family business. Clement worked as a cellar master in the US while Florian gained expertise in New Zealand and Burgundy. This is a gorgeous Sauvignon Blanc full of ripe citrus, stone fruits & fresh herbs.
Domaine Jerome Gradassi Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone valley 2021
Jerome Gradassi started his career as a chef where he gained the Michelin-star status with his last restaurant, L’Ile Sonnante, in Avignon. In 2003, he decided to sell his restaurant to take over the family estate started by his great grand-father in 1930; 12 beautiful acres in Chateauneuf-du-Pape planted with about 75% Grenache and 25% Mourvedre. His Chateauneuf was rated by France’s most respected wine publication as one of the 4 best Châteauneuf du Pape of the vintage – alongside the much pricier Rayas, Capo de Pegau and Clos du Mont Olivet.
Chateau Laplagnotte-Bellevue Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2019
This mid-19th century estate was most recently purchased in 1990 by Madame Claude de Labarre while she was still manager and co-owner of Château Cheval Blanc. Since 1996 the estate has been meticulously managed by her son Arnaud and has been certified organic. This blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc is fruit-driven, exhibiting a deep plum and ruby hue with heady aromas of black currant, black cherry, licorice, and graphite.
Bachey-LeGros Santenay ‘Clos Rousseau‘ Burgundy 2019
No tour of France would be complete without a stop in Burgundy! Here we have an ethereal premier cru Burgundy that exemplifies why Burgundy is the holy grail for Pinot Noir lovers but at a relatively affordable price-point. Clos Rousseau comes from three plots whose vines are all more than 30 years old. Old vines have deep roots yielding enticing aromas of rose-petal, violet, red fruits and licorice with noticeable palate structure.