February 2, 2018

CHATEAU DE CHANTEGRIVE "Caroline" Blanc 2015

(Graves, Bordeaux, France) $19

White Bordeaux continues—inexplicably–to fly under the radar. But the wines can be sensational and some (like Chantegrive) are steals. This wine rides on a wave of richness yet isn’t heavy, fat, or ponderous. The classic candlewax and botanical aromas and flavors of white Bordeaux are all there (a must-try if you haven’t experienced them). Plus a long, lovely finish. This vintage is 50% semillon and 50% sauvignon blanc, and comes from precious 60-year old vines. And don’t forget to see this week’s WineSpeed blog.

90 points KM

Available at Northampton Wine and Dine

It’s rosé season, so here’s a timely question: what is the difference between rosé de Loire and rosé d’Anjou?

A. Nothing. Anjou is a town in the Loire, so the two terms are synonymous.

B. Rosé d’Anjou is made from pinot noir but rosé du Loire is not necessarily made from that grape.

C. Rosé de Loire is still and rosé d’Anjou is sparkling.

D. Rosé de Loire is dry and rosé d’Anjou is a little sweet.

Created in 1974, the designation rosé de Loire refers to dry rosés made in the central Loire region (Anjou and Touraine) mainly from pineau d’Aunis and/or gamay grapes. Rosé d’Anjou is an older designation (it’s been an AOC since 1936) and refers to a slightly sweet style of rosé. It too is made from a variety of grapes, although the main ones in this case are grolleau, cabernet franc, and/or malbec. By the way, it’s tempting to think that Provence “owns” rosé in France, but a whole lot of French rosé comes from the Loire. For example, on average, more than 17 million bottles of rosé d’Anjou are produced annually.

But Did JFK Know?

So, last week we asked what well-known woman was named an honorary Artichoke Queen? (I know, it’s a little left field…). Anyway, our favorite answer was Monica Lewinsky. But the right answer was Marilyn Monroe.… Continue reading

CHATEAU DE CHANTEGRIVE "Caroline" Blanc 2015

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