With fall in the air, we put together a superb selection of French wines (2 whites, 1 rose, 3 reds) to make wine-buying as easy as possible.
If you want to experience the full "Table Wine Effect," get one of these sixers! Since 2010, we have focused on small productions wines from top family-owned estates around the globe. Every bottle in this collection has a story and a hard-working family behind it. Be transported to France's most famous vineyards, one bottle at a time :)
1. 2022 Domaine de la Pepiere Muscadet 'La Pepie' (Loire Valley, France): For those who like their whites bone dry, Muscadet is the answer! It doesn't get better than Pepiere, one of the top producers in the AOC. 100% Melon de Bourgogne from organic vineyards, this is bright, crisp, and mineralic. Lovely notes of green apple, lemon, pear, and fleur de sel are abundant in this oyster- and shellfish- friendly wine.
2. 2022 R. Dutoit Chardonnay 'Vieilles Vignes' (Burgundy, France): Those in the know, like us :), know that this is de-classified Pouilly Fuisse. 100% Chardonnay from vineyards within and just outside of this famed AOC in Southern Burgundy, the fermentation is carried out entirely in stainless steel. The resulting wine is highly attractive, displaying notes of white peach, golden apple, white flowers, and just a hint of spice and mineral.
3. 2022 Chateau La Rame Bordeaux Rose (Bordeaux, France): If ever there was a rose made for the cooler months, it's Bordeaux Rose, and this one is fantastic. A blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon from this over-achieving estate, this is a bit richer and fuller, but it still maintains refreshing acidity. Lively notes of strawberry, watermelon, citrus, and mineral all make an appearance in this one. Perfect for fish, seafood, chicken, and pork preparations.
4. 2020 Gilles Paris Chiroubles 'Terroir' (Beaujolais, France): Good Beaujolais, like this one, smells of fall in the forest with its woodsy character. Gilles Paris, a native of Beaujolais and one of the rising stars of the appellation, farms organically, works with old vines, and crafts his wines with minimal intervention (low sulfur, light fining and filtration, native yeasts). Chiroubles is the highest elevation of all of the Beaujolais Cru Villages, and this is just about as elegant and pretty as red wine gets. Flowing with notes of juicy red and black fruits, violet, rose petal, earth, and spice, this silky and beautiful red wine is a prime example of why Beaujolais is more popular than ever.
5. 2021 Domaine Rouge Bleu Dentelle Rouge (Rhone Valley, France): This fairly new, certified organic and biodynamic estate is making some serious waves in the Southern Rhone. Their wines are grossly underpriced (currently), and their Dentelle Rouge is a gorgeous blend of Carignan and Grenache. A lot like Cotes du Rhone, this flows with silky and sumptuous notes of ripe cherry, plum, white pepper, and violet. It's a big glass of comfort, and it goes well with comfort food staples like bbq, meat loaf, rotisserie chicken, and more.
6. 2016 Les Hauts de Trintaudon Haut-Medoc (Bordeaux, France): No French sampler would be complete without a red Bordeaux, and this is a great one! The 2nd wine of the famed Chateau Larose-Trintaudon, the estate shares plots next to some very enviable, Classified Growths. That pedigree is evident in this fresher, more "Claret-styled" blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Offering up a classic perfume of currant, mulberry, cigar box, and herb, this medium-bodied red is perfect for rack of lamb, beef stew, or rich mushroom-laced dishes. YUM!
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville