Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Wine: Drinking Bastille Day

July 14^th, 1789, regular citizens in Paris, France get really pissed off. The French Revolution was already underway, but on this day when the fortress/prison we know as the Bastille was stormed, it became a pivotal moment in France’s history, ushering in a new era of liberty. I’m not French. I only speak a few words of French (very helpful by the way) and I love France as I’ve visited a number of times including multiple trips to Paris, the Champagne region, Dijon, Burgundy and Cognac.

One of the things France does really well is rose’, and to help the French celebrate their liberty, we take the liberty of drinking their wines. Chateau Minuty has long been one of the leading producers of rose’ and two of their wines offer classic Cotes de Provence expressions.

The 2018 Minuty Rose Et Or ($40) is made of Grenache and 10% Tibouren, which offers subtle, soft, rose water, strawberry, guava, distilled lemon-lime, white peach, it’s that typical subdued, reserved wine that allows itself to be a supporting player to the food on your table, and this is where Provence gets it typically right, nearly every time. Whereas California wants to be the Broadway star, Provence is content to share the spotlight.

The 2018 “M” de Minuty Rose ($21) is comprised of 50% Grenache, 40% Cinsault and 10% Syrah and offers a bit more upfront fruit, more pronounced strawberry and lemon-lime, red delicious apple, more reminiscent of a summer fruit sangria, and just as easy to drink. Both wines are meant for food and their bright acidity compliments a wide rage of foods, from seafood and salads to pesto and popcorn.

Coming At You Like a Dark Horse

As a wine writer I’m fortunate to have tasted many incredible wines including expensive bottles as well as rare and unavailable - most recently Bollinger 1914 Champagne, Dow 1970 Vintage Port, 1975 Georges de Latour, etc. But wine is not just for the elite, the few who can afford it (well, to be honest, some of it is), it is a beverage, an agricultural product that is meant to be consumed, which is why just over 90% of all wine is consumed the day it is purchased. The majority of wines are inexpensive and a small majority of those are inexpensive but really good for the price. Case in point – DarkHorse 2016 Rose’. Though mass produced, Dark Horse is a blend of 48% Grenache, 16% Barbera, 13% Pinot Gris, 12% Tempranillo, and 11% “other varieties,” and it offers strawberry, and plum, Bing cherry, with a wisp of smoked paprika, and lime meringue. It’s not a complex wine, but not all wines are meant to be complex, just like not every burger you get is the mist killer burger ever. So this summer, may you get to sample some cool wines you may not typically have the chance to do, but may you also find wines like Dark Horse, which can be in your stable of weekly wines to drink at home.

ORIGIN: California

PRICE: $9/ 750ML

ALCOHOL: 13.%

BOOZEHOUNDZ SCORE:  89 POINTS

So You Think You Can Drink?

I can’t dance…at least not well. But Villa San Juliette Winery in Paso Robles, California does have a few moves. Owned by Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick, whose TV producer credits include America’s Got Talent, So You Think You Can Dance, and American Idol, and several others, started making wine. Sure, I can hear you now – “just another rich guys dream,” you mumble. Yes, they are probably wealthy, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t serious about wine, nor is their wine stupid expensive. In addition to visiting the stunning property in Creston, just outside of Paso Robles, and having had many of their wines (including their Cabernet which I wrote about for The Hollywood Reporter: see that article HERE) I know whereof I speak.

Case in point: The VSJ 2013 Reserve Rosé. I love and promote rosé and if you are put off by this kind if wine you need to boogie over to the VSJ property and try this. Made from an eclectic collection of 36% Grenache, 33% Petite Sirah, 18% Syrah, 12% Zinfandel, and 1% Viognier, there is a balance of acidity, a richness from the Syrah, culminating in a deep strawberry, pomegranate, raspberry flavors with, a slight tang; light enough to be ideal for warm summer days, and rich enough to be enjoyed anytime when the sun doesn’t shine. My frustration is that many people won’t try rosé and yes, there are many inferior versions out there: sweet, simple one trick ponies, but this VSJ will show you a different way to waltz. And it’s twenty bucks. What? Seriously, though only available in their tasting room (see pretty photo) it’s worth a visit not only for this pink baby, but to sample their collection. So you think you’re into wine? Prove it. Check out this rosé –then email me and let me know what you think.  VILLA SAN JULIETTE

ORIGIN: Paso Robles, California

PRICE: $20 - 750/ml

ALCOHOL: 14.5%

BOOZEHOUNDZ SCORE:  89 POINTS

Twin Sons of Different Mothers

Summer is fast approaching and typically folks turn to white wines to stave off the heat. I don’t advocate whites in summer and reds in winter – wine is an all-year adventure, be that Champagne, dessert wines or whatever else you might find, there is no “season” in which to drink them. Having said that a pair of terrific lighter wines together on one table provides something for everyone, regardless of the calendar. The 2013 Decoy Sauvignon Blanc out of Sonoma has soft citrus, lime, grapefruit and beautiful mouth feel to make this perfect with appetizers of cheeses, kicking it on your deck. The Decoy lacks the sometimes more astringent nature of Sauvignon Blanc, and has a creamier texture, akin to Chardonnay. Its “brother” is the 2013 Halter Ranch Rose from Paso Robles. This baby rules because this version comprised of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and the wildly offbeat Picpoul Blanc, is simply a standout wine. I love the acidity which is needed for food along with a dark strawberry, black cherry, pomegranate kind of thing. It’s deeper than most roses so if you prefer red wines, this is for you. So find these wines, get them on your table and if it is hot or cold where you are, sunny or overcast, these two wines are the best of both worlds. 

DECOY 

HALTER RANCH