Boise Coop Wine Shop

Red, White and Rose

• May 15, 2008

It’s not true that all we ever sample is French wine, it just seems that way, and the past couple of weeks have done nothing to alter that impression. But despite the weak dollar, many of our best buys still come from France, so the trend continues. This weekend we will again be featuring wines from North Berkeley Imports (a Beaujolais) and Robert Kacher Selections (a white and a rosé).

2005 Michel Rey Juliènas Tres Vieille Vigne, $14.99

2005 was an outstanding vintage in Beaujolais, some say even better than 2003, which is high praise indeed. While 2003 produced wines of incredible concentration, 2005 has delivered everything we could want in great Beaujolais—abundant aromatics, sweet, juicy flesh, and a freshness that speaks of the region’s impressive terroirs. Juliénas combines the meaty structure you find in Moulin-à-Vent, with the delicious complexity of a Morgon and the flowery fruit of a Fleurie. Michel Rey’s vines are at least 90 years old, and many are undoubtedly older. Rey is truly a microproducer, bottling less than 1,000 cases a year. This wine offers a gorgeous nose of lavender and cherries with a super-chewy, delicious mouth of black and red fruits, perfect balance and a very juicy profile! Big, dark, deep and dense.

2007 Domaine du Tariquet Sauvignon, $9.99

Since 1912 Château du Tariquet has been home to the Grassa family. They first gained notoriety for Hélène and Pierre Grassa’s Armagnac, which is still produced today. In the 1980’s their children, Maïté and Yves, broke all the rules by producing their first still wines, a blend of Ugni Blanc and Colombard. Wine production is strictly controlled within the Domaine from viticulture to bottling and adheres to sustainable agriculture. To prevent oxidation the grapes are taken directly from the vines to the vats in isothermal tanks. The estate features a water treatment facility and they recycle and reuse all materials. The innovative “bottling to order” at Domaine du Tariquet guarantees consistent quality and freshness. This 100% Sauvignon Blanc displays intense floral notes, as well as great minerality. Its beautiful texture will be the perfect accompaniment to any fish or seafood dishes.

2007 Château Guiot Rosé, $9.99

Located in the Costières de Nîmes appellation, Guiot’s proprietors François and Sylvia Cornut grow both beautiful grapes, and incredible fruit (apricots & cherries), in the area where the Provence, Rhône and Languedoc regions all meet around the mouth of the Rhône River. All work is done by hand with great care and skill, and their wines reflect the authentic Provençal setting. This dry rosé is bursting with flavor and fruit, it is a blend of Grenache and Syrah, with a small dollop of Cinsault. This wine has lovely color, deeper than most Rosé.