Boise Coop Wine Shop

Two All Time Favorites

• July 2, 2008

The Wine Shop will be closed this Friday, but we’re open for our regular Saturday tasting the day after. This week we are highlighting two favorites. A white blend from Domaine de Pouy that Robert Parker has picked as a perennial best buy 20 years running, and a remarkably refreshing Rosé from Chateau Grande Cassagne.

2007 Domaine du Pouy Côtes du Gascogne, $7.99

Yves Grassa, the proprietor of Domaine de Pouy, has invested intelligently in modern vinification equipment in order to assure that this exuberant, super aromatic, dry white is the standard to which others are held. The wine is a perennial Robert Parker best buy, and year in and year out it is our top selling white wine. The estate is located in the foothills of the Pyrenees in the Côtes du Gascogne about two hours southwest of Bordeaux. The region is best known for Armagnac which is made predominately from Ugni Blanc and Colombard, the same two grapes for the blend in this vibrant wine. The fresh and floral nose has notes of grass, grapefruit and lime. It is loaded with fresh fruit flavors including sweet grapefruit and loquat with a crisp texture and touches of mineral on the finish. Priced for everyday consumption we call it the perfect “refrigerator white,” and just to be sure you always have one in yours this spring and summer you’ll want to buy it by the case. You’ll save an extra 15% off the already low price when you do.

2007 Grande Cassagne Rosé, $9.99

Owned and operated by the Dardé brothers, Grande Cassagne is situated on the western edge of the Rhône Valley. Their vineyards are planted on an ancient riverbed covered with round weathered stones. The setting provides the grapes that result in exemplary red wines of deep concentration, but their best kept secret is this Rosé. A blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mouvedtre from forty-plus year old vines, the wine exudes red fruits and strawberry perfume. Fermented a short time on its skins, it retains an electric pink color, soaring aromatics, and a fully dry, utterly refreshing palate. Year in and year out, one our top selling wines.