French Wines I’m Swirling This Spring
As the Covid-19 crisis tightens its grip on our lives, it certainly hasn't been easy to relax and enjoy the springtime weather this April. But if you're ready to try, I'm here with wine! Like many of you, I've made changes and canceled travel plans, including an upcoming trip to Paris and Beaujolais. (But I know I'm very lucky to be healthy at home right now!)
Since I won't be in France this spring as planned, here's what I'll be sipping instead! Through these wines, we can imagine springtime, le printemps, in France from wherever we are located. To play pretend, you'll just need a bottle of vin, good cheese, and a Parisian café-themed playlist. Some fresh blooms and a balcony wouldn't hurt either! And remember: keep up with social distancing by ordering all of these wines through wine.com* or your favorite local retailer offering delivery or curbside pick-up.
Is there anything more fitting for sunny days than Provençal rosé? Notes of strawberry, sea salt, watermelon, and thyme will be perfect alongside your spring salads! It's a blend of 35% Grenache, 35% Cinsault, 20% Mourvèdre, and 10% Syrah.
Another option: Clos Sainte Magdeleine Cassis Blanc 2017, $40
While we all know Beaujolais for its Gamay, it also produces delicious Beaujolais Blanc of 100% Chardonnay. Burgaud's example is fresh and fruity with notes of apple, pear, and lemon. Pair it with some asparagus risotto or roasted chicken!
This has been a favorite of mine for years! Muscadet's minerality and yeasty notes bridge the gap from the cool months into warmer days. As it's from near the sea, classic pairings include oysters, mussels, and clams, but really I think most seafood works well with it.
Another option: Domaine de la Pépière Clisson Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine 2017, $30
Chablis screams "spring" to me! Drouhin's is reliable, consistent, and pretty easy to find even during pandemic days. Chablis is of course 100% Chardonnay, often aged in stainless steel vats like this one. It's got high acidity and citrus, making it perfect for raw seafood, as well as hard-to-pair veggies like cauliflower.
Another option: Francine et Olivier Savary Chablis Vielles Vignes 2018, $35
This off-dry Chenin Blanc is one of my go-to wines for spicy red or yellow vegetable curry. It's also great with fried goat cheese medallions, Chinese takeout, and white pizza. Very versatile! I always have at least one of Champalou's wines at home.
Another option: Francois Chidaine Montlouis Clos Breuil 2018, $35
I'm loving the alpine region of Savoie these days! Mondeuse is a red grape that produces juicy, spicy wines. I think it's a great red wine for springtime! Pair it with ham, salmon, or grilled eggplant with feta.
Another option: Domain Pignier Côtes du Jura Trousseau 2018, $40
100% Gamay from the Beaujolais cru of Chenas, this is the red wine you need when the weather starts to warm up. It's fruity, smoky, and a little bit herbaceous. Since these are old vines ("vielles vignes"), expect more dark, rich fruit notes than a lot of Beaujolais. Clean off the grill and pair this with BBQ chicken or tempeh.
Another option: Maison L'Envoye Morgon Côte du Py 2016, $20
Syrah for spring? Yes! This blend of 40% Syrah, 20% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, 10% Cinsault, and 10% Carignan is aged in stainless steel (80%) and demi-muid barrels (20%). The stainless steel helps the wine maintain its fresh fruit notes. I recommend it with spring lamb dressed with herbs.
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