Wood on Wine

Getting over wine intimidation
© by Linwood Slayton
I don't know about you, but I have always been a little bit intimidated by French wines. I suppose that if I had learned about French wines early on in my wine loving journey as I did with German wines, the intimidation factor would not be there today. But it is and I have never been one to back away from a personal challenge.

I had the pleasure of being involved with a group of young and energetic people with whom I recently co-hosted a Wine Sampling event last week here in Atlanta. This was the first in a series of monthly samplings that we plan to host in an effort to heighten awareness of and appreciation for the pleasures of wine. The next sampling will take place on Nov. 30, 2001.

Last week's event was sponsored by International Gourmet Corp., a French company that has corporate offices in the Atlanta area. The sampling featured six selections of wines from France, three reds and three whites. The featured wines were:

Reds

Chateau de Pennautier Merlot Vin de Pays d'Oc, 1999 ($9) - This wine is 100 percent Merlot and the grapes are from the Languedoc region of Southern France. The Pennautier Chateau vineyards are situated across the foothills of the Black Mountains near the coast of Spain. Firm and flavorful, with good plum and berry notes and herbal and tobacco accents on the finish. The fruity flavor of the wine was sufficiently balanced and one can enjoy this wine with or without food. Medium bodied.

Chateau Pierre Andre AOC Hautes Cotes de Nuit Beauversant 1997 ($17) - This wine is a Pinot Noir from the Burgundy region. It is robust yet has a distinctive fruit essence. Medium-bodied.

Chateau Les Tuilleries AOC Bordeaux 1998 ($10) - This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. The Vineyard is located in the Arbis region of France and is situated between two rivers ("entre deux mers"), the Garonne and the Dordogne. A rich blend that will accommodate your favorite sirloin and lamb chop. Essentially dry with sufficient body that will complement red meats.

Whites

Chateau de Pennautier Chardonnay Vin de pays d'Oc 2000 ($10) - This wine is 100 percent Chardonnay and is the product of a mountainous terrain that benefits from a combination of the heat and sun of the Mediterranean Sea and the moisture of the Atlantic ocean. Offers a crisp, citrusy aroma; elegant, light to medium-bodied flavors, and a dry finish. The citrus tones are not overpowering.

Chateau Hauts de Fontenau AOC Entre Deux Mers 2000 ($10) - This wine is 70 percent Sauvignon Blanc and 30 percent Semillon. It is grown in the Bordeaux region.

Enclos des Anges AOC Corbieres 1997 ($11) - This wine is a blend of Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Marsanne and Rousanne. It is grown in the Languedoc region near the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains.

The wines sampled had a substantial degree of variety yet there was a logic to their selection for the tasting. My sense was that the attendees preferred the Corbieres among the whites and the Pinot Noir among the reds. The price of these wines makes them all excellent choices for individual drinking as well as for group experiences.

Au revoir ... wood

Nov. 2, 2001