Curious Case - June 2021 - Private
The Curious Case Selection
Coupon Code (for 10% off all of the below wines) - Curious0621
expires 10/08/2021
This month we are taking our inspiration from the Tour de France that starts in Brittany on the 26th of June This years route crosses through many of France's famous wine regions so we've put together our own little 6 bottle tour, though of course being us our wines offer something a little different and are not always what you might traditionally expect from each region... Be it sparkling, white, red or rosé we've got June covered with our Curious Case!
In a nutshell: A fresh, light and crisp Blanc de Blancs Crémant de Bourgogne from the top cooperative in the Mâconnais.
The lowdown: Crémants are sparkling wines made in different regions France outside of Champagne, but the method of production is the same and means the best examples certainly bear comparison to their Champenois cousins. This example from Burgundy is made by the excellent cooperative in the Mâconnais village of Prissé. Being a Blanc de Blancs it's made entirely from Chardonnay, which is the main white variety grown in Burgundy. It's dry, light and crisp with delicately perfumed and floral aromas that lead onto a clean and fresh palate with notes of white flowers, honeysuckle, peach and pear.
When to drink: Its light touch and lovely florality make it a very versatile sparkler.
In a nutshell: A zesty, light and minerally white from the Savoyard vineyards near the French Alps.
The lowdown: Abymes is a wine producing village just south of Chambéry permitted to add its name to the wider Savoie appellation. Made from 100% Jacquère which is a native variety and the most widely planted in the region. Here, in the hands of Jean Perrier et Fils, it makes a wine with a lively first impression that rounds out with a mineral edge and zingy orange citrus notes. The balance between the fruit and acidity is nicely well judged.
When to drink: Deliciously light and dry it's good with things like fish, goats cheeses, or just by itself as a refreshing aperitif.
In a nutshell: A light, vibrant and crisp Muscadet (in all but name) from the lower Loire valley near Nantes.
The lowdown: A single vineyard wine in organic conversion. Melon Blanc is the grape and because winemaker Pierre-Henri Gadais has decided to put this on the label it means that he can't call it Muscadet, though it is. Unlike the more well know 'sur Lie' style of Muscadet 'Vendange Nocturne' does not spend times on its lees and is bottled earlier in the December after the harvest, rather than the following Spring. Stone and citrus fruits with a touch of salinity and sprtiz on the finish.
When to drink: A refreshing white that works perfectly as an aperitif or with shellfish and seafood.
In a nutshell: An attractively pale, fresh, crisp and clean southern French rosé.
The lowdown: The grape used here is Picpoul Noir and is the dark-skinned sibling of the white grape used in the popular Picpoul de Pinet. Indeed you'll be able to pick out some of the similarities in character. With a very pale pink colour it has delicate aromas of crushed rose petals with lemony notes that follow through onto the crisp and dry palate with great fresh strawberry and cranberry red fruit flavours.
When to drink: An excellent alternative to a classic Provençal rosé it's quite simply a lovely wine to drink by itself, or to partner with shellfish and summer salads.
In a nutshell: A rich and smooth St-Emilion from one of the best vintages this century.
The lowdown: New owners acquired this estate in the 1990s and Boutisse has gone from strength to strength since, with a key focus on sustainable viticulture leading to the present situation where no herbicides are used in the vineyard. One of the best value Grand Cru Saint-Emilions Boutisse is classically Merlot dominated but with, reasonably uncommonly for Saint-Emilions, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend as well. 2015 was a great vintage with grapes reaching optimum maturity. Full bodied with depth of flavour and great structure. Ripe red fruits with notes of cinnamon, clove and nutmeg spice with velvety tannins and a long length. Has reached its early drinking window but will age for another decade.
When to drink: A classic accompaniment to red meat, game dishes, and hard cheese.
In a nutshell: A vibrant, fruity, punchy biodynamically farmed Syrah from the Southern Rhône.
The lowdown: Matthieu Barret has long been a convert to organic principles in winemaking and his 'Petit Ours' range, meaning 'Little Bear' - a nickname of Matthieu himself, is about showcasing this in a fun and approachable way to wine lovers. This great little Syrah comes from north facing vineyards near the village of Visan, towards the northern part of the Côtes du Rhône, and is grown along biodynamic principles. Aged for 9 months in concrete without the addition of sulphur, and bottled with only a tiny 1g/hl of sulphur, this is a punchy, vibrant and highly expressive wine. Lots of fresh, juicy blackberry and black cherry fruits, bags of spice with a real black pepper kick, vibrant acidity, grippy tannins and a good, clean finish.
When to drink: In the summer try slightly chilled. Great with barbecues and grilled meat and vegetables in general.
