
Folle Blanche is related to Gouais blanc and is also known by the name “Picpoule”. It is however, not related to the Picpoul variety from Languedoc or Gros Plant and Enrageat Blanc. This light skinned grape variety has been mostly substituted with the hybrid Baco blanc because of damage from phylloxera. After the disease ravaged Folle Blanche vines, growers replaced the vincs with the Ugnu-Blanc variety. The Folle Blanche variety is produced in the Loire Valley of France near Nantes to create the wine Gros Plant du Pays Nantis. The Loire Valley region suits almost 8,000 acres of the Folle Blanche variety and it is planted in vineyards throughout France. The strong, dry and acidic wine goes nicely with shellfish. Folle Blanche is also the variety used in Cognac. Folle Blanche works well to create brandy, but because it ripens late in the year and is sensitive to rot and disease, it is not a popular choice for many growers. In the Loire region of France, Folle Blanche is sometimes used to create a varietal wine, but typically Folle Blanche is used to blend with other grape varieties. Folle Blanche produces light, crisp wines that are acidic and it typically generates a large amount of juice. When ripe, the fruit is semi round and is yellowish green in color.
Wolfberger Alsace Edelzwicker is made from 40 % Pinot Blanc, 30% Riesling, 15% Gewurztraminer and 15 % Muscat
Edelzwicker has a nose of grilled almonds and walnuts, with a light floral hint following. The first sip shows its true character: fresh and lemony with vegetal, herbaceous flavor. It is round and easy drinking, not overpowering and finishes clean.
Each grape variety is harvested individually in early or mid-October on the most suitable date for each vineyard.
It is a good companion for food without ever dominating it. In Alsace it is served by the glass or in large jugs to partner regional specialties. In general Edelzwicker goes well with fresh salads, cold or warm starters, but also with oysters, mussels and seafood. It should always be served chilled, around 10 ° C.
This is a 9 liter imperial also called a Salmanazar .
Roland Champion Champagne Blanc de Blanc Grand Cru 2014 is made from 100% Grand Cru Chardonnay from the chalky soils of Chouilly.
This Champagne is full of elegance and finesse. Very complex nose, with a bouquet of aromas dominated by honey, brioche and notes of dried fruits, hazelnuts and sweets. Perfectly matured.
Manual harvest; then pressing immediately to avoid oxidation & preserve quality. Free run juice only. Aged six years on the lees.
It matches magnificently with foie gras!
Review:
"Based in Chouilly on the Côte des Blancs, it is obvious this producer will have a Blanc de Blancs Champagne. And very good it is, with some age after six years on lees while still having freshness, crisp acidity and a tight, steely edge. The bottling will benefit from further aging, and it will be at its best from 2022. - ROGER VOSS"
- Wine Enthusiast (December 2020), 92 pt
Freemark Abbey Bosche Cabernet Sauvignon is made from 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot.
Nestled in the heart of the Rutherford Bench, the Bosché Vineyard has the ideal terroir for growing elegant and balanced Cabernet. The 2019 vintage opens with aromas of chocolate covered cherry, blueberry, graphite, and forest floor. The palate is rich and supple with notes of forest fruit compote, cigar box, mocha, and carob. The tannins are already silky and integrated which means it drinks wonderfully now and will age gracefully for decades. .
Review:
From a valley floor site and a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Bosche offers a great bouquet of both red and black fruits as well as notes of herbes de Provence, loamy earth, and spicy oak. Brought up in two-thirds new French oak, it’s medium to full-bodied, has ultra-fine tannins, and beautiful overall balance. A brilliant 2019, it will evolve for 20+ year
Jeb Dunnuck 96 Points