Gascogny is a wine sub region in South West France, which is divded between Aquitaine and Midi-Pyrenees. The Southwest wine region covers several areas that produce excellent wines near the region of Bordeaux, which is farther inland. This could be one of the reasons that South West wines have such distinctive flavors. Some describe the vineyards as, “Islands,” although they do not connect. South West wine grapes make use of the upstream rivers, Dordogne and Garonne, as well as their tributaries. This is the same for the Northern Basque Country and the area of Gascony including Bearn. Armagnac is in Gascony and produces brandy. The soil is alluvial mixed with sand and clay. With its close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, although it is farther away behind Les Landes, Gascogny enjoys wet and sunny springs making it perfect for grape growing. Wines are usually purchased by the sub regions, and not the name. People tend to forgo the label, just to buy wine from a particular sub region such as Gascony. Tannat, Gros Mensang, and Petit Mensang grape varietals are grown in South West France.
Salette Cotes de Gascogne Blanc is made from 80% Colombard, 10% Ugni Blanc and 10% Gros Manseng.
Fresh, clean and lively with intense exotic fruit aromas. Crisp, clean and zesty in the mouth, it offers delicate flavors of citrus fruit and grapefruit, and a long lingering finish.
Enjoy as an aperitif or with grilled fish, shellfish and appetizers.
Copain Edmeades Pinot Noir is made from 100 percent Pinot Noir.
This wine embodies everything you love about Anderson Valley Pinot; flavors of strawberry, Rainier cherries with hints of spice.
VINTAGE NOTES:
The 2017 vintage began with significant rainfall prior to bloom, refilling the state’s reservoirs and ending California’s five-year drought. We saw a sudden spike in temperatures just prior to harvest, leading fruit to ripen quicker than anticipated. This sped up our harvest schedule, but due to our team’s vigilance, the fruit was still able to be picked at optimal ripeness. Temperatures then cooled back down by mid-September, allowing the remaining vineyards to complete ripening at an ideal pace. The rest of harvest was finished as planned, with yields coming in at their typical levels.
The historical Edmeades Vineyard sits along the western side of the small town of Philo in what’s known as the “deep-end” of Anderson Valley. Flanked by the Navarro River, there is a diversity of sandstone soils throughout the vineyard. The Edmeades vineyard is planted with vines facing southwest, allowing this vineyard to receive warmer afternoon weather. This helps to balance the prolonged cool fog influence this vineyard sees throughout the growing season.
Aromas: Raspberry, dried cherries, pennyroyal, orange zest.
Palate: Medium weight palate with soft tannins. Notes of cherry, pomegranate, and clove with light delicate cola notes on the finish.
Review:
The first vintage for this cuvée from Ryan, the 2017 Pinot Noir Edmeades Vineyard comes from mid-valley and was brought up in 27% new French oak. It's a beautiful wine with blueberry and wild strawberry fruits as well as complex spice, dried flowers, and some loamy soil notes. Medium-bodied, seamless, and silky on the palate, it's a lovely, layered wine that shines for its texture and balanced.
Boussey Meursault Vieilles Vignes is made from 100 percent Chardonnay.
The grapes for Meursault Vieilles Vignes come from the parcels located in Meursault. They were planted in 1960 and 1970.
The wine has a beautiful golden-green color. The nose displays aromas of almond, hazelnut with an elegant oaky touch. In the palate, it is full-bodied with good length. Long and intense acidity. Great finesse, purity and elegance.
The Meursault Vieilles Vignes goes well with Foie gras, Fish in creamy sauce, Lobster or also by itself as an aperitif.