Naturalist & Gastronomist: Jill in the Loire Valley

As many of you may know from Instagram, Twitter or just visiting us at the store, Jill just returned from a her fabulous European Vacation.   She spent the second week in the Loire Valley, visiting some of our favorite producers. The visits were inspirational — so much so that we’re doing something different this month: both wine clubs (Naturalist and Gastronomist) will be receiving the same three-pack:

2012 Clos Roche Blanche Sauvignon No. 2 – Over 100 years ago, the Roussel family planted the 28 hectares of estate vineyards on the Touraine Hills surrounding the Cher river.  Still family owned, Catherine Roussel runs Clos Roche Blanche along with Didier Barouillet.  They maintain their super old vines organically and practice non-intervention winemaking.  This is 100% Sauvignon Blanc with incredible focus and minerality.

2012 Olivier Lemasson Pow Blop Wizz – Olivier is a sommelier-/Natural Wine lover-turned-winemaker who trained with Marcel Lapierre in Beaujolais.  He’s an experimentalist and non-conformist, and his wines reflect playful curiosity. The Pow Blop Wizz is a fruity, dry odd-ball Pet-Nat from Grolleau and Pineau d’Aunis grapes.  Pet-Nat meaning Pettilant-Naturel – a wine fermented only once with bubbles resulting from wild yeasts and residual sugar.

2011 Thierry Puzelat Clos du Tue-Boeuf Rouillon – Thierry Puzelat is somehwhat of a celebrity in the Natural Wine world.  Along with his brother, Jean-Marie Puzelat, he makes a plethora of different cuvees from indigenous grape varieties of the Loire Valley.  The wines are completely biodynamic and san soufre (no sulphur) . The “Rouillon” is 100% Pinot Noir  from limestone, clay and silex soils. Herbaceous, vibrant and just pretty!

From a technical standpoint, these three vignerons all fall firmly within the ‘natural’ category. All farm organically, rely on indigenous yeast fermentations, use small amounts of (and in some cases no) SO2, and are minimal interventionist throughout their winemaking process. Even so, these wines are all extremely accessible and food friendly — and while some veer toward idiosyncratic, they are hardly strange! As such, they make a trio appropriate for both branches of the club.

Also, sometime in the near future, Jill will get her act together and share some photos as well as more details of her visits with these winemakers. And these wines will be included in next Sunday’s tasting which will be the official club pick-up day (though wines are ready now).

The Naturalist: The wonderful world of Gamay

As many of you already know, we can’t get enough Gamay. Thanksgiving? Beaujolais. The dead of winter? Beaujolais. Well, now spring is here and it’s time again…for Beaujolais!  These lighter reds, made from 100% Gamay, are sure to liven up any afternoon picnic. Though that’s not to say they aren’t to be taken seriously.

2012 Maison PUR Beaujolais Nouveau – Yes, there is good Beaujolais Nouveau, thanks to Cyril Alonso and Florain Looze.  And it’s coming from one of the oldest Gamay parcels in the region, located just above Morgon – most of the vines are more than 107 years old.  Grapes were harvested in mid September, fermented in cement tanks and the wine was bottled for immediate release in November.  So fresh and vibrant!

2011 Jean Foillard Morgon ‘Cote du Py’ – Jean Foillard is a legend in Beaujolais – known for his beautifully complex wines and traditional non-intervention winemaking.  ‘Cote du Py’ is considered the best vineyard site in Morgon, as it’s rich in schist and granite soils.  Vines range from 10 to 90 years old, and are all organically farmed.  This wine is not just beautifully complex and absolutely delicious, but something that makes us fall in love with wine itself, all over again, every time we open a bottle.

—

The Gastronomist: Bring on the BBQ

Three wines perfect to pair with some grilling!

2012 Chateau Valcombe Rosé “Epicure”- A soft and fruity wine rosé from the Ventoux in the Rhone Valley, made by Chateauneuf-du-Pape producer Paul Jeune of Domaine Monpertuis.  It’s a blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Carignan and Clairette.  Vines average 40 years old and are harvested by hand.  Technically a dry rosé, but with lots of strawberry, cherry, and mineral notes that pair perfectly with those grilled meats.

2011 Eric Texier “Rouletabulle” – This is a sparkling wine from 100% old vine Chasselas.  Produced by Eric Texier in the Rhone Valley, the result is almost cider- or beer-like with just a hint of sweetness and a wallop of ginger.  The soft bubbles are a result of closed vat fermentation that traps all the CO2 (no second fermentation), so this falls in the “Pet’Nat” category.

2011 Camp Cabernet Sauvignon – Just released for the first time in 2013, this is a lighter style Cabernet made by former pro-skateboarder Kenny Likitprakong (Hobo Wines, Folk Machine).  He sources the grapes from a variety of vineyards in the Alexander Valley.  The result is an easy drinking, lighter style red perfect for a little springtime BBQ.

The Naturalist: A Frenchman in Chile

Louis-Antoine Luyt’s wines are a total surprise hit from the Southern Hemisphere.  Maybe because Luyt learned a few things studying with Lapierre in Beaujolais.  Things like – organic farming, no irrigation, native yeast and often, carbonic maceration.  Pretty radical stuff for Chilean wine.

2010 Luyt Carignan Trequilemu - 100% Carignan from a single vineyard less than 30 miles from the Pacific Ocean.  The 70 year old vines are totally organic and plowed by a horse.  Winemaking involves carbonic maceration and aging 8 months in old oak barrels.  Unbelievably delicious.

2010 Luyt Clos Ouvert Primavera Assemblage – 40% Carignan, 30% Pais, 20% Cinsault & 10% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from several vineyards less than 30 miles from the Pacific Ocean.  Both Carignan and Pais are carbonically macerated.  The blend is aged for 8 months in old oak barrels.  Intense and utterly refreshing.

2010 Luyt Pais Quenehuao – Made from the ancient Pais grape (formerly Chile’s most planted grape varietal, originally brought over by the Spanish conquistadors).  All grapes are sourced from a single vineyard 300 meters above sea level & vines grafted on 300 year old rootstock!  Vinified by carbonic maceration and aged 10 months in concrete tanks.

—

The Gastronomist: The Forgotten Grapes of Liguria

For 500 years the Ruffino family has been farming their amazing, steeply terraced seaside vineyards.  They are obsessed with the local Ligurian grape varieties, which aren’t easy to come by these days.  Their non-interventionist winemaking techniques are the same their ancestors have used for hundreds of years – no machines and no oak.  Old school all the way.

2011 Punta Crena Lumassina – A fresh, vibrant white wine from 100% Lumassina – an incredibly difficult grape to grow that takes a long time to ripen.  Aged on the lees for 3 months and no malolactic fermentation.  Super fresh and crisp!

2011 Punta Crena Pettirosso – A perfect spring pink blend of Rossese and Sangiovese.  This dry frizzante (soft bubbles) is a result of closed vat fermentation that traps all the bubbles (no second fermentation).  Sunday afternoon picnic, anyone?

2011 Punta Crena Cruvin – Another wine made from an incredibly difficult grape to grow.  Cruvin (“to fall”) is named for it’s natural tendency fall off the vine at the point of ripeness, so naturally the yields are incredibly small.  The label shows a fox waiting under the vine for the inevitable drop.  Bright and lively – similar to a Gamay or Cabernet Franc.

A few weeks ago one of our wine reps tasted us on a bottle of wine. See below.

Quite a proclamation! But, was it a damn good wedding wine? Was it even a damn good wine? We thought perhaps not. We also thought about how many wines we have in the store that would be much better suited for the title  Damn Good Wedding Wine. Those wines are under $15, versatile and crowd-pleasing, while still giving good label. And some of these guys have screw caps making for easier access with large crowds.

NV German Gilabert Cava Brut Nature Reserva, $15

NV Domaine Collin Cremant de Limoux, $11

NV Sommariva Prosecco, $14

2011 Chiroulet Blanc, $12

2011 Selbach Riesling “Incline”, $13

2011 Vallevo Trebbiano d’Abruzzo, $9

2011 Bernabeleva Camino de Navaherreros, $14

2011 Lapierre Raisins Gaulois, $13

2011 Fiction Red, $15

2011 Primaterra Primitivo, $9

This is just a small selection of wines that could work for any large gathering or special event. We have tons more in this price category and hopefully they, and we, can keep you from the aisles of BevMo or the supermarket when shopping for your next big party.

The Naturalist: Sans Soufre

Sans soufre = without SO2. Therefore, these wines have NO added SO2.

2011 Tissot Poulsard Vieilles Vignes (Jura)- 100% Poulsard from Arbois. This is the definition of yum. Vinified in stainless steel and aged in neutral oak foudres. Bright cranberry juiciness and a dusty, spicy cinnamon kind of earthiness.

2010 Mas de Gourgonnier Cuvee Nature (Provence)- We’ve carried the SO2 added version of this wine since we opened to great success. Now is the chance to try their sans soufre cuvee. They are identical blends of organically grown fruit- Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Carignan. Pick up a bottle of the other while you’re in the shop to compare!

—

The Gastronomist: A Tale of Two Crianzas

Same vintage. Both Rioja. Both Fantastic. This will be a good opportunity to taste and compare two Crianzas from our favorite Rioja producers. Grab a steak and you’re good to go.

2005 Lopez de Heredia Crianza Vina Cubillo- Single vineyard (Cubillo) blend of  Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo, and  Graciano. Aged for three years in used American oak and the rest of the time in bottle. As is with Rioja and Heredia, this is the current release.

2005 Senorio de P. Pecina Crianza-  95% Tempranillo, with a small amount of Garnacha and Graciano rounding out the blend. The grapes are sourced from various vineyards within their 60 hectares of land in Rioja Alta. Aged two years in used American oak and the rest in bottle.

Have you seen our handy events calendar yet? That’s where you can always find out what’s going on at the Domaine LA tasting bar and what fun off-site dinners we have in the works.

There are three stellar tastings on the books right now.  Check it out!

We’re getting specific and exploring Oregon Pinot Noir (and Riesling) from some winemakers we’re really excited about. If you are a loyal California Pinot drinker or a Burghound, it will be a good opportunity to step outside the box and fall in love with a different expression of the grape and see what the Oregon fuss is all about.

On the food front, we’ll have pork and popcorn. Egg Slut alumnus (and Domaine LA newcomer) Anthony Cailan will be serving up some delicious pork rillettes and spiced popcorn.

THE WINE:

2011 Brooks Bois Joli Vineyard Riesling

2011 Bow and Arrow “Rhinestones” (Pinot/Gamay)

2011 Teutonic Bergspitze Pinot Noir

2011 OPP Pinot Noir

2010 Patricia Green Ribbon Ridge Pinot Noir

—–

Sunday, February 24th

12:30-3:30 pm (Note time change! It’s LA and the Oscars are on at 4…)

$15 for wine and food

No reservations necessary

The Gastronomist: Farmers Jane

Winemakers and long-time friends Faith Armstrong-Foster (Onward Wines) and Angela Osborne (A Tribute to Grace) have joined forces for a collaboration called Farmers Jane. They are  dedicated to making balanced wines “with a nod to the feminine…”

2011 Farmers Jane Field White- Chenin Blanc from Jurassic Park vineyard in Foxen Canyon, Santa Barbara.
2010 Farmers Jane Field Red- Grenache from Watch Hill Vineyard in Los Alamos.

—

The Naturalist: Acid Trip

2011 Folk Machine “Film & Camera” Valdiguié-  Valdiguié, also confusingly known as Napa Gamay, is a grape that originates from the Languedoc-Roussillon in southern France. It is naturally high in acid and winemaker Kenny Likitprakong’s version is no exception. Low alcohol, bright, tangy and irresistible. Try not to drink the whole bottle. Like I did last night.

2011 Arnot-Roberts Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay- The wine Jill claims to be the “best California Chardonnay I’ve ever had.” If you tasted it blind you would think you were drinking Chablis. It’s brilliant and mouth-watering. And delicious.

Winemakers and long-time friends Faith Armstrong-Foster (Onward Wines) and Angela Osborne (A Tribute to Grace) have joined forces for a collaboration called Farmers Jane. They will be in town to share this exciting new project with all of us!

On the food front, Melissa Cortina from Lindy & Grundy will be bringing her amazing Pig & Pastry beef and chicken pot pies.

THE WINE:

2011 Farmers Jane Field White, Chenin Blanc

2012 Farmers Jane Field Rosé, Grenache/Cinsault Blend

2010 Farmers Jane Field Red, Grenache

Plus a surprise selection from each A Tribute to Grace and Onward Wines.

—

Sunday, February 17th

2:00-5:00 PM

$15 for wine and food

No reservations necessary

Hello all you thirsty love birds! In honor of Valentine’s Day, we’ll be popping bottles of bubbly and slurping down fresh, salty oysterscourtesy of The Oyster Boys. Mighty fine!

THE WINE:

NV Domaine Brazilier “Methode Trad” Brut

2011 Casebianche “La Matta”

NV Francois Pinon Touraine Brut Rosé

—

Sunday, February 10th

3:00-6:00 PM (note time change)

$10 for wine

Oysters purchased separately (bring cash!)

No reservations necessary