Summer Wines from Southern France
JUNE 2023
If you've ever had the pleasure of traveling through Southern France, these are the wines that land on your table in a half-liter pitcher every evening at dinner. They are as unpretentious as the people from this part of France.
Your wines this month (Sauvignon Blanc from Atlantique & a Côtes du Rhône red blend) are co-op wines. Both are certified biodynamic (often the case with co-op wines) and are tasty examples of everyday wines from their respective regions of France.
Atlantique IGP
Formerly known as Vin de Pays d'Atlantique, this designation (official since 2006, pictured above) is a part of South West France, but interestingly, the vineyards are in 5 regions around Bordeaux, predominantly to the north and the south along the Atlantic Ocean. The vintners in these areas have been growing vines since Roman times, enjoying a maritime climate and serving up their wines with locally collected oysters.
Le Petit Berticot 2020 Sauvignon Blanc
Atlantique, France // Reg $14.99 | WINE CLUB $13.99 | Mixed Case $11.19
Soft, easy-drinking, French Sauvignon. Hint of white flowers, citrus on the nose. Flavors of pleasant, soft, citrus fruits. Fresh, tasty, fun!
From the co-op: The Atlantique IGP benefits from "both from the heat of the Atlantic sun and from the ideal humidity provided by the ocean spray. The wines produced [here] are supple, fruity and aromatic."
Charles Dubois 2021 "Ma Belle Réserve" Côtes du Rhône Rouge
Southern Rhône, France // Reg $16.99 | WINE CLUB $15.99 | Mixed Case $12.79
A blend of Syrah & Grenache. Black cherries & earth on the nose. Juicy blackberries, black cherries on the palate. Simple, fresh, tasty fruit. Drink now to 3 years.
Really delicious to sip and enjoy. No need for food. Flipside... tastes great with most everything -- grilled salmon, burgers, pizza, roasted eggplant & more. Why? Medium-body (won't overwhelm your dish), pleasant acidity (balances the palate), not tannic (spicy dishes won't get spicier), 13.5% alcohol is considered in the medium range (won't burn or overwhelm lighter summer dishes). Want to know more How to Pair Food & Wine>
Your wines are ready for pickup, and they are perfect for this time of year!
Hope to see you soon.
Cheers,
Jens Strecker, Owner
Portalis Wine Shop & J. Strecker Selections