The Other Side of France
If you only reach for Burgundy, you need to start looking at the Jura. Stuck on your subtle, earthy Bordeaux? Venture southeast a bit and try your glass at Corbières. Too many wine drinkers limit themselves to the ‘name brand’ regions without understanding what France really has to offer. This is why we wanted to share some of the newest labels on our shelves. There is a reason they’re here. Each one represents its lesser known region and is marked by
Domaine du Pélican, Trois Cépages
Region: Arbois AOC - Jura
Grapes: Pinot Noir, Trousseau, Poulsard
Delicate cranberry, thyme, and tarragon. Not every wine is tricky enough to fool one of the industry’s most famous winemakers, Guillaume d’Angerville, in a blind test. M. d’Angerville was served this wine and insisted that it hailed from his own region, Burgundy. But he was mistaken. Notes of fresh soil, perfectly toned acidity, and subtle, though persistent, structure is what confused him. So the next time you find yourself lamenting the price of quality red Burgundy, consider the Jura.
Bénédicte et Stéphane Tissot, Les Bruyères
Region: Arbois AOC - Jura
Grape: Chardonnay
If you fancy a surprise in the next seven or eight years, lay down a bottle or two of Les Bruyères. It’s guaranteed to smack. However, if you find yourself a tad impatient, first of all, you’re not alone. Secondly, you are in for a treat. Treat yourself to a creamy carbonara or risotto and watch this Chardonnay unravel its layers of poached pears, sea salt, and preserved lemon. Coupled with its bracing acidity, you’ll find yourself savoring every last drop.
André & Michel Quenard, Chignin Blanc
Region: Vin de Savoie AOC - Savoie
Grape: Jaquère
This wine is all sunshine. It’s clean, bright, and full of mouthwatering, mineral-driven acidity. Close your eyes, take a sip, and pretend you’re on the slopes of Mont Blanc. Wander next door for some Gruyère, go home, and fix yourself a creamy grilled cheese.
Domaine de Fontsainte, Corbières
Region: Corbières AOC - Languedoc-Roussillon
Grapes: Carignan, Grenache, Syrah
Freshly pressed grape must on the swirl. Robust and dry across the palate. If you’re looking for a full-bodied red with pleasantly sticky tannins, this is it.Throw on some cozy socks and turn on the Netflix fire. This wine is ready for fall, like, right now.
Domaine Maestracci, Clos Reginu
Region: Vin de Corse-Calvi AOC - Corsica
Grapes: Syrah, Grenache
The freshest barnyard imaginable without the funk. This wine is so savory, think homemade jerky, with just the slightest bite of tannin at the end. Just another bottle you'll have to fight the staff for!
Domaine A. & P. de Villaine, Bouzeron
Region: Bouzeron AOC - Côte Chalonnaise - Burgundy
Grape: Aligoté
Our love affair with Aligoté isn't over. Bouzeron is the only appellation dedicated to it, and for good reason. The next time you’re in the market for creamy white Burgundy with sharp-edged acidity, take this home instead. It has the glassy acidity we crave. This wine is impossibly sophisticated. It's juicy and mineral-driven, but has a soft, dry finish. The notes of Life Cereal in the background keep you wanting more.
