Domaine De Coste Chaude Cotes du Rhone Villages Visan L'Argentiiere 2005

From Rhone, France comes this blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah produced by Marianne & Marc Fues, whom I met at the Alsace & Rhone Valley Wine Expo earlier this week in NYC. Marc told me the oak the wine is aged in (for 12 months) comes from many different regions, giving it an interesting character. Color is a dark ruby with a subtle fruitiness and black cherry with traces of licorice and vanilla. This is one of my favorites from the day and can imagine it accompanying roasts very well.

Gustave Lorentz Pinot Gris Reserve 2007

I sampled this French white wine from the Alsace region at the Alsace & Rhone Wine Expo last week, poured by the importer, Michael Corso, and producer Pascal Schiele. Straw colored, this is a 100% Pinot Gris with a bit of honey on the nose, bright fresh flavors of citrus fruits, a slight minerality, pear, lemon and a crisp dry finish.

Chateau Mas Neuf Costieres de Nimes Tradition Red 2006

I sampled this French red wine at the Alsace & Rhone Wine Expo this week, poured by the vintner, Luc Baudet. Deep purple rose in color, It is a blend of 60% Syrah, 20% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre and 10% Carignan and is designed to go well with food, especially duck or lamb. Aromas of bittersweet dark chocolate and black pepper are host to generous, bright flavors and luscious smooth tannins. Enjoyed this one very much.