A night of French Flair

With the arrival of Fall, the WineTimers have started their monthly "meetings". On Friday September 17th we were treated to a"Night with French Flair" hosted by Debi and Rick. Anxious to start up after our summer hiatus, all WineTimers were in attendance for the big night.
The wine tasting began with Cotes du Rhone from Delas, This was a smooth and delicious red wine, predominantly from the northern region of France as indicated by the dominance of Syrah. The blend consists of 70% Syrah, 20% Grenache, 5% Mourvededre, and 5% Carignan. This superb wine is described as having a "leather"nose, "like sticking your nose in a brand new wallet". It is also chocolaty with blackberry, plum and a little pepper.
The next selection was Beaujolais-Villages-2008 - Louis Jadot. Another red, this wine was a bit lighter and definitely dryer. The Gamay grape finds it's home in France's Burgundy region where it is responsible for the red wines of Beaujolais, producing light to medium bodied wines with modest tannins and good acidity. Do not, unfairly associate this wine with Beaujolais Nouveau, better known as the "Thanksgiving Wine".

Next, we sampled a 2008 Mouton Cadet Bordeaux. This wine had a clean, brilliant, pale gold color and an ample, nicely open nose, mingling peachy fresh fruit aromas with more complex notes of toasted hazelnuts and touches of dried apricots. The density of Semillon and the refinement of Sauvignon combine in a generous and beautifully balanced finish, the mark of a good vintage.
The last of the French wines to be tasted for the evening was Vouvray Demi-Sec. Another white wine, this selection was a bit sweeter than the last. This Loire Valley wine has a pleasing bouquet. It is soft and pleasant. This "just off dry" Vouvray is ripe, voluptuous, apple with a zingy citrus finish.

Many thanks to our hosts Debi and Rick for a wonderful evening that not only included wine, but wonderful French bread, cheeses, and steak and chicken kabobs.
The WineTimers look forward to our next gathering in October, exact date and theme not determined. Stay tuned...