For the second wine of Swissmas we visit our neighbors to the north of yesterday’s Swiss selection, France.
From nearly the beginning of Swiss Cellars, founder Laurent Crolla began importing not just wines from his native of Switzerland, but also from his almost literal stone’s throw neighbor of France.
At the center of the Old World wine home country is the Loire Valley from which a multitude of historic French wines hail. So too does the Vouvray appellation d’origine contrôlée (AOC) and its concentration of Chenin Blanc producers.
The Chenin Blanc has a historical record of over 1300 years and from history’s pages to modern day remains one of the most profound, flexible and diversely planted of all grape varieties worldwide.
The beauty I often find with wine is that where it was produced and when is a time capsule of both the natural world at that time and of the craft of those who spent the time and energy producing it. Therefore having a Chenin Blanc wine produced from its most historic home should retain a bit of special esteem and enjoyment.
Crolla suggests taking a bottle of the Cave des Producteurs de Vouvray’s Rosnay Vouvray home to your family and friends over the holiday season. The local winemakers have united in the commune since the 1950s to create a focused and refined line of the regions best wines. See more about their story and wines here.
Cave des Producteurs de Vouvray: Terroirs et Lieu-dits de Loire Rosnay Vouvray – 2012
Annually imported every year since the 2001 vintage by Swiss Cellars.
The 100% Chenin Blanc is medium-bodied and shows apricot and some exotic fruit with a bit of mineral nature. It is a very fresh wine that will not leave your mouth bored.
Average Retail Price: $15-$19, ABV: 12.0%
Introduce an Old World classic to your table or gathering this holiday season. This Vouvray flows well with starter small plates, fish and cold cut meats.
Find it throughout Wisconsin at places like Steve’s Wine Beer & Spirits stores in Madison, Woodman’s Food Markets in Southern Wisconsin, Cambridge Cooler in Cambridge and additional wine stores and restaurants throughout the state. Or just ask your local wine shop to get it from Swiss Cellars for you.
Visit www.swisscellars.com or follow and message us on Twitter or Instagram @SwissCellars for more information, updates and where to buy and find our wines.