Wine Potpourri Reveals Some Nice Wine

 Ole Beaujolais

Anyone who has read my two articles (Summer and Fall of 2024) concerning Beaujolais can realize that this is a complex region that produces some very fine wine. It certainly is a far cry from the generally accepted belief of a wine that comes into prominence only on the third Thursday of November and then after a night of revelry it is forgotten for another year. 

This wine is so much more than that and in fact, can sometimes challenge the very best Burgundy in every aspect of a fine wine. The region is made up of a vast number of soils and has quality that runs from basic Beaujolais, to Beaujolais Superieur to Beaujolais Villages and then to ten top ranked Grand Cru Village appellations.  Two of  "Top of the Line" representatives of  the Grand Cru appellation were tasted last week!

Cave du Chateau de Chenas Coeur de Granite  "Chenas" 2023   Beaujolais, France  90/100 points 

Colour: Red

Nose: Floral Spice, red fruit (cherry, pomegranate, ginger), fresh

Palate: Light to almost medium body, silky tannin, fresh acidity, well balanced with pepper on finish

Food: Veal Schnitzel, pork, turkey, spicy foods

Comment: Some bottles are available via the LCBO at $22.95 but out of stock in most stores. Gold medal winner. Nice wine at that price!

Cave du Chateau de Chenas  Coeur de Granite "Fleurie" 2023 Beaujolais, France 89/100 points

Colour:  Red

Nose: Raspberry, strawberry, cherry, floral violet

Palate: Light in body, soft tannin, refreshing acidity on the finish  

Food: Coq au Vin, ham on bone.

Comment: Leaning toward the acid side but a good food Beaujolais. Gold Medal winner.

Quinta do Pessegueiro Origins      Douro, Portugal   2020       91/100 pints

Colour: Dark red

Nose: Ripe dark cherry, plum,  pomegranate,  chocolate, smoke, floral violate

Palate: Full body, firm tannins, balanced, nice concentration, long finish

Food:  Game, steak, spare ribs, lamb

Comments: Definitely a food wine! General prices range in the $30 range. Very nice wine for the price!

Bodegas La Milagrosa Milcampos Tempranillo  Ribera Del Duero Spain 2021 93/ 100 points

Colour: Ruby red  

Nose: Oak, vanilla, dark cherry, plum, blackberry,  some tobacco

Palate: Full body, smooth but evident tannin, dry, acid on the finish but enjoyable.

Food: Game, roast beef, lamb, boar

Comments: A very enticing wine that can be enjoyed on own but best with food.  Nice concentration!

Kuehn Les Caves de'l Enfer Gewurztraminer 2022  Alsace, France  90/100 points       

Colour: Golden, clear and brilliant

Nose: Floral rose, lychee nut, passion fruit, honey, spice

Palate: Full body, nice mid sweet mouth feel, soft, spice, nice balance and elegant finish

Food: Oriental food such as Peking duck, spiced chicken, brie cheese and smoked salmon

Comment: Would be great as an aperitif. Also would make a fine dessert wine for tarts and chocolate dishes as it is a touch more than medium dry.  Not at either LCBO or SAQ!