Over here in California, we’re opening some bottles of French wines (sent as samples) that are affordable, easy drinking and brilliant with or without food. They also have a few attributes that are right up my alley. Each is produced in a classic style with plenty of flavor and body. While sipping, I found that, with each sip, the wines offer an air of calm and relaxation as if there isn’t a care in the world. Ahhh… I’ll take it! In essense, the selections below have a devil-may-care attitude coupled with ultimate French chic – just my style.
Start sipping one or more of these keepers and you’ll feel the oh là là, too!
Jean-Luc Colombo 2022 Les Abeilles (White) Côtes du Rhone ($19) is a floral and fruit delight of 80% Clairette and 20% Roussanne from Cornas in the Rhone Valley. Lemon, lime, spice and bright minerality wafted from the glass. On the round and balanced palate, vibrant acidity framed notes of citrus and tropical fruit flavors with a dash of spice on the finish. Perfect for a chill afternoon sitting outside for an al fresco lunch, this wine is just charming.
Such a gorgeous choice is Château Greysac Bordeaux Blanc 2022 ($26.99). This Bordeaux blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon was crafted in the Médoc, in Begadan, north of St. Estephe, France. Served chilled, refreshing aromas of chalk, citrus and green apple led to the same on the palate. Balanced with just-right acidity and a long finish, the relaxed energy in this wine will both calm and excite. Serve with crabcakes and grilled fish.
Rumor 2023 Rose (Côtes de Provence) ($29.99) is a great value wine that can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere. Organically farmed Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvedre and Tibouren are blended in this wine that’s also vegan. With a slightest hint of sweet, red berries and crisp acidity, embrace the joie de vivre and pour yourself a glass whether you’re at the beach, poolside or in your back porch with a good book.
Of organically grown Grenache, Syrah, Rolle (Vermentino) and Cinsault, Esprit Gassier 2023 Côtes de Provence ($19.99) ticks all the boxes for nonchalant French chic. At Chateau Gassier, their lifestyle brand Provençal Art de Vivre “evokes memories of holidays on the Côte d’Azur under the Mediterranean sun.” Yes, please! Powerful aromatics, elegant floral and fruit notes and a lasting freshness are notable.
Always a crowd favorite, Jean-Luc Colombo 2021 Les Abeilles (Red) Côtes du Rhone ($19) is from 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre. Juicy black fruit, dark plums, black cherries, baking spice and violets on the nose and palate are luscious with or without food. Satin-like tannins and bright acidity lift this approachable wine, made even more so when served with a slight chill.
Côte Mas 2022 Syrah/Grenache Pays d’Oc ($10) is a reflection of Domaines Paul Mas’ “Rural Everyday Luxury,” the signature lifestyle brand. Sunshine, warm climate, rolling hills of Southern France, and a glass of wine will take you away! A blend of 70% Syrah and 30% Grenache results in a fruit forward wine with intense aromas of plums, cherries and crushed raspberries. Flavors of ripe fruit compote and spice are nestled amidst firm tannins and moderate acidity. Enjoy with a cassoulet, grilled meat or hearty cheeses and charcuterie. Chic!
Cheers! ~ Cindy
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