This Deliciously Plump Volcanic Pinot Gris is the Perfect Autumn White!
In the middle of France, the mountainous region of Auvergne is home to the Puy de Dôme, a magnificent lava dome towering to an altitude of 4,800 feet. It is also the name of an obscure wine region, of which today's winery is the most significant!
Maison Desprat Saint Vernay is run by sisters Léa and Lucie Desprat, whose family has been making wine in Auvergne since 1885. When we visited them earlier this year, one of their single-vineyard whites absolutely bowled us over.
Deeply colored, rich, sultry, and mineral driven, their 2023 "Les Coutayres" Pinot Gris had us thinking of a top bottling from Alsace, yet we are able to bring it to you for just $17.99. Filled with spices, baked citrus and stone fruits, it is luscious, delicious, and totally perfect as the cool autumn weather sets in!
Read on for our notes on this creamy, dense white, and for a gritty and gutsy $15.99 Côtes du Rhône, then click the Big Yellow Button to get in on the fun...
2023 Desprat Saint Verny "Les Coutayres" Pinot Gris
Puy de Dôme, Auvergne, France
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Very little wine from this obscure area is exported, but if sixth generation vigneron Léa Desprat has her way, that will begin to change! Nothing stops Léa: when a muddy hillside road bogged down her car, she hopped out with a smile and led us through the mud to the vineyard on foot!
When we tasted this full bodied white at Léa’s impressive winery, we thought for sure it would sell in the $30 to $40 range. Coming from the sustainably farmed “Les Coutayres” vineyard, it pours a deep straw yellow with hints of onion skin and offers a creamy and rich texture that belies its 12% ABV.
Voluptuousness without heaviness is one of the most fascinating and attractive aspects of mountain whites such as those from Etna, Savoie, Valle d’Aoste and Puy de Dôme! The aromas and flavors here are complex and enticing, with notes of licorice, allspice and sage sitting atop a collection of classic Pinot Gris tones of preserved lemon, tangerine, yellow pears, white peach, and golden raisin. At the core there's a subtle line of limestone minerality and the finish is soft with fantastically integrated acidity.
This is a great wine to serve as a welcome in cooler months, especially during the holidays. It would make for a PERFECT Thanksgiving white. On our scale it is a strong 91 Points. When we found out that we'd be able to offer it to you for just $17.99, we immediately placed our order. Grab a few bottles to drink now and throughout the holidays!
Vin Chicago Price: 17.99
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Plus a Juicy and Gritty Côtes du Rhône Classic for an Old-School Price!
2021 Château Gigognan
Côtes du Rhône, Southern Rhône, France
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This Côtes du Rhône was one of the standouts from our tastings this past February at the huge Wine Paris trade show. Fast forward to last month and we had the opportunity to visit the property. Once again, we loved it.
This is the kind of classic Côtes du Rhône that helped Vin Chicago develop our reputation all those years ago as a source for wines that drink well above their price. Gutsy, with classic Rhône grit and loads of wild black raspberry, dried red flowers, white pepper, dried herb, and cured meat flavors, it finishes with medium tannins, warmth, and freshness.
Crafted from 75% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre, and 5% Cinsault, this dark ruby/garnet-colored wine will be perfect with grilled meats or just about anything you happen to have on your menu. At fifteen bucks, the value here is just fantastic. Rack of lamb anyone?!
Vin Chicago Price: 14.99
