ARNAUD COMBIER BEAUJOLAIS VILLAGES "PREMIERES GOUTTES" 2021
Gamay
Beaujolais Villages AOP, Burgundy, France
Tasting Notes:
Fresh red cherry, strawberry, cranberry, violets, and white pepper. A bright mineral finish.
Style:
Dry, light body, high acidity, low tannin.
Comments:
The grapes are grown in granite soils, and this producer is known for leading the region in organic farming. Vines in Beaujolais are typically trained to grow in the “gobelet” method, which is without wires and looks like a bush! The winemaker employed typical whole-cluster fermentation and semi-carbonic maceration. Matured in concrete tanks, which preserves freshness.
Serving temperature: 55 - 60F. A slight chill enhances freshness while keeping aromatics expressive.
Glassware: Burgundy or an aromatic glass will enhance
Decanting: Not required, but a brief splash decant can soften youthful CO2 and lift aromatics.
Ageing potential: Ready to drink this year and enjoy vibrant, red fruit charm.
Christmas Main Course Food Pairing:
Glazed ham- High acidity cuts through sweetness and salt in the glaze, and refreshes the palate.
Lamb- Best with lightly flavored lamb dishes. Gamay’s light body suits lamb prepared with herbs, garlic, or olive oil.
Beef filet- Works with filet when the preparation is subtle. This low-tannin wine pairs better with lighter sauces; a heavy sauce may make it bitter.
NALLE ZINFANDEL 2020
Zinfandel field blend (Petite Sirah, Carignane)
Dry Creek Valley AVA, Sonoma County, California USA
Tasting Notes:
Ripe raspberry, strawberry, blackberry, and cherry with black pepper, warm spice, and Dry Creek “dust”.
Style:
Dry, medium-plus body, medium tannin, medium acidity.
Comments:
The Dry Creek region is considered one of the highest-quality Zinfandel regions, with nutrient rich sand, silt, and clay (loam) and known for producing structured, balanced Zins. Compared to Zins grown in other regions, like Lodi, we find these wines to be less jammy and pair with a variety of foods. The Zinfandel in this field blend is from 70+ year old vines, and grown without any irrigation. Twenty-five percent is aged in new French oak for 11 months.
Serving temperature: 60 - 65F
Glassware: Universal, or try a burgundy glass to allow fruit notes to fully bloom
Decanting: 20–30 minutes
Ageing potential: Drink now through 2028
Christmas Main Course Food Pairing:
Glazed ham- The wine’s medium tannin and juicy fruit work with salty, sweet glazes. Sweetness in food increases bitterness and tannin in wine, so choose a wine with ripe fruit and moderate tannins, like Zinfandel!
Lamb- Zinfandel’s richness and spice complement lamb’s savoriness and herbal seasonings. Try the wine first, then with food. Your perception of alcohol and tannin in this wine will then be reduced by higher-fat cuts of lamb.
Beef filet- Lean cut of meat will soften the wine’s tannins and make the wine taste fruitier.