R. Pouillon & Fils, Mareuil-sur-Ay, Champagne, France
R. Pouillon & Fils (sons) is a third-generation estate whose dedication to sustainable farming practices denotes a philosophy that seeks harmony with the terroir and its reflection in the house’s wines.
I recently tasted one of the four cuvées that the current husband and wife team of Fabrice and Elodie Pouillon bottle at the domain.
The Champagne Brut – Cuvee de Reserve is a blend of the classic varietal partners in this region: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. The wine makes a lovely first impression on the nose with hints of fig, acacia honey, soft lime and lemon blossom, honeysuckle, ripe, golden apples and freshly braided baker’s dough. It exhibits nice weight on the palate as well as a bright and persistent finish and while delicious now, can easily be cellared for 2 to 3 years.
Current retail, $35/$45.
Amalaya Torrontés, Calchaqui Valley, Salta
Argentina continues to impress with its “heritage” varieties and this Torrontés-driven cuvée is spot on! Lovely white flowers wrap around enticing tropical aromatics of lychee and pineapple while stone fruit characteristics of both apple and peach bring even more complexity to this wine. Riesling-influenced acidity and citrus notes of tangerine and meyer lemon complete the broad sensory profile here while the lush texture and chalky, gravelly finish strike a note of elegance uncommon for this price point. Enjoy with seared white fish and mango salsa. Current retail, $10/$11.
Nicolas Perrin 2009 St.-Joseph, northern Rhone Valley, France
From the collaboration of two of the most well respected producers in all of the Rhone valley comes this lushly textured, deep, black purplish wine exuding the opulence of Syrah in an almost, New-world style. Rich layers of dark plum and blackberry fill the palate as characteristic hints of soft, white pepper laced with whispers of violets, enticing anise and notes of aged leather meet soft cocoa powder in this deliciously dense and fruit-packed effort. The tannins are round and silken reflecting this ripe and powerful vintage yet the wine still offers enough refreshing acidity and balance that it possesses the necessary lift to make it indisputably harmonious. Enjoy now or hold for the next 4 to 6 years. Current retail: $29.99.
Viandante del Cielo, 2009 Pinot Noir, Skywalker Ranch, Marin County, California
Canella Prosecco Superior Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG, Veneto, Italy
On the nose this lovely effort represents what makes these wines so charming: dry apple and notes of almond mingle with gravelly earth notes and a subtle yet persistent aroma of quince paste. The palate exhibits orange peel as well as sweet lemon zest with a clean finish and soft acidity. At $18 a bottle this is a perfect summertime apéritif!
“Brut Classic is akin to an operatic overture, an epicurean instant that opens the door to a shared and special moment.” Thierry Hamon, head sommelier of “Le Cinq restaurant” – Four Seasons Hotel George V – France.
This venerable Ay producer consistently crafts one of the most generously elegant examples of truly world-class, non-vintage champagne available. A blend of the three varietal pillars of champagne production: pinot noir, pinot meunier and chardonnay, its enticing aromatics of freshly toasted brioche mingle with perfumed Pippin apples, candied lemon and hints of freshly hulled almonds. The palate is rich and seductive exhibiting notes of lemon curd, soft chamomile and acacia honey. A fine bead of swirling bubbles skirts delicately across the palate making for a focused, expressive and enduring finish that is truly engaging.
If you have never experienced Deutz Brut Classic or any of the other cuvées from this reference producer wait no longer. At $38 retail in most cellars you will have never dropped a better coin!
