Featured Wines of the Month
May 2011
2008 Michel Sarrazin & Fils Bourgogne Blanc
2008 Michel Sarrazin & Fils Givry “Les Grognots”
Both French white wines noted this month are produced by Michel Sarrazin; and both are made from the Chardonnay grape.
The former, the Bourgogne Blanc, offers a touch of lemon on the nose and is rich and slightly creamy on the palate with just a hint of oak. Yet there is a decidedly crisp acidity, which, along with the 12.5% alcohol keeps everything in perfect balance. This is a bright, eminently food-friendly wine that is just right for warm weather quaffing. And, priced at a mere $16.49 in PA State Stores, it is an excellent value.
The latter vintage, the Givry, produced near the village of the same name, packs a bit more punch than the Bourgogne Blanc, sporting 13% alcohol. It is also adds tinges of smoke and butterscotch, the result of the 12 months spent in 35% new oak barrels. This is also an exceedingly bright and vibrant wine, though slightly fuller bodied on the palate. It also puts a more significant touch on the pocketbook, setting you back $23.99 at the LCB.
Both these wines are highly rated & highly recommended; and, in my opinion, they offer a welcome respite from the often ponderous, over-oaked California and Australian Chardonnays that seem to be flooding the market today.
Cheers!
The Artful Diner
May 2011
The
Artful Diner is an independent, freelance food writer. His latest review and an archive of past reviews for restaurants around the country and the world can be found on this site on the
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