We're excited this week to introduce a wonderful wine producer from the Loire Valley, whose family has been producing wines since 1550. Firmin Dezat farms predominantly Sauvignon Blanc, split across Pouilly Fume, Sancerre, and Mentou Salon - some of the most famous appellations in the Loire. In 2011, after spending time in California refining his winemaking skills, Firmin returned to his family's estate. In 2020, when his father retired, he took the helm. He has brought a deep sensitivity to nature and a passion for working with the unique terroir of each plot -- in 2017 the estate was HVE-3 (Hight Environmental Value) certified, and as of 2021 they completed the conversion to organic farming. For Sauvignon Blanc fans, his wines are not to be missed. Try them side by side to explore different expressions of this well-loved grape.
For a red this week, we're excited to bring back Vendrell Monsant Seré, the oh-so-drinkable Garnacha blend from northeast Spain. A perfect warming glass for a rainy day like today!
Both of our white wines this week hail from the same producer in the Loire Valley, but come from slightly different regions. This Pouilly Fumé is a fascinating expression of Sauvignon Blanc full of peaches, nectarine, guava, great balance on the palate and wonderful minerality coming through. This is typical Sauvignon Blanc with great depth of character and tropical freshness that will go wonderfully with a variety of foods or just on its own.
This sister wine to the Pouilly Fumé is also made of Sauvignon Blanc, but offers quite a different expression. You really should try them side by side, as they represent how versatile Sauvignon Blanc can really be. This Sancerre is on the leaner, more delicate side with subtle notes of grass, lemon zest, herbs and wonderful fruit character. This wine is of equal quality, but represents a slightly more elegant, subtle side of Sauvignon Blanc, whereas the Fumé is bolder and more tropical. Give this wine some time in the glass, as it will unfold gracefully and reveal layer after layer.
Talk about great value! This is an incredible wine for the price made of 80% Garnacha and 20% Carinena, and grown in the warm climate of Catalunya, Spain. Josep Maria Vendrell is one of our favorite producers - a true one man operation who does everything by hand and with biodynamic principles in mind. We find ourselves coming back to this wine year after year with its incredibly approachable character and warming body. This wine is full of black cherries, licorice, and strawberries and offers great balance. A super friendly glass of red wine to drink around the barbecue!