April in France Wine Tasting

438 Union Place,Excelsior MN 55331

06 April, 2023

Description

April in France Wine Tasting
Seated & Guided Tasting, Presented by RJ Judalena Thursday, April 6, 6-7:30 pm, Wine Republic Tickets: $20 France is posh, elegant and always très chic. And while we know and love the classic varietals like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon, there are a myriad of varietals and regions that have yet to be really discovered. Join us for our new April French Tasting. We’ll start off with delicate and luscious whites from Alsace. We will explore the grand cru region of Altenberg de Bergheim and taste Pinot Gris, Gewurtztraminer and Riesling. For reds we’ll travel to southern Burgundy for Cru Beaujolais, tasting Gamay from Moulin-à-Vent – fresh cut violets and peonies wrapped in cherry, raspberry and plum with touches of rich earth, light acid dances with tart flavors and low tannins. Next we’ll head west to the Bourgueil region of Loire Valley and dip into Cabernet Franc where we’ll be delighted by the dry fruit and earthy tones. Lastly we’ll finish off in Crozes-Hermitage of Northern Rhone where Syrah shines. Notes of blackberry and black cherry, smoked meat, pepper and green brambles with hints of dried violets to round out the sweet tobacco and white button mushrooms. These descriptors can make one imagine however, the fact of the matter is that you must taste these wines. The Lorentz family has been making wine since 1836 in the heart of the Alsace, which lies in the northeast corner of France, along the Rhine River. Charles Lorentz Sr., grandfather of the current president of Gustave Lorentz, developed his vineyards on the hills of Altenberg de Bergheim, in the foothills of the Vosges Mountains, which has grown to 85 acres in this extraordinary terroir, with four acres planted on the hills of the Grand Cru Kanzlerberg and 30 acres in the Grand Cru Altenberg de Bergheim. Gustave Lorentz Riesling, 2021 
Pale yellow color, with an expressive and refined nose filled with citrus and white flower aromas. It has a lively attack, refreshing acidity, great structure and a clean, dry finish. This wine is a classic Alsace Riesling. Gustave Lorentz Pinot Gris Reserve, 2021 Pale yellow in color, bright and clean. It is a smooth wine of finesse and distinction, with wild peach and pear on the nose. The white fruit extends to the generous and medium-bodied palate. It has a great mouth-filling texture, with a very enjoyable and dry finish, thanks to its balanced acidity. Gustave Lorentz Gewurztraminer Reserve, 2021 
An expressive floral and spicy nose. It seems like a spring carpet of blossoms. On the palate, it is a warm attack, but the acidity gives it its remarkable length. The wine is complex and rich but still elegant and food-friendly due to its freshness. A gastronomic Gewurztraminer! 
Domaine Diochon Moulin-à-Vent Cuvée Vieilles Vignes, 2021 Domaine Diochon Moulin-à-Vent Cuvée Vieilles Vignes is juicily delicious yet there is a majesty to it. It is full-blown and full-bodied, yet it has a lush, supple, swallowable texture. No hard edges. No astringency. No heat. Moulin-à-Vent is supposed to be the grandest of the region’s Grands Crus, and here you sense a certain grandeur throughout the taste experience. 
Domaine De La Chanteleuserie Bourgueil Cuvee Alouettes, 2021
 This cuvee comes from Bourgueil on the northern bank of the Loire River, an appellation that can produce serious, age-worthy Cabernet Franc. This bottling, though, is the ultimate bistro or picnic Bourgueil, a red that radiates joy and versatility while offering enough spine to stand up to heartier dishes. The Boucard family, who has been making wine here since 1822, ages Alouettes for eight to twelve months in stainless-steel tanks to preserve as much of the fruit's bright, fresh character as possible. Evoking blackberries, black cherries, and graphite, this is a wine you’ll want to have on hand all summer. 
Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Selection Crozes-Hermitage Silene, 2021 The Domaine Jean-Louis Chave is a historic winery in the northern Rhône region that has been producing the best expressions of local wines for 16 family generations. Made from Syrah grapes from Saviaux and Gervans vineyards. Fermented in tonneaux and steel vats and matured in barriques for 15-18 months. Aromas of ripe fruit such as plum, black pepper, graphite and other spices, for a balanced and pleasant sip.