Arretxea Irouleguy and Tissot Poulsard – geek out, winter or fall
The weather is rapidly changing: one day, fall; the next day, snow! Here are two natural wines from France that have you covered.
Arretxea, Irouleguy 2005 about $20
This hearty red pairs well with rich foods and cold weather. Although not big and boozy (only 12.5% on the label), the main grape is tannat, which makes wines that are often opaque in their inky purpleness with tons o’ tannins. This wine, from the French side of the Basque Country, is a delicious wintry treat, with brooding notes of black cherries, tar, stones and smooth but substantial tannins. Their white is also very good even if a recent vintage was denied the appelllation (again, a condemnation of the appellation system, not the producer). Importer: Kermit Lynch.
Tissot, Arbois, Poulsard, vielles vignes, Jura 2006 about $17
And if you’re feeling more autumnal than wintry, impress your friends with this natural Poulsard. I tried a bottle and loved it and went back for more. And then I poured it for friends not so into wine, but only after trying to deter them by cautioning them that it was a wine geek’s wine. That just fanned their flames of desire. Fortunately, they really liked it too. In the glass, the wine throws a head fake: light in color and transparent, it also has a pretty, tannic structure. Throw in some notes of dried red fruits, autumnal earthiness and excellent balance with acidity, and this certified Biodynamic, no sulfur beauty may even impress your non-wine geek friends. Importer: Wildman & Sons.
On December 9th, 2009 at 4:28 pm ,Bob R. wrote:
These sound like 2 fascinating wines. But I’m surprised that even though they’re imported by well-known and well-distributed importers, I’ve never seen them.
On December 9th, 2009 at 5:37 pm ,Christy Frank wrote:
The Tissot is fabulous, especially for the price – and I absolutely agree that it pleases wine geeks and mere mortals alike. For example, my mom loves it and she’s about as far from a wine geek as you can get. The 2007 and is what’s currently shipping, although I still have a few rouge bottles of the 2004 kicking around the shelves.
-Christy
On December 10th, 2009 at 8:49 am ,Pablo Orio wrote:
I think that first wine is fantantic I tasted one time. I love your blog and I invite you to visit my blog http://www.puntovino.es/en/
A huge from Rioja Spain
On February 18th, 2010 at 11:07 am ,Seoways wrote:
Thanks for your sharing it,,
thanks
On February 20th, 2010 at 9:46 am ,Shane wrote:
Awesome article those are 2 great wines.