French Wine Gift - Unique Wines from Independent French Growers

Wine of the Month: January 2005

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The descriptions found below are the ones our members will find with their monthly shipment of two bottles of fine wine from the French Wine Club.

Red: Arrogant Frog 2003

Label Wine of the Month January 2005 Red This is not the first time that the French Wine Club brings wine from Pezenas (Languedoc) to your table. This time, however, it is a little bit more challenging to make a case for it (pun intended) because: a) the shape of the bottle is different, b) the name sounds like a poor joke, and c) horror of horrors, it is topped with a screw cap!

To all of the above I will simply respond: the only thing that matters is the wine itself. While it is obvious that the producers of Arrogant Frog do not take themselves too seriously, the quality is there to enjoy. The blend is usually what you would find in the Bordeaux area: 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Merlot, with a lot of sun and the climate of the Mediterranean Sea. The nose leaps out of the glass with a New World style. It has a deep purple color with intense fruit-driven aromas and a seductive silky palate.

Serve Arrogant Frog with pasta dish, grilled meats or red meats in sauce. Aging potential is 5 to 7 years.

To order, click here: Bottle ($14.75), Case ($141.60 - 20% off!).

White: Domaine de Valensac 2001

Label Wine of the Month January 2005 White The Domaine de Valensac has belonged to the Lafon family for over 100 years. It is located minutes from the Mediterranean Sea, about 40 miles from the city of Montpelier. The property is under the care of young Edwige Thuille, trained in Burgundy, who particularly excels with Chardonnays she vinifies and matures in three different ways.

The vineyards are tended much like an ideal garden. Pruning is short, and plowing is used to air out the soil (sand and clay). Perfect exposition to the sun ensures ideal maturity. Low yields are a priority. This is a 100% Chardonnay. It has a golden, straw yellow color, it is brilliant and aromatic with a lot of finesse and elegance. It is luscious and ripe with fruit flavors, and a lingering finish.

Enjoy Domaine de Valensac with white meats and steamed or grilled fish, or by itself as an aperitif.

To order, click here: Bottle ($14.75), Case ($141.60 - 20% off!).

Previous 12 Wine of the Month Selections:

December 2004:
Red: Cossart de Margaux 1999
White: Clos des Verdots Bergerac 2003

November 2004:
Red: Pelican 2003
White: Ballade en Straminer 2002

October 2004:
Red: Réserve Grand Veneur, Côtes du Rhône 2003
White: Domaine Trois Frères, Chardonnay 2002

September 2004:
Red: Merlot d’Hauterive 2002
White: Domaine des Cassagnoles, Cuvée Gros Manseng 2003

August 2004:
Red: Domaine du Sacré-Coeur, St-Chinian 2000
White: Domaine de la Bachellery, Vin de Pays d'Oc 2003

July 2004:
Red: Shiraz 2002 Laurent Miquel Nord-Sud
White: Viognier 2003 Laurent Miquel Nord-Sud

June 2004:
Red: Clos de L'Escandil 1999, Minervois La Livinière
White: Domaine Lalanne 2002, Vin de Pays des Côtes de Gascogne

May 2004:
Red: Les Domaines Paul Mas “Vignes de Nicole” - Cabernet Sauvignon-Syrah 2001
White: Les Domaines Paul Mas “Vignes de Nicole” - Chardonnay-Viognier 2002

April 2004:
Red: Cuvée de Pena 2001
White: Vin de Pays de l'Aude: La Noble

March 2004:
Red: Côte Chalonnaise 1999
White: Domaine Schlumberger, Pinot Blanc 2002

February 2004:
Red: Château la Bastide, Cabardes, 1999
White: Domaine de Rieux 2002

January 2004:
Red: Julienas 2001
White: Domaine de Molines 1999, Vin de Pays du Gard

December 2003:
Red: Château Castegens, Côtes de Castillon 1998
White: Domaine de Molines 1999, Vin de Pays du Gard

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