September WINE CLUB - In collaboration with Cowbell Cheese
Domaine Labbé - Abymes Vin de Savoie 2021
This Alpine gem hails from the enchanting village of Abymes in France's Savoie [sav-wah] region, a place where the snow-capped peaks of the French Alps seem to cradle the vineyards. Crafted from the indigenous Jacquère [jah-kehr] grape, Domaine Labbé's creation is a testament to purity and freshness, much like the first snow of the season. (What can we say, Trevor and I are eager for snow already)
Founded by the dedicated brothers, Alexandra and Jerome, in 1975, Domaine Labbé was a labor of love, tended to on weekends after long weeks at their day jobs. Fast forward to 2004, and the next generation, their sons (cousins), assumed the reins of the vineyard, carrying forward the legacy of quality winemaking. This estate may be small, with just about 10 hectares dedicated to the high-yielding Jacquère grape, but it harbors grand ambitions for sustainability. The cousins farm with care, nurturing biodiversity and soil health in their vineyard. When it comes to winemaking, they stay true to tradition, fermenting with indigenous yeasts and aging in stainless steel vessels to preserve the inherent freshness of Jacquère.
Within the Vin de Savoie AOP, the Abymes and neighboring Apremont crus are fascinating as they rest atop the very scree deposited by the catastrophic landslide of Mont Granier in 1248, a historical event that buried 16 then existing villages. 800+ years later and you’ll find a mosaic of vines thriving in this landscape.
Cowbell Cheese pairing: TBD
Faraone Abruzzo Le Vigne Rosso 2018
Montepulciano… is it a grape or a region?? It's both! This bottle is filled with Montepulciano, the grape from the region of Abruzzo which is situated just East of Rome touching the Adriatic Sea. Montepulciano [mon-ta-pull-channo] is a delicious medium-bodied red wine grape that is commonly confused with Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, a regional name for the Sangiovese-based wine in Tuscany. It is the 2nd most planted red grape in Italy (after Sangiovese) and has had a reputation for low-priced juicy “pizza-friendly” red wines. But here in Abruzzo, some producers like the Faraones, have unlocked its incredible potential.
The Faraone family, rooted in tradition, has been crafting traditional Montepulciano d'Abruzzo wines since 1916 when Grandpa Alfonso first cultivated grapes. Giovanni Faraone began making wine commercially in the 1970’s and today son Federico, an experienced oenologist has taken the reins, though still collaborating with Giovanni. Faraone's Montepulciano is a rich, complex red, aged for over two years in large, old casks. Loads of black fruit, savory herbs and a lovely, funky rustic nose. Grippy tannins and a lasting finish of licorice and black currants, this Montepulciano is drinking beautifully now but still has potential for further aging. Never going to dissuade someone from drinking Italian wine with a good pizza but this wine will also pair beautifully with heartier meat dishes like lamb kebabs, a rich lasagna or for me, some marinated grilled oyster mushrooms.
Cowbell Cheese pairing:TBD
Cosse et Maisonneuve Le Combal 2019
Cahors is a region in SW France and thought to be the birthplace of Malbec or Côt as it is known there. Known for producing very rustic reds that can sometimes be intensely tannic and inky, we were very excited to find this more elegant, subtle and balanced style from now infamous and revolutionary producers, Cosse Maisonneuve.
Matthieu Cosse, a former rugby player and accomplished oenologist, and Catherine Maisonneuve, a visionary wine grower, not originally from Cahors, embarked on this journey in 1999. Their journey began with the acquisition of a five-hectare vineyard planted with old vine Malbec near Cahors. Their intention was not to mimic but to create a Cahors in their distinct style that was also reflective of the unique terroir.
Today they farm 28 hectares comprising primarily Malbec but also Cab Franc, Merlot and a touch of Gamay. Diverse plots boast different soils, from clay to limestone and calcareous gravel. All biodynamically farmed and on their way to becoming Demeter certified, everything on the vineyard is done manually with horse assistance. The grapes are hand-harvested, fermented in stainless steel tanks, and aged in old barrels for 12 months. No filtration, no fining, just pure expression.
Cowbell Cheese pairing:TBD