Tag Archives: biodynamic

Wine of the Day: Bossard Domaine L’Ecu Orthogneiss 2013 4-15-16

Guy Bossard Domaine de l'Ecu Muscadet OrthogneissGuy Bossard Domaine de l’Ecu Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine Sur Lie Orthogneiss, Loire 2013 750ML ($24.95) Buy Now: $19 special

Charming and complex in equal measure, this bottle proves that there’s much more to Muscadet than oysters and easy-drinkin’. The dryness and minerals you’d expect meet a unique palate of melon, citrus fruit, salty ocean air, and an intriguing touch of savory herbs. A lovely problem-solver of a wine, whether one seeks refreshment, no-fuss food pairings, or a respite from the unwarranted barrage of boring white wines which mid-August so often falls victim to. Pro tip: the Orthogneiss also ages terrifically! -Tyler

Wine Enthusiast 91 points “This wine is creamy, rich and has a fragrant, aromatic character. It is full in the mouth, hinting almost at toastiness, certainly vanilla and rich yellow fruits. Ripely concentrated and spicy, it can be drunk now.”

Wine Advocate 90 points “The pale colored 2013 Muscadet Sevre et Maine Orthogneiss has a precise and citric fruit aroma of candied limes, dried apples and brown pips. The palate is quite rich but also piquant, fresh and salty, the finish complex and long. This is another must-taste Muscadet from this terrific biodynamic domaine.

 

Wine of the Day: Domaine Léon Barral Faugeres 2012 4-8-16

Domaine Leon Barral Faugeres 2012 750ML ($37.95) Buy Now: $31.90 special

Leon Barral Faugeres 2012“I remember my first Faugeres wine like my first Jimi Hendrix record: I don’t recall where, or which it was, even, but I remember perfectly the feeling that this was unique, special, worthwhile… So many of the producers in Kermit Lynch’s portfolio have achieved that same effect, at once jarring and welcome. The Faugeres from Barral – like Hendrix – so wonderfully walks that line between edgy and suave, punk and soulful.

“Didier Barral is a postcard producer for Lynch, someone to check in on from time to time to get a feel for that vintage and region, even if he’s riffing differently than the other guys. Farming biodynamically, he relies on a miniature ecosystem in order to work his vines. Cows, pigs, and horses graze freely, begetting mushrooms and earthworms and other beneficial lifeforms. Hippie stuff, but with a purpose.

“This cuvee is a blend of 50% Carignan, 30% Syrah, and 20% Grenache from 40-70 year old vines; all grapes are harvested and sorted by hand, then vinified in cement cuves employing native yeasts. A month of maceration in old wooden vat is followed by a light pressing in a wooden basket press; the wine is then aged for roughly two years in barrel, almost all old. The resulting wine is tinged with rusticity, boasting dark fruit, licorice, and smoked meats. Hold onto a few if you can, but don’t feel bad for popping the cork if you’re feeling particularly groovy…” – Tyler