Tag Archives: blanc

Wines of the Day: Lillet Aperitif Blanc and Rose NV 5-9-2016

Lillet Rose Aperitif ($21.95) Buy Now: $18.90 special

Lillet Blanc Aperitif ($23.95) Buy Now: $19.90 special

“The two Lillet aperitifs come from the Bordeaux region of France using regional grapes. The base wine is matured in oak and flavored with sweet and bitter oranges. The aperitifs are less bitter in flavor than most with a gentle sweetness that is not cloying. The Rose incorporates some of the Rouge for color and has a pretty strawberry and lemon aroma. The Blanc has a more focused citrus aroma. I enjoy both over ice with a spritz of lemon and seltzer.” -Suzanne

Winery note “The main grape variety in Lillet Blanc is Sémillon, which gives it a full, fleshy structure and a smooth, fruity taste with aromas of candied oranges, honey, pine resin and exotic fruits. Full and fleshy on the palate. Like the Blanc, the main grape variety in Lillet Rosé is Sémillon. These wines are combined with natural liqueurs, handcrafted in Podensac from sweet and bitter oranges and berries. It is this meticulously balanced blend that gives the Rosé its delicate aromas of berries, orange blossom and grapefruit. Fresh, lively and fruity. Balanced structure. Slightly acidic.”

Chateau Simone Palette Rose Provence 2014 – April 2016

Chateau Simone Palette Rose, Provence 2014 750ML ($79.95) Buy Now: $59 special

Importer note “This magical and ancient estate in the hills just south of Aix-en-Provence produces a Rosé from the Palette appellation that is outside of category. It is a wine that belies the notion that rosés are simple wines to be drunk up young. We have indulged ourselves with 10-year old Château Simone Rosé and have marveled at the tenacity, vibrancy and complexity of this very serious wine. Expensive yes … but a special experience. A blend identical to the rouge: 45% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, 5% Cinsault, 20% Syrah, Castet, Manosquin, Carignan, Muscat Noir & Blanc. The mineral backbone of this wine is augmented by the flavors and bouquets sourced from the magnificent pines that surround this estate.”

Wine of the Day: Cameron Clos Electrique Blanc 3-31-16

Cameron Clos Electrique Blanc, Dundee Hills, Oregon 2013 750ML ($81.95) Buy Now: $66 special

I’ve made my love for Cameron’s wines no secret within these pages, and there’s likely no end in sight. The reds have been very good company during my first Portland winter – now, however, with an eye towards the spring, I’m excited to drink more of John’s wonderful white wines.

The first thing that the 2013 Clos Electrique Blanc conjures to mind is the lead-in to my notes from the first tasting: “Wow.” It’s so darned easy to drink, with an everlasting finish and lots of layers to sort through as the wine aerates. As I wrote previously, “…honeysuckle, citrus, tarragon, and honey cover the palate while remaining lively and buoyant. Layered and charming, maintaining a balance between force and elegance.”

This one, like many of the Camerons, will age wonderfully. Not that I suggest you exercise any restraint. Drink up, my friends… – Tyler

Winemaker’s note: “Clos Electrique is farmed organically which means that we use elemental sulfur during the growing season to prevent growth of powdery mildew and use copper hydroxide and leaf removal in the vicinity of grape clusters to inhibit botrytis. Insect pests are generally kept in check by cultivation of predatory insects with integrated cover crops. This is one of the warmer vineyard sites in the Red Hills of Dundee and usually is harvested during the second half of September. Yields of the ‘blanc’ generally yields 2.0 tons per acre (27 hl/hectare).”