Tag Archives: vinopolpick

VinopolPick: Domaine Fougeray de Beauclair, Burgundy 1-19-17

January 2017

Parceled vineyard ownership can make Burgundy’s Côte d’Or seem chaotic. But this allows small, family growers like Fougeray de Beauclair to produce twenty-one wines from the Côte de Nuits and de Beaune. Founded in 1978, Fougeray de Beauclair grows Pinot Noir and Chardonnay across 45 acres, from straight-forward villages like Marsannay and Fixin, to prestigious Bonnes Mares, to richly structured Puligny-Montrachet. Patrice Olliver has been growing and making wine at Fougeray de Beauclair, created by his parents-in-law, for over two decades. Synthetic fertilizers were abandoned, and the sorting of grapes takes place in the vineyard and at the winery. Quality becomes a matter of pride at a domaine of this size. The wines get oak in the proportion they deserve: 15 months in 30% new for the Gevrey-Chambertin, 18 months in 100% new for the Bonnes Mares, 6 to 8 months in 50% new oak for the Puligny-Montrachet.… Read the rest

VinopolPick: Ayres Vineyards and Winery 1-13-17

brad-ayresDown to earth: Ayres grows and makes wines in the true Oregon tradition. From certified-sustainable viticulture in the Ribbon Ridge AVA, to hands-off winemaking (learned at Domaine Drouhin Oregon), and extremely reasonable pricing, Ayres represents Willamette Valley Pinot Noir with respect. The Lewis Rogers Lane and Perspective cuvees satisfy that plump red/blue fruit craving, while the Pioneer gives a deeper, darker taste. Meanwhile, to keep it bright, fresh, and under $20 a bottle, the Willamette Valley 2015 already drinks wonderfully. Pick one, two, or all four to taste and we’re sure you’ll add Ayres to your list of favorite Oregon producers. They’re definitely one of ours. – Daniel

Ayres Lewis Rogers Lane Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2014 750ML ($34.95) Buy Now $29 special, 23 bottles available, in-stock

Ayres Perspective Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2014 750ML ($29.95) Buy Now $26 special, 23 bottles available, in-stock

Ayres Pioneer Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2014 750ML ($39.95) Buy Now $33 special, 18 bottles available, in-stock

Ayres Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2015 750ML ($24.95) Buy Now $19 special, 31 bottles available, in-stock

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