Thursday, January 6, 2011

It's OK to like Chardonnay!! Louis Latour Saint-Veran Les Deux Moulins 2007, Burgundy France

I am a fan of Chardonnay.   I'm not afraid to admit it.  Nor should you, especially when it tastes as good this one. One of my many New Year's resolutions is to learn (drink) more about French wines.  I have been very lax in my knowledge about Burgundian so we will learn together.

I like Saint Véran wines for many reasons.  1) They have a nice balance of minerality, toast and citrus/apple flavors and aromas. 2)They are well priced under and around $20. 3) You sound very sophisticated saying the name Sahn Verahn!!

Here's a little information about St. Véran.  It's located in the very south of Burgundy (before you get to Beaujolais country), this is just north of Lyons. The St. Véran vineyards are found bordering the Pouilly-Fuisse vineyards (remember these wines - they were hugely popular in the 70's and 80's in the US and have since fallen a little out of favor with younger drinkers).  Where Pouilly-Fuisse Chardonnay is bigger, bolder, and more powerful, Chardonnay from St. Véran is a little leaner version of that.  The soils of St. Véran are chalky - not the coveted limestone of the Grand Cru, however, the chalkiness still gives the wines some beautiful clean minerality.  Often there is less or no oak used.  The wine I had was stainless steel fermented although it felt rich and I thought I could detect some toastiness.

Basically, if you are looking for a great value and extremely tasty wine that won't set you back more than $20 venture into St. Véran.  The wines are mineral driven, crisp and lemony with hints of pear and golden apple. They are not oaky bombs by any stretch of the imagination.  If you long for that, best find some butterscotch hard candy!

Don't fear Burgundy!  Go for it!!
color: pale gold
nose: peach, pear, citrus
palate: golden apple, mineral, lemon

Approximate Price: $17.99
 
 

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