Staff Pick French Wines
French wine makes up the largest section of our store. Often, that can be intimidating. If you’re not able to make it in to speak with one of our expert sales associates, bank on one of their French wine staff picks below.
L’Effet Papillon Blanc, Dom. Le Roc des Anges $13.96
It wasn’t too long ago that Languedoc-Roussillon was known as the wine lake, thanks to its output of quantity over quality. The butterfly as part of the name and label design of this wine is an accurate representation of the magical transformations that can occur with some effort. A beautiful and aromatic wine made from Grenache Blanc and Macabeo. – Bambi Ray, Sales Manager
Souleil Vin de Bonte Rouge $15.96
This chillable red provides a great way to welcome spring. Light bodied with flavors of fresh berries and herbs, it pairs nicely with spring veggies like asparagus and artichokes. – Chung Park, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Reuilly Blanc “Les Pierres Plates,” Denis Jamain $21.96
Sauvignon Blanc grown on a vein of Kimmeridgian limestone in the Loire? Yes, please! Somewhere in between a Sancerre and a Chablis, this wine exudes minerality with a concentration that is quite impressive. Denis Jamain wants us to seek out the Reuilly appellation, as he believes there is world-class potential here. After experiencing this wine, it’s hard not to believe him! – Alex Malecki, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
À Rose, Rouge, Dom. des Amiel $28.96
I’m continually astounded by the value for money of all the Domaine Des Amiel wines we carry here at Astor. The À Rose is no exception. A rich, brooding red made from 100% Alicante Bouschet that’s got balance, structure, and finish for miles. If you’re looking for old world alternatives to west coast reds on the bolder side I’d say, start with this one. – Simon Gouldstone, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Ch. Barbeyrolles Rouge $34.96
A great Provence blend in which the biggest component is Syrah. You’ll notice flavors of blackberries, plums, and spices all supported by a great silky mouthfeel and smooth tannins. Vineyards situated in the beautiful peninsula of Saint Tropez, very close to the Mediterranean sea, plus organic and biodynamic practices join in creating this amazing affordable wine! – Andrea Fraccari, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Vacqueyras Blanc, Mas de Restanques $36.96
You don’t see much white wine from the cru villages in Rhône, so this Vacqueyras Blanc is a rare treat. Bright and aromatic on the nose, then both textured and crisp on the palate, here is a wine to complement food and fun. – Josh Mizrahi, Sales Manager
Rully Blanc “Montagne La Folie” Claudie Jobard $38.96
The beauty of white Burgundy is how it can perfectly balance the richness of oak with the pure, mineral expression of Burgundian terroir, and it would just take one glass of this Rully to convince anyone of that. A fuller-bodied style that, in all honesty, reminds me of Meursault at half the price, it shows off honeyed aromas of hazelnut, citrus zest, stone fruit, and wood spice with a fantastic beam of flint and saline on the lingering finish. – Jon Miner, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Baux de Provence “Cornaline”, Hauvette $59.96
An extraordinary example of an age-worthy, elegant wine from the South of France, Dominique Hauvette’s Cornaline was love at first swirl. This is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon, and although pale in color the aromas are full of intense red and black fruit—cherries, strawberries, and black currant—followed by herbal and floral notes. It’s light and fresh, yet intense with all the elements of fruit, earthy garrigue, dusty tannins, and savoriness coming together to form one fine sip. – Amy Miller, Sales Manager