Spotlight on: Southern France
Skin Contact Wine Can, Benjamin Taillandier – NV $5.96
Benjamin Taillandier took a risk by jumping into the natural wine world, and I’m thankful he did! After branching out from conventional winemaking in 2004, he now has 16 Hectares of biodynamic and organic land that he farms by hand to create his preferred style of lighter, fresher wines. To those still hesitant about wine in a can, allow this skin-contact Muscat Petit Grain to change your mind. With beautiful ginger and floral aromatics, mouthwateringly dry texture, and a long citrus finish, this tiny can is begging to be thrown in the bag for the park or the beach. Enjoy with a spicy chicken sandwich and pour into a glass – you’d never know this stellar orange wine came from a can (but also, who needs a glass?) – Vic Pagan, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Mas de Gourgonnier, Baux de Provence – 2022 $18.99
Quite often I’ll learn a few things from our more astute customers. I picked up a bottle of Mas de Gourgonnier upon a recommendation of one of our visitors. I learned that back in the 70’s, the folks at Mas de Gourgonnier were pioneers in organic vineyard farming. Practicing non interventionist winemaking, they were natural before anyone called wine “natural.” The amount of goodness in this modestly priced Baux de Provence is astounding. Once poured in the glass, you’ll find aromas of red and black fruit, flint, and dried herbs. It first feels silky yet dense on the palate. Mild, grainy tannins begin to appear with a hint of black olive and smoke. Bring a few bottles to your next barbecue. – Chung Park, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Côtes de Provence Rosé “MiP,” Dom. des Diables – 2024 $24.96
Here you have it: that classic Provence rosé! When in doubt, drinkers typically opt for lighter rosé, which has led some producers to make what amounts to very bland acidic water. The “MiP” rosé is very clean and refreshing, but has something else going on, too. If you’re looking for Whispering Angel, this is the perfect substitute, at a much better price. 60% Cinsault, 20% Syrah, and 20% Grenache are left to age on the lees for 4 months after cold fermentation. The resulting wine is crisp with a light texture and easy-peasy to drink. With fruit flavors that are reminiscent of a Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc (think Sancerre) this is a crowd-pleasing fun-time wine. – Josh Mizrahi, Sales Manager
Hermitage “Pierrelle,” Barruol – 2016 $84.99
Few have had a more seismic impact on American wine drinkers than Kermit Lynch. After more than 40 years of importing exquisite, terroir-driven wines from small family producers, his name on a bottle has become synonymous with exceptional quality. It’s as close to a guarantee of a good wine as you can get. In the southern Rhône Louis Barruol is one of his star producers and they often collaborate on wines. This syrah comes from a vineyard at the top of the famed Hermitage hill, and this high altitude lends the wine a certain restraint. It’s traditional in style, with incredible elegance, a beguiling swirl of gorgeous black cherry, tobacco, and earthy notes. This is Old World charm at its absolute best. – Amy Miller, Sales Manager
Condrieu, Philippe Pacalet – 2020 $208.96
The Rhône is a place rich with history and, unfortunately, rules. As a result, few people are allowed to make the prized Condreiu, which means that it takes someone exceptional to make the cut. Enter Phillippe Pacalet, a man steeped in the history of French winemaking. Pacalet is the nephew of Marcel Lapierre, one of the founders of the natural wine movement, and spent his early career working under a list of Burgundy legends. When he started making wine under his own label in 2007, Pacalet focused on bringing natural production back to Burgundy. Ten years on, he made his first Condreiu, which is quickly gaining traction among devotees. The 2020 vintage, made from 35-year old vines grown on a single plot, is pitch perfect: aromas of peach, apricots, herbs, and pear, give way to a rich, mineraly palate that’s worthy of Rhone’s history. – Andrew Linderman, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant