Natural Wine Tasting
Thursday, Aug 31st, 4pm - 6pm
Vibrant Natural Wines to Soak Up the Long Weekend! Another Beautiful Round-up From Natural Importer, Jenny & Francois Selections!
Natural European Wine Tasting
Le Petit Bijou
Thursday, August 31st
4pm - 6pm, $20
With Special Guest, Ricardo Ponce of Alternative Wines
Call 256-964-7980 to Reserve!
We present the wines of small vineyards in this competitive worldwide market, in order to defend an endangered species — winemakers who work like artisans, crafting a different wine each year. They do not impose a preconceived taste on their wines, but look to be surprised by what nature gives them — natural wines. - Jenny & Francois Selections
Bosco Falconeria Nero D'Avola, Sicily, Italy
Bosco Falconeria is located 40 miles west of Palermo, Sicily in the hills overlooking the Gulf of Castellammare and has belonged to the Simeti family since 1933. Antonio Simeti and his wife, Mary Taylor Simeti, took over the property in the 1980’s, diversifying the land and increasing the property to over 35 acres. At the end of the 2000s, their daughter Natalia has gradually taken over and has thrown all her passion into working the land, where she makes the wine alongside her father. The winery is located 250 meters above sea level and the soil is very fertile, with a lot of limestone. Bosco Falconeria also bottles their own extra virgin olive oil and sells their fruit and vegetables to specialty stores in Palermo. The farm obtained official organic certification in 1989.Vinification Method: 10-12 day spontaneous fermentation, aged 5 months in stainless steel tanks.
Tasting Note: Intense red in color, persistent bouquet with strong cherry accents, smooth and pleasantly tannic taste.
Pairing: Excellent for accompanying roast meats and aged cheeses.
Gaspard Cabernet Franc, Loire Valley, France $20.99
Grapes: Cabernet Franc, Cot
Vineyard: Clay and limestone. 25 – 60 years old vines, farmed organically (in conversion).
Personality: One of the typical grapes of the area, the Cabernet Franc instantly entices you with its smooth tannins and dark fruit flavors mingled with spicy / earthy undertones. Enjoy lightly chilled, on its own or next to some roast beef, BBQ, country hams or rustic patés.
Pirouettes Pinot d'Hubert Et Christian, Alsace. France $34.99
40+ year-old vines on gneiss soils
Les Vins Pirouttes is a project from Alsace’s leading natural winemaker, Christian Binner, to promote more + affordable natural wines from the region, and to help organic/biodynamic grape growers there move away from selling their grapes to cooperatives, towards making and bottling their own wines. Each Pirouettes cuvee is a partnership between Christian and a young Alsatian winemaker, who provide the grapes and the winery, while Christian teaches and helps them how to make world-class, low-intervention wines. Like this gorgeous, bright, cherry-spicy Pinot Noir, which nothing added, including so2. It’s like a pair of warm fuzzy slippers over thigh-high stockings – comfortable and familiar yet with a subtle, racy, edge. And so delicious, with juicy Marasca cherries, pine resin, cherry cola and zested orange peel. Serve slightly chilled and try not to gulp.
Where's Linus Red, Mendocino, California $19.99
Jenny found Chris by luck when looking for a good source of friendly-priced natural wines from California, in January 2020. The name Where’s Linus? follows the tradition of giving Jenny & Francois house labels congenial first names
As an African American vintner, Chris works to promote diversity and inclusion in the wine industry through speaking engagements, podcasts, and mentorship opportunities for aspiring vintners and winery owners. Chris is a true medieval-history nerd, even naming his own winery after a battle in the Hundred Years War.
Vineyard: Venturi Vineyards in Calpella, Mendocino County. CCOF Organically Grown and Dry Farmed
This dry farmed blend of Zinfandel and Petite Sirah is deep with dense, juicy notes of black currant, blackberry, blueberry jam, and chocolate. Ample acidity provides a refreshing core that is low in tannin for optimal approachability. Organic farming with minimal sulfur.
Azimut Brut Nature Cava, Penedes, Spain $19.99
Owned by the Suriol family, Cellers de Can Suriol del Castell is known for making wines and vintage Cava with personality in the organic wine-making tradition. All of their wines are estate bottled.
The Can Suriol vineyards and winery are situated in Alt Penedes, Province of Barcelona, Catalunya. This region is justifiably famous for producing fine wines and cava. The cultivation of the Can Suriol vineyards is done by 100% organic methods as certified by the CCPAE (until 2007 NOP certification)
Tasting Note: Pale yellow, with small and constant bubbles. It boasts a complex and intense aroma of mature white fruit. The palate is soft but elegant.
Where's Linus White, Mendocino, California $20.99
Chris Christensen of Bodkin Wines, Sebastopol, sources organic, sustainable grapes from N. California vineyards, such as Venturi in Mendocino. Winemaking is minimal, with spontaneous fermentation, aging on lees, and minimal SO2 additions. The Sauvignon Blanc is lightly hazy, unfiltered & has notes of gooseberry & citrus. Christensen is lauded for activism & winemaking, being named to Wine Enthusiast's 40 Under 40 and as a figure to watch in the American wine industry.
Gaspard Rose, Loire Valley, France $17.99
Fruity and natural rosé wine with red berry flavors, medium acidity, notes of minerals, hints of salt, and a peppery finish!
Tasting Notes: Bubble gums, cranberries, raspberries, watermelons, white pepper, and limestones!
Pairing Suggestions: Gruyere Cheese Puffs, Thai Beef Salad, Cranberry Stuffed Portabella Mushrooms
Gaspard is one of Jenny & François’ house labels – wines that come from our exclusive cooperation with carefully selected winemakers from France and beyond. It’s Jenny’s great pleasure to bring you wines that are kinder to both nature and your budget while being very delicious, and these Loire Valley creations definitely tick all the boxes! - Jenny and Francois