French Wine Tasting
Featuring Jeffrey Alpert Selections
Le Petit Bijou
Friday, February 28th
4pm - 6pm, $20
With very Special Guests, Perry & Allaina of International Wines
256-964-7980 to Reserve
"Our love of wine evolved into a love of natural wines and over the years, our palate has taken us into the direction of wines of the terroir. We are now dedicated to introducing French producers who are just as passionate about their land as they are about their wines. They treat the vine with the utmost respect and care, so that their products simply convey the richness of their terroir with no unnecessary additives." - Jeffrey Alpert
NV Dom Guion La Bete De Benais Methode Traditionelle Rose, Loire Valley, France $35.99
Stéphane has made his first ever methode traditionnelle sparkling rosé from Cabernet Franc vines in a new parcel on clay/limestone soils in Benais. We can't say that it's equal to the Marie-Courtin "Indulgence," but it's a delightful wine! The color is a pretty, very pale pink with subtle aromas of raspberry and earth; the palate is refreshing and dry, but not too dry, with a creamy mousse and classic Cabernet Franc berry fruit and mineral flavors that linger in the finish. It's a sheer delight, perfect for a summer brunch or evening aperitif. (The label commemorates (?) a monstrous wolf or wolves who attacked hundreds of people around the village of Benais in Bourgueil in 1693, if we believe the folk-tale. Google "La Bête de Benais" for many accounts in French and English).
NV La Folle Berthe Folles Bulles Sparkling Rose, Loire Valley, France $34.99
Winemaking: softly pressed grapes to produce a gently pink juice; pétillant naturel
‘Folles Bulles’ is a bouquet of tarragon, sage, rosehip, ripe strawberries… a thundershower of herbs and flowers and dewy red fruit.
As David does not shy away from a slow fermentation and long élevage. Drinkers will be rewarded with wines that a fully realized and brim with the energy and finesse. A final fun fact: the name La Folle Berthe (meaning crazy bear in French) comes from a pun on David’s last name...Foubert!
2021 Chateau De Bouillerot Jardin D`Hiver Bordeaux Blanc, Bordeaux, France $25.99
Embark on a sensory voyage with this White Bordeaux, where delicate oak whispers mingle with lively acidity, orchestrating a symphony of elegant citrus flavors akin to white grapefruit. The winemaker's touch harmoniously balances freshness and depth, offering a tantalizing experience. Pair this divine creation with seared scallops on a bed of risotto or herb-roasted chicken for an exquisite culinary duet that will elevate your dining experience to new heights.
2023 Romuald Valot Chyrsalide, Beaujolais, France $28.99
Valot Primeur!!!! Gamay from vines labeled by Nature and Progress, planted on granitic soils, on two parcels in Quincié-en-Beaujolais, classified as Beaujolais Villages. Manual harvest, respect of the whole bunch in order to preserve the indigenous yeasts. Natural vinification without inputs: whole clusters, two weeks of semi-carbonic maceration, pressing, two short months of aging in vats (primeur wine!). Bottled at the Estate without filtration or added sulfur. Zero/zero.
Originally from Burgundy, Romauld Valot has spent the last decade forging a new path in the remote hills of the Beaujolais. The vines are planted over granite and are a hundred years old. At five hundred meters above sea level, they are amongst the very highest in the region but most importantly, they are a world away from most in the area, allowing Romauld to be alone with nature. He has since acquired a further eight hectares of vines elsewhere in the region and also farms a hectare in the Côte de Beaune’s Ladoix, from which he produces a sublime Pinot Noir.
2022 Jean Max Le Rouge A Lievre, Beaujolais, France $43.99
This gamay came from a single vineyard in St. Germain Nuelles, and 50 year old vines rooted in calcareous soils. It was native fermented and carbonically macerated before aging in barrel 9 months, with minimal sulphur added before bottling. 3450 bottles and 40 magnums made. Perfumed peony, fragrant wildflowers, wild raspberry runs the length of this slight palate, with fine, lightly sticky tannins hugging the sides, and a buoyant, lofted acidity sailing this through a saline finish. So charming, much like the hare on the label.
2021 Marc Delienne Maurice Fleurie, Beaujolais, France $43.99
Dive into the soulful Fleurie Maurice by Marc Delienne, where red fruit and blueberry notes intertwine like a lyrical dance. This homage to tradition whispers delicate whispers of earthiness and bursts of fruity vibrancy. Pair this unique wine with herb-roasted chicken or a creamy camembert to elevate your dining experience.
Marc Delienne learnt the viticultural trade at the Trévallon domain in Provence with Eloi Durrbach. In 2015, he purchased a property with 14 hectares in Fleurie, believing strongly in the region's potential for growth in fine wine. He set out to convert the domain to organic production, then to biodynamics in 2016. The domain has now been fully certified for 2 years. Since this wine makers first vintages, he has been making flavourful and balanced wines with delicate tannins and notes of red fruits and blueberry. One to watch in Beaujolais!