Friday, March 9, 2012

French Frere Fare

A petite soiree with P-Prince saw SWMBO whip up a meaty meal. Three French wines helped us in our friendship and brotherhood of wine! They also sat comfortable with each other with their connections, somewhat analogous to our bond.

As always, Champagne is a good opener. P-Prince brought out a bottle he’d been waiting to share with someone. While a drink alone is more than acceptable, Champagne needs to be shared. The Taittinger ‘Folie de la Marquetterie’ NV is a lovely addition to this house’s portfolio, a single vineyard near Epernay, and with over 55% Pinot Noir, it had a commonality with the next two wines. Excellent brioche nose and quite a gentle richness and building sweetness, with freshness still to keep the sugar at bay. Just right to entice the palate, and satisfy a thirst.

As the hearty fare appeared, the first of two Pinot Noir table reds. An unusual 2009 Domaine Genevat ’Cuvee Julien’ Cotes du Jura. Plenty of wine here with good weight and bright acid. Flavour interest for SWMBO and P-Prince, and more than enough grip underneath. The flavours certainly on the rustic and countryish side, which I found a little sour cherryish, whereas it was complex to them.

A lesson in class came with the 2009 Drouhin Beaune 1er ‘Greves’, from Burgundy, parallel to the Jura, but far more recognized and noble. The brother of the Jura wine that went to the city. A very good vintage with ripeness and sweet perfumes, building richness and tannin grip, but all with refinement. Perfumed florals and silky textures, and a proportion that spoke of elegance with strength. As with all good Beaunes, accessible too.

Three French brothers, being what they are, and happy with it. Just like us.

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