This text is part of the special Pleasures notebook
Suggestions to accompany the Holidays, from sparkling wine to wine, ending with spirits.
” Thank you life ! » This is the name of the chic bakery (which, however, did not have it easy in 2023) located near Piedmont in the Laurentians. It is also a tribute to the winegrowers who generously encapsulated life for us in bottles which have never been as colorful and diverse as in this vintage which is ending. Bread and wine: all humanity is accommodated there, provided that, of course, humans find their essence to share. What I share with you with these few last minute inspiring nuggets. Yes, really… thank you life!
The appetizer with bubbles
Turbullent, Domaine Sérol, Vin de France ($24.55 – 14718161)
The ideal bubble? This natural sparkling, low in pressure but devilishly full of fruity passion, stimulates and nourishes a palate that is light, creamy, lively and dynamic with Gamays whose joie de vivre is manifest here. In the circumstances, yes, the ideal bubble! (5) ***
Ca’del Bosco Cuvée Prestige Extra Brut, Franciacorta, Italy (46.25 – 11008024)
The exquisite finesse of this classic method where Chardonnays dominate already places you where champagnes of the same price are thinking of retreating. Yes, finesse and style with just the right amount of rigor, but also sensuality and length. Santa Claus is Maurizio Zanella! (5)****
Also
• Crémant de Bourgogne Brut, Manciat-Poncet, France
($28.45 – 14209614 – (5) ***)
• Mestres Cava Gran Reserva Brut Nature 2016, Spain
($38 – 14316938 – (5) ***1/2)
• Champagne Wilmart & Cie Grand Cellier d’Or Brut 2018, Champagne, France
($108.75 – 12341259 – (5)****1/2)
The continuation with the whites
Burgundy 2022, Emmanuel Fellot, France ($23.50 – 14703946)
Burgundy is overpriced, but not here, with this organic whose bright sap shines brilliantly against a background of rounded texture of apple and apricot core. Not complicated but very clear, stimulating and very digestible. (5) ***
Chenin de Jardin 2022, J. Mourat, Vin de France ($21.95 – 13985881)
It becomes a garden sprite, this little chenapan of very dry, light, alert and very lively Chenin Blanc. It’s because it has more than one trick up its sleeve with its dazzling flavor which never ceases to reignite thirst without satisfying it, a hellish mechanism during the festivities that lie ahead! (5) ***
Also
Riesling “Muenchberg” 2021, Domaine Ostertag, Alsace, France
($75.25 – 739821 – (5+) © ****)
Finally, the reds!
Pinot Noir “Les Jamelles” 2022, Pays d’Oc, France ($15.75 – 10802904)
Times are tough, even at $15.75, but the happy family table will find something to suit them with this light, supple, invigorating red, which also “speaks” of Pinot, especially well chilled between two slices of tourtière. (5) **1/2
Pomerol 2020, Jean-Pierre Moueix, Bordeaux, France ($37.75 – 739623)
The Moueix clan once again rolls out the velvety red carpet of its cherished Merlots in this sunny vintage which here rewards a palate that did not ask for so much! Not just “vat funds” from the many in-house properties, but a reliable and honest signature that is up to the task, with its richly embroidered, high-quality tannins. (5) © *** 1/2
Rosso di Montalcino 2022, Casanova di Neri, Tuscany, Italy ($34.75 – 14730805)
Nothing to do with a “little” Brunello, but rather a “big” Rosso very cleverly dressed, as if the almost new clothes of the eldest had been given to the youngest, who is here very well dressed at a price family. High fruity hold here with impeccable outline, generous in ripe tannins, great freshness and long range. And yes, at this price, your meatball stew will never have been so impressed! (5+) © *** 1/2
Also
Côtes-du-Rhône 2021, Rhonea, Visan, France
($18.50 – 14014121 – **1/2)
And for the more spiritual
Cognac Château de Montifaud VSOP, Petite Champagne, Poitou-Charentes, France ($89.25 – 12794151)
It’s not my mother’s 93 years that prevents her from religiously serving a thimble of this cognac that I make it a point to offer her regularly. Life goes on, right? ****
Also
Old Gin, St-Laurent Distillery, Quebec
($53 – 14951878 – ***1/2)
This content was produced by the Special Publications team at Duty, relating to marketing. The writing of the Duty did not take part.