CLEVELAND, Ohio – This month we sipped seven wines – four of which are from France.
French wines can be a bit intimidating because of the labels. In the United States, the maker and varietal are at the forefront. But in France, and other nations for that matter, it’s the specific region that is emphasized. But perusing the fine print can help, along with asking your wine-shop owner or knowledgeable worker.
Note: Our monthly reviews focus on wines $25 and under. All should be available on local store shelves. We list flavors we detect, then offer our favorite at the end.
Ventessa
Mezzacorona, Italy, red blend, 2023, $10.99
Simple, fruity and low alcohol. It wasn’t as light as we expected. Would make for a fine-value party wine with burgers or pasta in light tomato sauce. No tannins to speak of. A tasting pal said it would be fine sangria fodder. Drop some fruit and seltzer and you’re good to go.
Belleruche
M. Chapoutier, France, red blend, 2024, $15
Blackberry / dark fruits precede a very long finish. Tannins make themselves known right away. As one of our tasting pals said, it’s a “lot of wine for the price.” You don’t taste such lingering finishes on wines at this price point often. M Chapoutier always seems to offer great values. It’s a blend of mostly Grenache and Syrah.
Blangè Langhe Arneis
Ceretto, Italy, Arneis, 2022, $25
Lime and a bit minerally with just a tad bit of saline. It’s frizzante! So expect an ever so slightly carbonated feel on your palate. Dry with balanced acidity and went well with grilled chicken. It’s from the Langhe region of Piedmont, Italy. Ceretto has been producing wine since the 1930s.
Violet Vines
Violet Vines, Oregon, Pinot Gris, 2023, $17.99
Apricot, lime and some floral notes cross the palate, preceding a dry finish. A well-made Pinot Gris, which is a nice starter wine or perfect to pair with lighter salads. Related: NE Ohio couple opens boutique winery in heart of Pinot Noir country
RN6 So Different
Domaine Dupre, France, Sauvignon Blanc, NV, $14.99
Grapefruit, but not super tart like a New Zealand version of the varietal. Definite lime and lemon-cream pie notes (it went wonderfully with sablefish in, coincidentally, lemon cream sauce). Some white-pepper notes. Good value.
Cuvee Saint Pierre
Domaine St. Vincent, France, red blend, 2021, $24.99
A 50-50 blend of Grenache and Syrah, this wine has a nice spiciness to it along with cocoa powder and some blackberry. Not jammy at all as tannins dance on the finish. Vinsobres is the region.
Saint-Véran Les Charmones
Domaine Thomas, France, Chardonnay, 2023, $24.99
Pear, lime, peach – just slightly acidic to help it stand up to food. Nice finish. Went well with chicken. Saint-Véran is the appellation within France’s Burgundy region.
This month’s favorites
A trifecta rises to the top of a good bunch of wines: Belleruche, Cuvee Saint Pierre and Saint-Véran Les Charmones.
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