Wine of the Month - May 2012
2011 Jongieux Blanc, Eugene Carrel & Fils - $11.99
We successfully featured a lovely white from the France’s Savoie region a couple of years ago, so we were delighted to find another fantastic Savoie white recently, especially at this price.
The Carrel estate is in the Jongieux appellation, southwest of Geneva, where they meticulously farm Jacquere, Altesse and Mondeuse varietals. This Jacquere-based white is sourced from fully ripe, but delicate grapes (the southwest facing vineyards allow this full maturation on the vine) that have a naturally low natural sugar/alcohol level. Hugh Johnson once characterized Jacquere as follows; “you are drinking bottled mountain air”. We agree.
This lovely example is certainly fresh and lively, with ample floral aromas, crisp apple and citrus on the palate. For such a vital wine, it is also surprisingly weighty. Pair this with a charcuterie and cheese plate, grilled fresh- water fish or a simple quiche.
We successfully featured a lovely white from the France’s Savoie region a couple of years ago, so we were delighted to find another fantastic Savoie white recently, especially at this price.
The Carrel estate is in the Jongieux appellation, southwest of Geneva, where they meticulously farm Jacquere, Altesse and Mondeuse varietals. This Jacquere-based white is sourced from fully ripe, but delicate grapes (the southwest facing vineyards allow this full maturation on the vine) that have a naturally low natural sugar/alcohol level. Hugh Johnson once characterized Jacquere as follows; “you are drinking bottled mountain air”. We agree.
This lovely example is certainly fresh and lively, with ample floral aromas, crisp apple and citrus on the palate. For such a vital wine, it is also surprisingly weighty. Pair this with a charcuterie and cheese plate, grilled fresh- water fish or a simple quiche.
