Pairings for January — Beef Wellington
Selections from France44
Domaine de la Pepière Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine
100% Melón (the name of the grape) grown on granite soils just outside of Brittany. “Pepie” means thirst and translates directly to this crisp, racy style. Notes of lime blossom, lemon, pear, and wet stones- clean and mineral with toasty notes from lees aging. This wine is delicate enough for the Chawanmushi, and should also pair nicely with the seafood on the menu- the slight hint of saline should pair really nicely with the dirty martini shrimp cocktail.
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Maison Angelot Bugey Mondeuse
Mondeuse, a cousin of Syrah, is the black grape champion of the Savoie region (located between Burgundy and France's border with Switzerland). The wine is light-bodied and bursting with notes of red currant, tart red cherry, and black pepper. A lighter pairing option for the Wellington- should preferably be served with a slight chill to it.
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Juanvi Viticultor Rubielos de Mora
Moving just over the southern French border into Northeastern Spain, we find the high-altitude region of Aragón. Winemaker Juan Vicente (Juanvi) Alcañiz is intent on revitalizing the native mountain vineyards of the region, and natural farming methods with native yeast fermentation. This wine is 70% Garnacha and 30% Tempranillo, filled with notes of wild ripe strawberry, black cherry, and black currant. A fair amount of tannin is well balanced by naturally high acidity making it a solid fuller-bodied pairing option for the Wellington.
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Chidaine Montlouis Brut Tradition
This Methode Traditionelle sparkling wine is 100% Chenin Blanc from biodynamic farmed vineyards in Montlouis in the Loire Valley, France. The wine shows ripe apple and quince fruit and has a long rich mineral driven finish. A perfect start with a chilled fish spread.
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2019 Chateau Falfas Cotes du Bourg
Proprietor Veronique Cochran is an early adopter of biodynamic farming in Bordeaux and makes incredibly pure and supple wines. This wine leads with Merlot with smaller portions of Cabernet, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec. The wine shows notes of mushroom and dark cherry fruit. A classic pairing for Beef Wellington.
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Warre's Otima 10 Year Tawny Port
Warre's Otima is a revolutionary take on tawny port, offering a fresher and leaner port with vibrancy. It exhibits notes of hazelnut, toffee, and kirsch without cloying sweetness. This will work brilliantly with a cheese plate and toffee pudding leaving your palate stimulated, not overwhelmed.
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Bernard Fouget Vouvray Cuvee 'Zero'
Sparkling wines from the village of Vouvray feature the Chenin Blanc grape and that is a beautiful thing! Chenin has the wonderful capacity to be both concentrated and powerful, yet focused, chiseled and totally dry! The fruit for this Champagne Method bubbly comes from the domaine's parcels grown on the two classic terroirs of Vouvray: limestone and flint (silex in French) which contribute to the wine's dominant mineral quality! A great way to start the meal!
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Morgan Chardonnay Santa Lucia Highland
Morgan Highland Chardonnay is a real showcase for the unique attributes of the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA. The 2022 offering includes 50% fruit from their certified organic Double L estate, with the balance from outstanding neighbors, including McIntyre and Tondré vineyards. The grapes were hand-picked and sorted in the vineyard. Whole cluster pressing preserved the fruit flavors with fresh acidity. Barrel fermentation occurred in 25% new French oak with native and cultured yeasts. Malolactic conversion ensured silky richness and a medium body. This focused, elegant chardonnay features aromas of lemon, ripe pear and baking spices, complemented by flavors of pineapple, lemon curd, and a hint of butterscotch on the palate. Perfect for more savory dishes like Wellington.
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Chateau Pey-Bonhomme Les-Tours Bordeaux
Here we are with a lovely, all Biodynamically farmed wine from a 6th generation family farm that is absolutely delish! It is a blend of 75% Merlot, 15% Cab Franc and 10% Malbec grown on gravel and limestone that is aged in used oak barrel. The wine has such a fresh quality that is rare in this staunch and sturdy winemaking area of France. It is at the same time, wild and unbridled, yet it still retains that classic Bordeaux structure and aromatic set. Probably best to decant me!
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