Friday Sips


THE CELLAR DOOR'S FRIDAY WINES
Southern France Reds Under 20


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2019 COURBISSAC MINERVOIS
'LES TRAVERSES'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Beloved Minervois has taken on newfound popularity with wine geeks due to its rising qualities in the bottle. This is one such example of a Languedoc wine that I have been shouting about over the last several years. Many of the same grapes used here are in the Rhone Valley but undiscovered terroirs are to the forefront, we now know that these wines are very different due to this area of Languedoc having different soils, elevation and vastly different temperatures and surroundings.

Made from almost equal portions of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre. Offering up ambrosial scents of strawberry, black licorice, some plum and smoked meat with depth but cooler, elevated freshness so never to be cloying or boozy. Penetrating and elaborate in the mouth with layers of flavor and refinement, excellent body in the middle and back with an uncommonly long, dark finish that is decidedly marked with cracked black pepper notations. Enjoy this superb French wine over the next few years, especially with hearty stews, perhaps laced with olive.



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2020 PESQUIE VENTOUX ROUGE
'LES TERRASSES'
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE

60% Grenache 40% Syrah, the compelling Rhone red always rocks the house. Formerly known as Cotes-de-Ventoux, Ventoux is the region characterized by alternating hills and valleys that closely surround Mont Ventoux and extend back to the Dentelles de Montmirial. Many youthful producers are changing the image of this region in small increments, fighting against the local co-op menace and putting forth excellent wines that really are reflective of their varying terroirs.

The word Terrasses comes from the Latin word terras, which literally means, "lump of earth". This flavorful yet tender wine exudes the personality of Provence. Aromas of lavender, smoke, thyme and pepper lead into a deceptively deep textured wine with substance and soul. A fine all-season selection that works well with slow-roasted lamb or stews in winter as well as grilled fare in summer. Enjoy this savory Southern French treat over the next 3-4 years.






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