380 THE ADVOCATE
VOL. 79 PART 3 MAY 2021
and that influence shows. The grapes are from dry-farmed, 40-year-old
vines and hand-harvested, and the wine is fermented on wild yeasts and
aged partly in stainless steel and partly in large oak barrels. It is rated 90
points and a best buy by Wine Spectator. Aromas are of ripe peach, yellow
plum and cantaloupe melon, with a backbone of rich lemon. The flavours
are rich stone fruit, with some pineapple, a bit of butterscotch and spice. It
has a long, soft finish. While this wine does well on its own as a sipper, it
will pair even better with Asian dishes (particularly Indian), an oilier fish
such as salmon or halibut, or grilled or barbequed shellfish, as well as rich
soft cheeses.
GABRIEL MEFFRE ST. VINCENT CÔTES-DU-RHÔNE BLANC 2019
ADOP, Côtes-du-Rhône, France #888958 $17.99
This is a typical white Rhône blend of Grenache Blanc, Viognier and Roussanne
from the southern part of the valley. Aromas are lemon peel, green
peach and apricot pit, white flowers and crisp McIntosh apple; flavours on
the fuller palate (that has clearly benefitted from lees stirring) are similar
plus some green pear and mineral notes with a long, crisp finish. It will pair
well with white fish or seafood (the winery suggests poached cod in a
creamy sauce).
As an aside, St. Vincent, for whom the wine is named, was born in the
third century in Spain and is considered the patron saint of winegrowers.
The name Vincent is derived from the Latin word vincere, which means “to
conquer”. His celebratory day is January 22.1
JANARE LA GUARDIENSE FALANGHINA DEL SANNIO 2019
DOC Campania, Italy #863313 $19.99
This is an unusual Italian wine. I mean that in a good way. The Falanghina
grape is an ancient variety reputed to have originated in Greece. It was
renowned in Ancient Rome and is now enjoying a local renaissance in Campania.
Let us hope that continues and spreads. This version has a lovely
straw-yellow colour. Aromas are golden lemon, apricot and spice, mixed with
floral notes of honeysuckle and honey. The flavours on the rich, medium-dry
palate are melon, ripe yellow peach, tropical fruit (mostly pineapple and
mango), some lemon curd and salty minerals on a long, full finish. It is a great
sipper or a match for richer white fish or other seafood like halibut or prawns,
or a roast chicken or creamy pasta, or with a white pizza.
DOMAINE SAINT FERRÉOL LES VAUNIÈRES ROSÉ 2019
AOC Coteaux Varois en Provence, France #880096 $22.99
Rosé wine has its own unique flavour profiles, and this is a good example.