THE ADVOCATE 695
VOL. 79 PART 5 SEPTEMBER 2021
for the Louis Michel, you may also come across two of its Premier Crus, “Les
Forêts” and “Montée de Tonnerre”. Both are outstanding.
GABRIEL MEFFRE CÔTES DU RHÔNE VILLAGES PLAN DE DIEU
“SAINT MAPALIS” 2018 $18 (B.C. Liquor Stores)
The Plan de Dieu or “Plain of God” is an AOC in the Côtes du Rhône located
between Gigondas and Châteauneuf-du-Pape and known for its stony soil
and surrounding scrubland. We picked up this wine on sale for $16, but
even at its regular price it represents one of the better buys in red wine in
our local market. It is made from Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. It begins
with a prominent and appealing bouquet of “garrigue”, a combination of the
lavender, thyme and rosemary that is ubiquitous in the countryside of
southern France. The wine is fresh and juicy and dangerously easy to drink.
We drank it alongside grilled lamb kebabs that had marinated with some
Dijon and herbs de Provence. It was a perfect pairing.
ARGIOLAS COSTAMOLINO VERMENTINO 2018 $19 (B.C. Liquor Stores)
We consider this to be one of the best white wine buys in British Columbia.
When you drink the Costamolino, its flavour brings to mind the coastal
influences of the Mediterranean Sea and the herbal fragrances that dominate
the Sardinian landscape. This Vermentino, with its aromas and textured
flavours, takes you away to a seaside patio where you might be
enjoying a plate of linguine alle vongole or “fritto misto”. Enough said.
LA CREMA CHARDONNAY SONOMA COAST 2019 $32 (B.C. Liquor Stores)
While many of the Sonoma Coast Chardonnays come at a price tag significantly
north of $50, this offering from La Crema is approachable in both
price and flavour. Typical of the wines of the coast, it displays flavours of
apple, a bright acidity and a hint of vanilla from its minimal contact with
oak. Enjoy this Chardonnay with grilled B.C. spot prawns or seared scallops.
FONTODI CHIANTI CLASSICO 2018 $39 (B.C. Liquor Stores)
Fontodi is owned by the Manetti family and is located in what is known as
the “Conca d’Oro”, or Golden Basin, just south of the village of Panzano in
Chianti. Fontodi is one of the finest producers in Tuscany, known for its magnificent
Flaccianello, a super Tuscan made entirely from Sangiovese.
Fontodi’s Chianti Classico is estate-grown and benefits from high-altitude,
south-facing vineyards that enjoy the heat of day, but cool nights. The “galestro”
soil, rocky and rich in limestone, provides excellent drainage and deep