Tuesday, June 11, 2019

Everything's Coming Up Rosy!

Named for the doyenne of the Bosc family, the charming matriarch Madame Andree Bosc, this elegant and totally delicious 100% Pinot Noir pinky is a real palate-pleaser.

None of that horrid confected kids' candy stuff here: Cuvee d'Andree is close to what the good folks of 17th-Century Bordeaux used to call "clairet" when their own reds were pale and under-appreciated (except by the Brits - claret). Sure, they were using Cabernet, Merlot and other red grapes rather than Pinot, the lordly grape of Burgundy, but Bordeaux reds were light-colored and still are super food-friendly.

Today, too many winemakers misguidedly strive to darken the color of their reds believing that wine drinkers equate deep, dense color with high quality. Not so! Sorry California!

Pinot Noir and also Tempranillo, the great red grape of Rioja, Spain, always tend towards "clairet" in color and their finesse and magic on the palate are above reproach. I've always believed that Tempranillo was taken from Burgundy to Spain by the pilgrim monks traversing the Camino de Santiago and is closely related today.

The Bosc family recommends beef satay and grilled burgers or seared sea scallops with this crisp, dry 2018 VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake release, $16.95 LCBO 333260. The cran-strawberry and white pepper notes bring out the best from BBQ and grilling. Salmon, tuna and rice-based dishes like paella Valenciana would also be my choices.

There's only 500 cases, so get a wiggle on!

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