Gloomy summer days get me down. But yesterday the sun finally decided to make a cameo appearance after a week of being incognito. I'm telling you, it's just not normal for clouds and mid 60 degree temperatures to be dominating Portland in July! That’s why people live here… for amazing summers full of sunshine and gorgeous days (don’t tell anyone I told you that). But yesterday the sun returned, and that was reason alone to celebrate and bust out a potential candidate for the summer wines 2009 list!
I had been looking forward to this wine ever since Darryl at cork • a bottle shop told me it was a great wine and great deal. Now, Darryl has great taste and a great wine selection at his shop, but sadly I probably won’t be going back for more of this particular wine. Not that its not a good wine… just not my personal style… so I am sorry my friend, the 2005 Champalou Vouvray Fondraux, you're out of the running for this years perfect summer wines '09.
Wine #5 in my quest for the perfect summer wines
2005 Champalou Vouvray Fondraux
This wine, from the Loire region of France, is composed of Chenin Blanc grapes and retails for $15.
At first the wine had a strong petrol aroma which mellowed out after some time being open. Along with the petrol was some pretty honey, apples, and pear followed by more baked apples, pineapple, pear and sweetness on the palate. A very soft wine with an almost creamy finish the wine would certainly appeal to those who like some residual sugar on the palate. For me, it’s just not my cup of tea for an everyday summer wine. I can definitely see why many would love this wine. It is easy drinking, soft, approachable and slightly sweet. I could see it pairing well with food, but for me I prefer them a bit more dry.
I do recommend this wine if you are a fan of Chenin Blanc, if you enjoy wines that are slightly sweet, or if you are exploring new wines in general. Will I be going back for more? Probably not. But I am glad I tried it. I always tell people you have to try all wines that you have the opportunity to in order to find what you like best. You may surprise yourself. I know I have!
Winery: EARL Champalou
Region: Vouvray (within the Loire region of France)
Grapes: Chenin Blanc
Retail: $15
As seen locally at cork • a bottle shop
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