From Alps to Mediterranean: A Journey Through French Terroir

At our April week two Tasting Table, we're transporting you to France with an exquisite selection that showcases the remarkable diversity of French wine regions. From the cool alpine slopes of Savoie to the sun-drenched vineyards of the Mediterranean and the historic terroirs of the Rhône Valley, this collection offers a perfect introduction to France's winemaking excellence.

The Magic of French Terroir

French winemaking is defined by its reverence for terroir—that magical combination of soil, climate, topography, and human tradition that gives each wine its distinctive character. Our selected wines beautifully illustrate how dramatically different these expressions can be, even within a single country. From limestone and clay to sand and stone, from cool mountain air to the warm Mediterranean breeze, these wines tell the story of their origins in every sip.

This Week's Featured Wines

Bleu Rivage Mediterranee Rosé 2024

Our journey begins along the sun-kissed Mediterranean coast with this elegant rosé that embodies the relaxed sophistication of southern French culture.

With its delicate candy pink hue, Bleu Rivage immediately captures the eye. The nose presents an elegant bouquet dominated by refreshing citrus notes and vibrant red fruits. On the palate, it delivers an expressive character that is both supple and fresh, with impressive intensity that lingers beautifully.

What makes this rosé special is its unique terroir and thoughtful production. The vineyards sit at impressive altitudes between 360-420 meters, primarily in clay-limestone soils with some distinctive plots featuring unusual combinations of bauxite, sand, and marble. This elevation and soil diversity contribute significantly to the wine's complexity and balance.

The winemaking process is equally meticulous—grapes are cooled before gentle pressing, followed by cold settling and careful filtration. Temperature-controlled fermentation (15-17°C) with specially selected yeasts enhances the wine's citrus and white fruit characteristics, resulting in a rosé of remarkable purity and character.

A classic Provençal blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Cinsault, this wine perfectly captures the Mediterranean spirit in a glass—ideal for warm afternoons and light, al fresco dining.

Jean Perrier et Fils Apremont, 2023

From the Mediterranean, we travel north to the dramatic alpine landscape of Savoie, where the Jean Perrier et Fils winery has been crafting wines that express the unique character of this mountainous region.

This remarkable white wine comes from the distinctive Apremont appellation, where vines cling to steep slopes with calcareous soils. The cool alpine climate combined with favorable sunshine results in a wine with vibrant acidity and a pronounced mineral character that speaks clearly of its mountain origins.

In the glass, it presents a shimmering white gold color that catches the light beautifully. The nose offers delicate aromas of white flowers and hawthorn, complemented by intriguing notes of gun flint that reflect the distinctive terroir. On the palate, it delivers a lively, mineral-driven experience with bright lemony notes that culminate in a clean, invigorating finish.

The Jean Perrier et Fils winery approaches winemaking with a commitment to sustainability, focusing on environmental stewardship and vine health. Their production methods emphasize preserving the purity of the Jacquère grape, with fermentation and aging conducted exclusively in stainless steel tanks to maintain freshness and varietal character.

This wine brilliantly showcases the unique alpine terroir of Savoie, offering a refreshing counterpoint to our Mediterranean rosé and a perfect pairing for seafood, alpine cuisine, and hard cheeses.

Ogier Artesis Côtes du Rhône, 2023

Our journey concludes in the historic Rhône Valley with a wine from one of the region's most respected producers, Ogier, whose winemaking tradition dates back to 1859, though their viticultural endeavors began in earnest in 1948.

This classic Côtes du Rhône comes from vineyards situated on the Villafrancien terraces of St. Marcel d'Ardèche and the hills surrounding Avignon and Roquemaure. The terroir is remarkably diverse, featuring a mixture of sand from the "Aigues" valley and layered stones on slopes from the "Plan de Dieu." This varied soil composition provides excellent drainage while maintaining water reserves, allowing the vines to thrive even during periods of hydric stress. The abundant sunshine and the legendary Mistral wind further shape the character of the predominantly Grenache noir vines, which are traditionally gobelet-trained.

In the glass, this wine displays a deep cherry red color with beautiful purple highlights. The nose is remarkably expressive, offering an intriguing combination of spice (particularly cinnamon), garrigue (wild herbs typical of the region), and abundant fruit notes including plums, cherries, and blackberries. Further exploration reveals subtle aromas of bitumen, tobacco, and orange peel.

The palate is silky and full-bodied while maintaining a refreshing vibrancy. The tannins are perfectly integrated, creating a smooth texture that carries through to a superb spicy red fruit finale. This impressive balance of power and elegance is the hallmark of a well-crafted Côtes du Rhône.

The winemaking approach at Ogier reflects both tradition and careful innovation. Grapes are harvested by hand and partially destemmed without crushing to preserve their integrity. Fermentation occurs under precisely controlled temperatures, beginning at 22-23°C and concluding at 30-32°C, with vatting lasting for 30-35 days. Whenever conditions permit, the Grenache and Syrah are co-fermented to enhance the natural synergy between these complementary varieties. After fermentation, the wine matures for 8 months, divided between concrete vats and traditional wooden foeders (large oak barrels of 60-80 hectoliters).

Ogier's commitment to quality extends to their environmental practices as well. Since 2006, all their vineyards have been cultivated organically, demonstrating their dedication to sustainability and the preservation of their remarkable terroir.

This Côtes du Rhône blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault (13.5% ABV) represents the perfect conclusion to our French wine journey, offering a harmonious balance of fruit, spice, and terroir that pairs beautifully with roasted and stewed meats.

A Journey Worth Taking

What makes this collection of French wines so compelling is the remarkable diversity of expressions they offer. From the bright, mineral-driven alpine white to the delicate Mediterranean rosé to the rich, spicy Rhône red, these wines showcase the incredible range of French winemaking while maintaining a common thread of quality, authenticity, and respect for tradition.

We invite you to join us this week to experience these distinctive French wines for yourself. Each bottle offers not just a delicious beverage but a journey to a specific place, with its own unique climate, soils, traditions, and stories. We look forward to sharing these treasures with you at our Weekly Tasting Table!