Ready for a Change of Pace? Try These Tasty, Affordable Wines From France

I’ve recently been enjoying a variety of red and white wines from France, Italy and Spain. If you seem to be stuck in a rut with the same old domestic label, consider moving out of your comfort zone and give these European wines a try.

From the Gascony region of southwest France comes the LaLande 2005 Sauvignon Blanc (about $10). It’s surprisingly fruit-forward for a European white wine, with generous peach and pear flavors that are capped by a slightly nullherbaceous finish. An interesting side note about this wine is that it’s sustainably vinified with no chemical herbicides used.

The Grange-Rouquette 2005 GSM (about $12) is a delightful red wine blend of grenache, syrah and mouvedre from France’s Languedoc region. The wine’s subtle red berry flavors melt into a savory finish that is highlighted by just a touch of white pepper.

If you don’t find either of these wines on the shelf at your grocer or wine shop just ask for them by name and they can be special ordered for you.

If you’re curious about wines from the Bordeaux region of France, the Chateau Saint-André Corbin 2004 Bordeaux (about $19) is a must-try. This lovely blend of 75 percent merlot and 25 percent cabernet franc shows dense, dark plum flavors rounded by toasted oak and ample tannins that add up to an exceptional, full-bodied red wine.

Then for dessert, treat yourself to the Chateau Les Tuileries 2004 Sauternes (about $17 for 375 milliliters). Intensely floral, it’s loaded with flavors of apricot and spiced apple with a soft, lingering finish of honey and rose hips. You’ll find it at Quel Fromage, located at 1200 Old Fairhaven Parkway in Bellingham.

Next week I’ll offer a few more European wine suggestions from Italy and Spain.

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