Suggestions from Philippe Lapeyrie.
Also listen: Generous wines with comforting winter dishes!
1. A powerful and energetic Iberian Albarino!
Albarino 2021
Paco and Lola
Rias Baixas – Galicia – Spain
Code: 12475353
Price: $20.95
Availability: + 500 bottles online and 140 branches in the provinces
Residual sugar per liter: 2.1 grams
Serve at 9-10 degrees Celsius
Goes well with: fresh oysters, mussels marinière or an appetizer of fried squid drizzled with lemon juice.
If, like me, you are a fan of tight, straightforward, lively and invigorating white wines, you will fall for this Galician wine. The one I'm hailing here offers lemony fumes as well as a mouth that's about as drooling as possible. No unnecessary techno fluff, no sugar, no wood… just a pure, clean, dry, al dente and well stretched white wine. Take advantage of youthfulness by consuming the bottle within 12 to 18 months of purchase.
2. A very elegant and excellent Pinot Bourguignon!
Pinot Noir 2021
Old vines – Domaine du Château Philippe Le Hardi
Mercurey – Burgundy – France
Code: 15044217
Price: $33
Availability: 130 bottles online and 110 branches in the provinces
Residual sugar per liter: 1.4 grams
Serve at 16 degrees Celsius
Goes well with: Fondue Bourguignonne, braised sweetbreads or fried wild mushrooms.
We had a great time tasting this delicious, racy and delicious Pinot Noir with my beautiful Véro. We were initially seduced by the aromas of blackcurrant syrup, cranberries, grenadine and crushed cherries. And what can we say about its supple, juicy and just enough delicious mouthfeel with fine and well-chiseled tannins? A little advice? Do you have a “loose” $100 this week? So put three cones of this Burgundian beauty in the darkness and freshness of your secret hiding place! Your patience could be rewarded in the next 5 to 7 years.
3. A colorful and very expressive Argentine Malbec!
Malbec 2020
Old Vines – La Linda – Bodegas Luigi Bosca
Mendoza – Argentina
Code: 14029111
Price: $16.25
Availability: + 500 bottles online and 125 branches in the provinces
Residual sugar per liter: 1.8 grams
Serve at 16 degrees Celsius
Goes with: a steak or fillet of beef and grilled vegetables.
This intense (but not too much!) South American Malbec will appeal to lovers of wines with a modern and new world signature. It's dark, engaging, all in one piece and very tasty. However, we don't fall into overconcentration and/or congestion, because the freshness is there. Without being phenomenally complex or immensely profound, the product is flawless at just $16. You can extend the bottle in your personal supply for approximately 3 years.