If you are in the market for fine French wine and food, why
don't you consider the up and coming wine region of
southwestern France? You may even find a bargain. I hope
that you'll have fun on this fact-filled wine education
tour in which we review a local red wine based on the
indigenous Negrette and the international Cabernet
Sauvignon and Syrah grapes.
Among France's eleven wine-growing regions the South-west
ranks sixth in acreage. Surprisingly enough this is the
first wine that we have reviewed from this region. The most
famous alcoholic beverage produced in this beautiful region
is Armagnac that many prefer to Cognac. Parts of this
region neighbor Bordeaux so don't be surprised that some of
the local wines are quite good, and yet more moderately
priced than many of its world-famous neighbor's offerings.
If you are visiting southwestern France, and you really
should, make sure to stop by the village of Bergerac that
was not the home of the famous Cyrano de Bergerac who
actually lived in Paris in the first half of the
Seventeenth Century. The town is beautiful. Market days are
Wednesday and Saturday. You can take a guided walking tour
of the old city and cruise the Dordogne River from Easter
to October. The Cloitre des Recollets was a convent and now
hosts a wine business. Go a few miles south to the Chateau
de Monbazillac. Their sweet wine is famous but fairly
expensive.
Before reviewing the southwestern wine and imported cheeses
that we were lucky enough to purchase at a local wine store
and a local Italian food store, here are some suggestions
of what to eat with indigenous wines when touring this
beautiful region. Start with Foie Gras Frais avec Myrtille
(Fresh Duck Liver in a Berry Sauce). For your second course
savor Piperade Basquaise au Jambon (Eggs, Tomatos, Green
Peppers, Onions, and Ham). And for dessert indulge yourself
with Gateau Basque (Lemon Shortbread, Baker's Cream, and
Tart Cherry Jam.)
OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review
are purchased at the full retail price.
Wine Reviewed La Foret Royale 2004 13% about $13.50
(Appelation Fronton Controle)
Let's start by quoting the marketing materials. La Foret is
a blend of the indigenous Negrette (45%), Cabernet
Sauvignon (30%), and Syrah (25%). The wine goes through
fruit-enhancing and tannin-mellowing micro-oxygenation and
acid-softening malolactic fermentation. The resulting wine
is full of flavors and aromas, including raspberry,
blackberry, cassis, dark chocolate, licorice, and a hint of
tar. Serve it with grilled steaks, backribs, or gourmet
sausages. And now for the review.
My first meal consisted of commercially prepared beef spare
ribs, spicy Moroccan carrots, and potatoes roasted in
chicken fat. The meat was seasoned with Tunisian Harissa, a
very spicy hot-pepper sauce. This was a great combination.
The tannins melted in my mouth. I tasted black cherries,
chocolate, and a lot of tobacco. The wine was robust and
mouth filling. It held up both to the fat and the strong
spices.
The next meal included meatballs with harissa, rice, and
green beans. This wine was round and moderately long. The
chocolate and tobacco tastes were fairly powerful.
The final meal was a commercially prepared barbecued
chicken with a paprika-covered shin and store bought potato
salad. The wine was a good antidote to the fat. Once again
the chocolate taste was predominant.
The first cheese pairing was with an Emmenthaler (Swiss
Cheese). The wine handled the pairing nicely. It was quite
round and strong. On the other hand I barely tasted the
cheese. And a goat's milk cheese really denatured this wine.
Final verdict. This wine is a winner. I expect to come back
to southwestern France for more wines.
----------------------------------------------------
Levi Reiss has authored alone or with a co-author ten books
on computers and the Internet, but to be honest, he would
rather just drink fine German or other wine, accompanied by
the right foods. He teaches various and sundry classes in
computers at an Ontario French-language community college.
Check out his global wine website is
http://www.theworldwidewine.com with a new weekly column
reviewing $10 wines.
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