February 2024 is 29 days of forced cocooning. It’s the ideal time to put the finishing touching on meats, often in a sauce or accompanied by a cream. The wine will be selected to ally with the dish, in a way that brings out the concentration of flavours.

La Ferme des Fontaines Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil 2021

As an accomplice, choose the biodynamic Saint-Nicolas de Bourgueil from Agnès Amirault, who makes a cabernet franc full of aromas of raspberry and cherry. The mouth is supple, balanced, barely tannic and cuddled at the end by a nice sweetness.

A thoughtful funky.

.

.

Domaine Grand Arbois En Guille Bouton 2021

Some white wines have to be served from a carafe to express themselves better. For instance, the 100 per cent « ouillé » (ullaged) savagnin from Domaine Grand. Ullaging involves completely filling the barrels in order to avoid oxidation during aging – in contrast to “non-ullaged” which provides the oxidative notes found in the famous yellow wines from the Jura.

The first glasses open on delicate aromas of white flowers and orange blossoms, on a fruity, fresh mouth with frank mineral qualities. Still equally crisp, the second half of the carafe transforms itself on the scents of a basket of yellow-fleshed fruits.

Serve at 13 °C with a comté (a cheese) soufflé.

.

.

L’École No 41 Yakima Valley Chenin Blanc 2021

Chenin blanc, a grape from the Loire valley better known under the appellations Vouvray, Saumur, Chinon and Coteaux du Layon, has travelled a long distance from its original lands. The Yakima valley (state of Washington) is a niche climate custom-made for this grape – more specifically, at the property of Marty and Megan Clubb, owners of L’École No 41 and fans of the Vouvray style.

Right away, the pale straw-yellow colour and rich aromas of honey and plum provide the tone. The mouth bursts with freshness on flavours of citrus and ripe pear. Plump, slightly salty, accompanied by peppery notes. A masculine and sensual chenin.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

More from this author by clicking on his photo below.