As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, we offer up another one of our hidden gems that is worthy of your holiday feast. This refreshing but still flavorful wine has a lot of complexity with out making itself seem fussy or fancy. This is a great wine to great your guest with and ease the holiday tension because it is perfect by itself but it has a way of making the food it is paired with taste better. I recommend stashing a case of this one and labeling it "Holiday Survival Kit".
The Isle Saint-Pierre is a small island in the middle of the Rhône river. In 1927, Parisian wine merchant Pierre Chassaing founded Domaine Isle Saint-Pierre and devoted himself to cultivating vines and raising sheep. A few vines remains from that time, together with a flock of 200 sheep that provides the manure needed to nourish the vines. The proximity to the water means that the island enjoys a coastal climate (with a cooling influence from the nearby bodies of water) and deep, well draining sedimentary soils comprised of sand and silt. This allows the current winemaker to farm this island organically without the use of harsh chemicals and pesticides.
Chad the Tie Guy's Review: This is one of my favorite all around white wines. It is crisp and refreshing while also having a lot of flavor (unlike those one note Pinot Grigios).
Grape Varietals: Chardonnay (70%), Sauvignon Blanc (25%), Muscat (5%)
Wine Region: Rhone Valley, France
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
White Horse Wine Color Code System: LIGHT WHITE WINES
Food Pairings: This wine is great by itself after a long day, but it also shines as the beginning to a party. Try pairing this one up with appetizers, salads and snack foods due to it's clean yet aromatic personality. A nice one to serve ice cold!
Cheese Pairings:
Cypress Grove Lamb Chopper- A creamy, buttery aged Gouda
USA $14.99 (8oz)
Drunken Goat Cheese- A mild, soft cheese aged in red wine
Spain $8.49 (8oz)
Cypress Grove Humbolt Fog- A soft rind cheese with a tangy edible ash layer
USA $12.99 (8oz)
