Domaine Jean Masson ‘vieilles vignes traditionelle’ Jacquère, Apremont, France
March’s white comes from the Alpine wine region of the Savoie, where
the vineyards are planted on the south and south-eastern facing
limestone slopes of the Chartreuse Mountains as the land climbs from
the Jura to the towering Alps. Apremont is one of the best known
villages in the appellation. The Domaine Jean Masson, located near the
village of Apremont, produces classic Savoie whites that have been
declared the new benchmark of quality in the region. They are intensely
flowery, with noticeably invigorating acidity.
Jean-Claude Masson and his son Nicolas are often seen as the best
winemakers in Apremont. From their 22 acres of vines they make a
series of wines to express all the subtle differences between the terroir,
often varying their vinification techniques as well.
This specific wine is made from 80 year old vine Jacquère aged in
stainless to preserve the freshness and unique character of the grapes.
On the nose there’s citrus, white fruits, and an alpine herbal quality that
one can only find in regions like this. The palate is dry and tart, with
exotic notes of star fruit and green apple and a firm mineral finish
thanks to the limestone soils of the area. Serve this tasty wine with a
young goat cheese, white asparagus, sole, trout, or mussels. You should
drink this wine as fresh as possible, so don’t feel guilty about opening it
right now!
2013 Brkić Plava Greda Blatina, Mostar, Bosnia Herzegovina (100% organic)
First things first. To prevent you breaking your tongue over this one, it’s
pronounced Burkitch and it’s downright fantastic!
Bosnia Herzegovina may not be a country you would associate with age
worthy, distinctive wines, (or wine in general) but then you haven’t met
Josip Brkićs wines yet. Just an hour’s drive from the Croatian coast, the
vineyards are situated 800 to 1300 feet above sea level in Southern
Herzegovina where grape cultivation dates back at least 2,000 years.
These grapes have a serious history and identity. Since the late 1970’s
Josip Brkić took over his father’s vineyard and has worked tirelessly to
make the wines recognized around the world. Grown on limestone soil
and farmed organic and biodynamic, the vines deliver top quality
grapes. “Greda” is the name of the vineyard where Josip sources the
indigenous Blatina grape for this wine. This multilayered, complex and
sophisticated grape is a descendent from the better known red grape,
Zinfandel.
It has a cold earthy character with a phenomenal natural balance of
acids and tannins and immediately pleasing flavors of plums, cherries,
and even coffee.
While one can wait another 5 years to develop deeper and more intense
flavors, the wine is delicious now. Drink it (now or later) with a crispy
duck breast with cranberry garnish or sticky barbecue pork ribs.