Moulin de Gassac "Guilhem" 2011 - Vins de Pays d'Herault

Every once in a while you stumble upon a wine that you you've never seen, know nothing about and would not even give it a second thought if your retailer hadn't put it in your hands and said "try this". Such is the case with this little southern French white. Moulin de Gassac is the everyday label for wines made by one of the oldest and most important wineries of this almost unknown region. Mas de Daumas Gassac is the name and they have been making a legendary Cabernet Sauvignon for a long time. That flagship Cab lasts easily for 20 years but we are here to report on the everyday white. "Guilhem" is the proprietary name and what matters is that this is a delicious $9.99 white that will drink well as an aperitif or as an accompaniment to grilled or sauteed fish dishes. It's a blend of 40% Grenache Blanc, 30% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Clairette. It features tropical fruit aromas of pineapple, mango and a touch of honey. In the mouth it's got more concentration than you expect with the tropical fruit theme repeating. Notes of apricot add complexity and there is enough acidity to keep it fresh and lively tasting. I wish more folks would take a chance on bottles like this as you can readily find interesting wines from unusual places nowadays. Imported by Beaune Imports. Cheers!

Domaine de Villalin Quincy 2010

Quincy is a small Loire Valley appellation down the road from Sancerre that makes wines from Sauvignon Blanc only. I've mentioned in past posts that Sancerre is without a doubt my favorite Sauvignon Blanc and this version from nearby has a lot of the same qualities for a lower price. Yes the Domaine de Villalin Quincy is just a bit outside my everyday price range at $15.99, but this wine is really tasty. It's got all the grapefruit and lemon zest qualities that you expect from this grape and it has the same chalky minerality that really defines Sauvignon Blanc from this region in general. Imported by one of my favorites, Polaner Selections, this organically produced wine is a delicious selection to have with shellfish, cod or grilled trout. Cheers.

Fournier Sauvignon Blanc 2009 - A True Loire Valley Bargain

For me, the best Sauvignon Blancs in the world come from the Loire Valley of France and in particular, from Sancerre. The combination of citrusy fruit and a distinct minerality derived from soil particular to the area is uplifting. No other white wine except for Chardonnay from Chablis and German Reislings have such distinct soil driven elements in their flavor profile. Chablis and Sancerre actually share a soil, as the same vein of Kimmeridigian limestone containing fossilized shellfish runs through both appellations. This entry level Sauvignon Blanc from Fournier Père & Fils has all the flavor elements you expect from Sancerre at a bargain basement price of $11.99. In fact, I've been told that this cuvée is basically young vines Sancerre. It features all the grapefruit and wet stones aromas you expect from true to type Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc, zingy citrusy flavors and perfect balancing acidity. It's light, crisp and it's a great summer quaffer. if you want to see what Sancerre is like without spending the usual $19.99, seek this one out. You'll get the idea.