The wines on the list at Salades de Provence, my favorite French bistro in Los Angeles, are not fancy, but they always seem to pair to perfection with the wonderful food they make. I tried one recently which fit well with the food, but was a bit lackluster on its own.
The Sainte Chanelle Vin de Pays D’Oc Pinot Noir is the wine in question. It was smooth as silk, but dull as dishwater.
The Vin de Pays designation translates as “country wine,” and is a French wine production level below that of the A.O.C. and above the Vins de Table classification. Vins de Pays D’Oc hail from the Languedoc-Roussillon area in the south of France, near the Mediterranean.
The jury is mixed on this wine’s nose. Denise smells raisins and beef, while I find the nose quite challenged, with just a hint of roses. The taste is nice enough, if a bit plain. Earthy cherry dominates the palate and it pairs well with mushrooms and smoked salmon. I do not find its unobtrusive quality to be a virtue, though.
The Sainte Chanelle cost $9 per glass, and I’ve seen the ‘07 vintage for $9 a bottle at a local wine store, but I’ll take a pass on it the next time I see it offered.
The trip wasn't a total loss where wine was concerned, though. Denise enjoyed her Bordeaux Blanc quite a bit. I've written about it before.
Follow Randy Fuller on Twitter.
The Sainte Chanelle Vin de Pays D’Oc Pinot Noir is the wine in question. It was smooth as silk, but dull as dishwater.
The Vin de Pays designation translates as “country wine,” and is a French wine production level below that of the A.O.C. and above the Vins de Table classification. Vins de Pays D’Oc hail from the Languedoc-Roussillon area in the south of France, near the Mediterranean.
The jury is mixed on this wine’s nose. Denise smells raisins and beef, while I find the nose quite challenged, with just a hint of roses. The taste is nice enough, if a bit plain. Earthy cherry dominates the palate and it pairs well with mushrooms and smoked salmon. I do not find its unobtrusive quality to be a virtue, though.
The Sainte Chanelle cost $9 per glass, and I’ve seen the ‘07 vintage for $9 a bottle at a local wine store, but I’ll take a pass on it the next time I see it offered.
The trip wasn't a total loss where wine was concerned, though. Denise enjoyed her Bordeaux Blanc quite a bit. I've written about it before.
Follow Randy Fuller on Twitter.
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