This month, in honor of our French Connection wine tasting event here in San Francisco,
I would like to feature to delicious wines from importer extraordinaire Charles Neal.
In addition to being one of the foremost authorities (yes, in the world!) on Armagnac, Charles represents a fantastic range of French wines from some pretty off-the-beaten-track locales. This month, a tasty little white from the Savoie region of France tops my list. Got Savoie? In addition, the varietal du jour, malbec finds it home in the southwest region of France known as Cahors. Got charcuterie?

2006 Roussette de Savoie Domaine Edmund Jacquin “Marestel” ($14.99) Looking for something special today? Try this unique and delightful wine from Domaine Edmund Jacquin. Made from sustainably farmed altesse, a little-known varietal from the little known Roussette de Savoie appellation, the wine expresses the grape’s high natural acidity. A little residual sugar and a lot that completed malolactic fermentation, give this wine a nicely rounded, medium-bodied palate. Aromas of quince, flowers, apricot and a touch of honey remind you a fresh, spring day. This cuvée pairs well with lighter fare, like chicken, fish and crisp salads.

2003 Cahors Château la Coustarelle “Grande Cuvée Prestige” ($14.99) Château la Coustarelle is owned by Michel and Nadine Cassot and located in the village of Prayssac, next to the renowned Clos de Gamot. Their 30 year old vines are planted on slopes that give yields of between 45-50 hl/ha. This Grand Cuvée Prestige sees a 20 day fermentation period, after which aging takes place in oak barrels, a fifth of which is new each year. The 3,000 case production is bottled unfiltered. This blend of 90% malbec and 10% tannat shows a deep purple color. Lots of vanilla on the nose buttresses substantial dark fruit. Medium to full-bodied with plenty of ripe blackberry fruit on the palate, along with a hint of licorice. Fine tannins are extremely well-integrated on the finish.