Hey Frenchie, got any wine?

I now have a need to go back a visit some of my favorite french wines. If you are one of those folks that hate the French and will not drink their wines, I thank you. It leaves more for me. 2009 was a banner year for Bordeaux wines and it has rubbed of on the Rhone valley also. These are wonderful, complex, elegant wines that sometimes leave you speechless. But what you do not know is that some of these wines are at a very reasonable price. What is reasonable you say? Anywhere between 10 and 30 dollars will get you a fine wine. I have herd people tell me that I'm full of crap and a few other choice words but when I show them the bottles and they taste the wine, their hooked. So without further ado, I will give you my choices of French wines that will complement you cellar.


WHITES

CHATEAU GUIBON ENTRE-DEUX-MERS 2010

It goes great with chicken or fish!

This is a wonderful blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Muscadelle. The Entre Deux Mers region is located between the Dordogne and Garonne rivers in the southeastern area of France in Bordeaux Region. This is a dry white wine with a citrus, peach and mineral flavor that leaves you with a crisp clean taste and a slight grapefruit finish. I love this wine and I always have a bottle in my wine cooler ready to go when the mood strikes me.




LES MARTINIERES SPECIAL FRUITS DE MER 2010

This is a Muscadet wine from Loir et Cher the Loire Valley. A grapefruit flavor with a clean mineral taste (those little bubbles on the back of your tongue) and light  body. A great summer wine between 7 and 12 dollars it's very affordable to keep a half a case on hand. Another great wine that goes with mussels, clams and oysters and will be a great compliment with a light bodied fish. I can't wait to visit France and have this wonderful wine at the wineries. 
















REDS


CHATEAU LOUISTEAUNEUF 2009

Chateau Louisteauneuf is from Mendoc of Bordeaux Region and has a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. A very elegant wine with a meld of complex flavors that work together. The tannins are not overbearing but gives it a wonderful finish. This wine will go with beef, lamb and a nice red pasta sauce. Don't be afraid of the prices of Bordeaux wines. Many of these prices are very reasonable under 30 dollars a bottle which is great for Bordeaux wines. You will just have to do a little shopping to find the one you want.

CHATEAU LANESSAN DELBOS BOUTEILLER 2000

Chateau Lanessan is in the Haut-Mendoc area of the Bordeaux Region. The wine is made up of 60 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 35 percent Merlot, 4 percent Petit Verdot and 1 percent Cabernet Franc. This reticular wine is an awesome wine for right around 30 dollars. Not 50, not 100, and not 1000 dollars, 30 dollars. If you are having a special night, trying to impress someone and not wanting to break the bank or just wanting to have a great wine this is the one you want to buy. The elegant plum and black cherry flavor and a balanced tannin will make you sit back and go aaaaahhhhhhhh. A full bodied wine for those cab junkies this will give you that extra layer of velvet elegance to make you want more. Shop around a little for this wine and you might find it on sale for a great price. 










To sum up, do not be afraid of French wines they might surprise you. And if you are a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon fan, give some of these wines a try and you might be surprised! Enjoy and let me know what you think.