Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Chateau Moncontour Vouvray Demi-Sec 2005

This lovely bottle is actually a souvenir of the last wine tasting at Stimmel's Market in Bowling Green. I was surprised to see that it is actually a screw top, something unexpected from a reknowned French label. It only goes to show the growing acceptance of the screw tops especially for white wines.

Green Dragon and I love Vouvray wines, made from the Chenin Blanc grape. The Mango Tree restaurant in Toledo is one of the few area restaurants to carry Vouvray and we would enjoy it with our meals on special occasions. It strikes the right note with us -- not too sweet, often with a slight fizz and certainly a change from Chardonnay or wimpy Pinot Grigio.

Chateau Moncontour is in the heart of the Vouvray region and overlooks the Loire River. It dates to the fourth century and at one point was the property of Charles the Seventh. Sadly, it was burned during the French Revolution. Since 1994, the Feray family has worked to make the vineyard and the winemaking cellar one of the most respected in the Loire Valley.

This vintage has a slight sweetness as to be expected with this off-dry wine, but a very clean taste with a bit of honey and mineral tartness. It has a long, elegant finish with a touch of lime.

It is a great food wine standing up nicely to spicy food and working well for picnics as well. Try also with sea food and mild blue cheese. The wine cost $21.99 and is recommended.

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