Two Very Good Inexpensive French Wines from the Premier Importer Baron François

At the FIAF New Jersey Bastille Day party at the Van Vleck House this past Thursday we enjoyed a wonderful event and discovered two very good inexpensive French Wines.

A lovely Cotes Du Rhone blend of Grenache, Cinsaut, Syrah and Carignan from Domaine De La Buissonne in the Southern Rhone and...

A wonderful Sauvignon Blanc by Sauvignon Blanc by Domaine D'uby, Cotes De Gascognec in Midi-Pyrénées, France. Both are imported by highly regarded Baron Francois of New York City and priced around $11.00 where you can find them 

The Domaine De La Buissonne - Cotes Du Rhone is produced on an estate that dates back to 1865 but wine has been produced on the land since the Roman period. It has a clayish chalk ground which reflects in the wine which is made of about 80% Grenache, 10% Cinsaut, 5 % Syrah and 5 % Carignan.

Wines from Côtes du Rhône are your  perfect Bistro wines and they are wonderful with simple dishes like salads, crudités or grilled meats and sausages. THey pair well with French cheeses of the region and can even go with cuisine of other contries like shepherds pie, moussaka or goulash. It is also a perfect wine for ratatouille, and vegetarian casseroles.

It has a tantalizing bright red colour. On the nose and on the palate the Grenache predominates, which gives it an openly fruity style.

Domaine D'uby Cotes De Gascogne Sauvignon Blanc 

The UBY Estate is situated in the Gers region, on the Landes border, in the district of  Cazaubon where in 1920 the Morel brothers, of a prominent Swiss family of winegrowers, acquired their first estate.  François Morel, a son of the family is now the owner of the estate. The family tradition continues.

The distinctive soil of alluvium and tawny sands of this area are perfect for this wine. The grapes are picked at night to preserve their aromas, and the vinification adapted to each grape variety. This wine is perfect with appetizers, cheese, pasta, poultry, seafood or shellfish.

It is very elegant and complex with grapefruit and white acacia flower bouquet. It likes to be served chilled.

At the event live musical acts re-created the ambiance of a French fete. Accordionist Dante  serenaded guests with traditional French tunes, and the New York band Les Chauds Lapins performed classic French swing from the 1920s through the 1940s.

We also enjoy a delectable four-course dinner, including quiches, pâtés, French-style entrées and salads, paired with the delicous French summer wines. Tarts and chocolate fondant cake for dessert all by Veronique Delmas of Chez Vero - 201-289-0356.