Try dynamite new wine from France
For over two decades, French wines have uncomfortably resided in the shadow of our California wines. For whatever reason, the quality of most French wines dropped dramatically in the '60s.
Recent years have brought a reversal of this trend and many French imports have become great buys for their price.
The shelves of your favorite wine store are being stocked with a dynamite new wine from France, French Maid.
- French Maid 2007 Pinot Noir ($13.49). We love pinot noir wines. Unfortunately, many of the affordable pinot noirs have proven to be wanting. Happily that is not the case with this very attractive French Maid. It is all too rare that a pinot noir wine puts the fruit up front, but this one most certainly does. The flavor is powerful, stressing black cherries and strawberries, intermingled with an earthy element that adds further interest to this wine. The finish, another rarity among affordable pinot noirs, is long and lasting. This is definitely not a wine to miss.
- French Maid 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon ($13.49). While France is noted for its heavy, austere cabs, this wine is a contradiction. It is a soft, easy-to-drink cab that seems to beautifully accompany anything it is served with. An inviting ruby color is followed by an aroma that is alive with cherries, blackberries and a background of wild mushrooms. On the palate, the wine exhibits a broad black cherry flavor with a nicely balanced acid level and good tannin.
- French Maid 2007 Merlot ($13.49). Merlot wines have always been very easy to drink because of their soft, fruity flavors and aromas. The French Maid 2007 Merlot is a credit to its French heritage and to the variety. It is a smooth wine with a positive red berry flavor and aroma. It is very well balanced and has a delicate, fruity finish. Unlike many of the other wines in this price category, this merlot has a moderately long and full-flavored finish.
- French Maid 2007 Chardonnay ($13.49). This wine is a modern example of the classically French style of chardonnay and nothing like many of the others in its price class. The wine seems to explode with the flavors and aromas of green apples and pears with a suggestion of citrus in the background which when combined with a near perfect acid level results in a wine of truly classical dimensions. The finish exhibits the much sought-after buttery feel in the mouth, the sign of a better chardonnay.
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- French Maid 2007 Sauvignon Blanc ($13.49). Sauvignon blanc wines are usually served with shellfish or other seafood dishes. While the wine does work wonderfully with those selections, it is a standout with vegetarian meals and spicy Asian foods. The crisp fruit acid and bright fruit flavor, which stresses flavors of citrus and melons, allows this wine a broader base of foods that it can accompany.