Here’s the thing. If you make your wine-purchasing decisions based on ‘how pretty the label is’ or the need to pronounce the name properly, you’re probably missing out on a lot of great juice. This weekend, throw caution to the wind and pick up a bottle of this Merlot-based red blend from the backcountry of Bordeaux. It’s delicious, it’s organic, it’s a little bit exotic and it’s on sale (with $1 off the regular price).
Tasting Notes: This terrific value red blend from Bordeaux shows classic dark cherry, plum and savoury herb notes on the nose with a hint of chocolate. Well-balanced and moderately full-bodied it has solid flavour intensity, countering dark ripe fruit with bright cranberry-like acidity. This delicious wine finishes long and dry with hints of cherry and spice.
Enjoy With: Grilled steak, grilled lamb chops, game paté, cheese and charcuterie.
Style: Full-bodied and smooth red wine.
Terroir/Region: The Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux appellation is located east of Saint-Emilion at the edge of the Bordeaux region. Vines are planted in soil that consists primarily of limestone and clay, which imparts minerality and freshness into the wines of the region. Nearly 70% of the grapes grown in the region are Merlot, with Cabernet Franc in second place at 20%, followed by a smattering of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Producer: Château Fongaban is an historic property situated in the commune of Puisseguin with vineyards stretching across the administrative border of two appellations (Puisseguin Saint-Emilion and Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux). The family-owned estate has worked tirelessly to gain Organic Certification by not using pesticides, herbicides or chemical fertilizer. Regular tillage of the land is also required.
Availability: Château Fongaban Organic 2014, Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux AC is available all year round at the LCBO and in some grocery stores. Look for it in the French section.
Château Fongaban is on sale until June 18, with $1.00 off the regular price.
Price: $16.15 (regular price $17.15)
LCBO#: 479832
Size: 750 mL
Alcohol Content: 13.5% alc./vol.
