2015 Domaine Les Aphillanthes "Clementia blanc" Côtes du Rhône
Located northwest of Gigondas, Domaine Les Aphillanthes is a winery truly focused on making terroir-driven wines. Daniel Boulle is the 4th generation heir to this estate, and since 2003 he’s followed exact biodynamic principles in his vineyards, becoming fully certified in 2007. With minimal intervention in the winery coupled with reducing the overall yields from the vines, his wines express concentration and balance unlike many other Rhône producers. This blend of 45% Viognier, 45% Roussanne, and 10% Clairette has some unique Jasmine floral tones, with plenty of Meyer lemon and green apple aromas. The palate gives way to more citrus fruits with touches of almond and white pepper. White Rhône wines are very versatile with food, and this one would do well with any cream sauce pasta dish or a fresh spinach salad with citrus vinaigrette.
2011 Château D'Arlay Côtes du Jura
Château d’Arlay is here! For many years these wines from the Jura region were only exported to the east coast, having a cult-like following in some of the best New York restaurants and wine bars. Its lengthy history boasts many accolades including being selected as the ‘First Royal Vineyard of France’ in the year 630. Still family-owned and biodynamically farmed, this 2011 offering is one of the only Jura wineries producing a ‘Corail’ style wine from 3 red grapes and 2 whites: Pinot Noir, Poulsard, Trouseau, Savagnin, and Chardonnay. Its dusty, pepper-spiced nose slowly opens to cranberry and watermelon scents, with a medium-bodied texture that broadens its savory spiced flavors. Sip this in the early evening while watching the leaves change colors, or serve it with your oven-roasted turkey (isn’t Thanksgiving here yet?).