Nick Dobson Wines White and Rosé

White and Rosé Beaujolais Wines Most Beaujolais wine is red, but small amounts of Beaujolais Blanc and *Beaujolais Rosé* are also made in both Beaujolais and Beaujolais Villages appellations. Beaujolais Blanc is made not from Gamay, but instead from Chardonnay, which thrives in the nearby Mâconnais region. In Beaujolais, it produces refreshing floral fruity whites. Beaujolais Blanc is made all over the region, with the best results from grapes grown on limestone soils. The quantity produced is strictly limited, and very little is exported. Beaujolais Rosé is made from Gamay, as is red Beaujolais, and is a light fruity elegant wine with Gamay aromas, and a taste often reminiscent of red summer fruits. Red Beaujolais ferments for typically 5 days, during which time the wine acquires its deep purple colour from pigments in the grape skins; however the light pink colour of the Rosé wine is obtained by seperating skins and juice after only a day or so. Beaujolais Rosé is also made in only tiny quantities.

Beaujolais Villages Blanc 2007 Domaine Matray
Ref: 3332121

This wine is made from the chardonnay grape, and has a golden yellow colour and is fruity on both nose and palate. Quite dry. It goes well with fish and seafood dishes, snails, and frogs legs. Perfect also for raclette and fondue. Also makes a good apéritif. Serve at 8-10 deg. C.

Price: £9.35 (Including VAT at 17.5%)

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Beaujolais Villages Blanc 2007 "Chantemerle" Vincent Lacondemine Beaujeu
Ref: 3332133

**(*) ££

This is one of those real finds - not only a wine which is perhaps one of a dozen or so in my entire list that falls quite clearly in the "something very special" category, but which is also one which surprises in the sense that it is not at all what you expect from it. White Beaujolais, made from the Chardonnay grape, is a very pleasant wine if well chosen. The 2007 is the second commercial vintage of this wine, made in slightly larger quantities and with a new label and the name "Chantemerle", which the 2006 did not have. Like the 2006, the 2007 is nothing short of excellent, being made in the style of a moderately oaked white Burgundy from more northerly climes - perhaps a good Côte Chalonnaise white, with it's pale golden color, it's nose of vanilla and toasty oak, acacia, and honey, and it's quite bold and punchy palate, with a core of orchard fruits, and a weighty texture. It has good acidity, with well-judged oak and a hint of tannin adding weight to the long finish. The '07 is very similar in style to the '06 - if anything perhaps a little fuller, but again rates as a **(*) wine. Drink now and throughout 2010.

In 2006 only a couple of small barrels were made, and I was allocated a miniscule quantity - all of which has long since gone. We are however a bit luckier with the 2007 - our allocation is better than last year's, but we don't exactly have a lot, and I do have to impose a limit of 12 bottles per customer.

Price: £13.50 (Including VAT at 17.5%)

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Beaujolais Villages Rosé 2007 Domaine Matray
Ref: 3332120

Another Beaujolais Villages rosé from the Gamay grape, this one from the excellent Domaine Matray in the north of the region, from a vineyard near Juliénas. It has an elegant nose, and a lively fruity taste. This is a great summer wine, very refreshing when served chilled to 8 to 10°. Great for the barbecue, also with charcuterie or just on its own as an apéritif.

Available now.

Price: £8.95 (Including VAT at 17.5%)

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Beaujolais Villages Rosé 2008 Vincent Lacondemine
Ref: 3332132

Another great wine from Vincent Lacondemine is his charming light, fresh fruity rosé, with its beautiful pale cherry-red colour, vibrant aromas of strawberries and red berries, and a lively mouth-filling refreshing taste. Made in very small quantities, this is an excellent all-year round wine, but comes into its own in the summer - ideal for barbecues - drink chilled (about 11°) with grilled meats, salads, or seafood dishes such as fruits de mer. Also makes a fine aperitif. I cannot overstate just how lovely this wine is - there is none of the weight often associated with Rosé - this one is truly elegant and will not disappoint. Drink now to end 2011.

Price: £8.95 (Including VAT at 17.5%)

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