As a transplant from the Chicago wine scene, and here in Boston for only a few short years, I am just now beginning to really crack the surface of the who’s, who on the right coast. Yesterday, I was fortunate to have met the mind that is Michael Kane from Rosenthal Wines. The guy exudes passion for his work, and product. He downright knew his portfolio, and was more than willing to feed me info. In fact, he gushed with information. I like this. We tasted a couple of wines. Wines exhibiting that unique “expression of place” in which I thirst. The 1st wine, in which I will spotlight here was the 2008 Domaine Cheveau, Macon Chaintre “Les Clos.” (2008) This is a producer in which I am not familiar, and am glad to have been introduced to. We’re talking Chardonnay here, and for us folks unable to pop for Puligny on a regular basis, the Macon is the place to be. Poor mans white Burgundy? Sure, Let it be. Not a problem. The Macon is a great neighbor for the Chardonnay fan to get to know. The rent is lower here, see.
Chaintre is located in the Macon, South of Burgundy, France. The vineyards of Chaintré form part of the appellation d’origine contrôlée Pouilly-Fuissé. When you think you “must” have Pouilly Fuisse, cause you’ve tasted it a few times, love the name (thank you very much Louis Jadot) and know you’ll make bonus points with your date for bringing it home. Give another wine from the very same area a try. Look for this one if you can find it. It took me on a rocket ride back to the times I’ve visited the area. I love the smell of Macon in the morning! And, at night perhaps with Poulet de Bresse. It is well worth the look for this little taste of the Macon. Neil Rosental Selections.
The pour here shows lovely color, an almost platinum-esc light gold tint-a metallic hue. On the nose, nothing but Macon! Apples, Pears, and a kiss of honey. The aromas are somewhat nervy, redolent of Puligny Montrachet (on a small scale.) The acids on the nose and on the palate are bang for the buck brilliant. They are pleasantly electric, again Puligny-Malic (apple acids) all the way. In the mouth the wine is highly refreshing, cleansing the palate as perhaps a vinous intermezzo. There is just enough roundness here to balance things out, and the wine finishes with memorable length. Simply said, you’ll get your monies worth , and then some with this bottling. I’d long to move past the intermezzo, and continue on with this wine as I experiencend in Vergisson (another neighbor) years ago , with the prized, and most regional Poulet de Bresse stewed with local vegetables, and a touch of cream. Look at this wine in the glass. Close your eyes. Inhale, and go directly to the Macon. Here is a link to what Rosenthal is up to: Mad Rose Group
Sante!
