Vrac Attack
Macon Village Vrac 2006
Flirt with Europeans without intimidation. This blend of eight Chardonnays is aged without oak, keeping its flavors vivid – with an early-morning brightness that’s soft as a down comforter.
Crisp, full, nectarine and citrus, no butter or wood. A very pleasant wine. Its got the screw cap!
Goes great with: Cheese, salads, spicy chicken.
Available at www.snooth.com
I had a friend back at summer camp, Dorey Riggins, who was obsessed with this song by INXS. She would sing over and over: “Old World, New World, I know nothing, but I keep listening.” Years later, I could do without the loop, but I appreciate the sentiment in Old World versus New World wines context.
“Old World” refers to wines from European vines. Their origins can trace back to the Ancient Greeks doing their wine thang in the Mediterranean, brought across the continent by the conquering Romans. The climates and soils of Europe are so varied that the scope of these wines is staggeringly wonderful. They can be subtle and quiet, but their centuries of craftsmanship come with a lot of pride, which often gets tagged with being stuffy.
Old World wines usually don’t name their grape on their labels, which can be vexing. If you look at a White Burgundy, you can get the Chateau, the town, the year – but not that it’s a Chardonnay.
New World wines make it easier for us: Chardonnay, yeah! Right there in big letters.
But Americans are bold: we can flirt with Europeans without intimidation. A delightful bottle to try is Domaine Patrick Javillier, Bourgogne Blanc “Cuvee des Forgets” 2005. That’s what I’m bringing to a little camp reunion with Dorey and the girls – no INXS this time.
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