Weekly Saturday Tasting

Wines from The South of France
with Special Guest Greg Pfaender of Authentique Vin

Saturday, July 27th
1:00 - 3:00

A sunny land braced by the influence of the Mediterranean Sea, the South of France extends from the French Riviera in the East to the rugged and mountainous Spanish border in the West. This expansive and stunning region remains the source of France's finest rosé and fortified wines, but their red and white wines continue to gain respect, and those are what we will focus on this weekend. Provence, located farthest east, is revered for dry, elegant and quenching rosé wines, but is also the home of Bandol where one of the most captivating red wines of Southern France is made. Moving west from the Rhône Valley, spanning the Mediterranean coast to the Pyrenees mountains of Roussillon, Languedoc’s terrain is generally flat coastal plains. Virtually every style of wine is made in Languedoc; most dry wines are blends with varietal choice strongly influenced by the neighboring Rhône Valley. Bordered by the rugged eastern edge of the Pyrenees Mountains and intense sunshine, Roussillon is largely defined by Spanish influence. The arid, exposed, steep and uneven valleys of the Pyrénées-Orientales zone guarantee that grape yields are low and berries are small and concentrated. We will sample wines from four different appellations ranging the breadth of Southern France, and we've got one of the best in the business as our guide! Our friend, and Hope Valley Wine staff alumnus, Greg Pfaedner of Authentique Vin imports will be on hand to give some background information on each wine. Authentique Vin is a locally based importer who brings many of our favorite French wines to the market, and Greg has been their Regional Sales Manager for several years now, and he is rightfully proud of their wonderful portfolio. So please come taste these great wines with us, and take advantage of the Summer Sale while you are here!

Moulin de Gassac Picpoul de Pinet
Picpoul de Pinet AOC, Languedoc, France, 2023

Elian Daros 'Coucou Blanc'
60% Sauvignon Blanc, 30% Sémillon, 10% Sauvignon Gris 
Côtes du Marmandais, Sud-Ouest, France, 2021

Clos Troteligotte 'K-Pot' Malbec
Cahors, Sud-Ouest, France, 2020

Domaine Maubernard Rouge
Bandol, Provence, France, 2018