Wednesday, October 05, 2005

The Wines of Joseph Drouhin

The philosophy of Joseph Drouhin is: Things must change if they are to remain the same. New technologies have enabled a better control of quality and holding to the heritage that has been part of the Drouhin tradition for years.

This family owned business has been handed down through the generations. With historical roots that reach back to the 14th Century, ancient tools such as a wine pres circa 1570 can be seen on a tour of the winery. Drouhin is absolutely committed to the future of the wine industry and investing in areas of testing and research. This experimentation results in technological advances in the field, and a better quality product in the end.


Gevrey Chambertin

Gevrey Chambertin is one of the largest wine producing villages in France. Specializing in red wines, only Pinot Noir grapes are used for this wine. Highly colored with intense aromatic expression, Drouhin's Gevrey Chambertin is a powerful wine with a good level of acidity and mellowness. These wines are best served with full flavored, elaborate dishes, such as beef burgundy. Try the vintages from 1997, 1998 and 2000.

Chassagne Montrachet Marquise de Laguiche

Vintage 1991 of Drouhin's Chassagne Montrachet Marquise de Laguiche is an excellent representation of this wine. With a lovely gold green color, the nose is elegant. Pear, vanilla and apple dominate the flavors. Fruity but long and complex, the Chassagne Montrachet Marquise de Laguiche is an example of a great Chardonnay from the Burgundy region of France. Additional great years are 1999 and 1987.

Meursault

The soil of the Meursault region in France is poor and dry, which is perfect for growing Chardonnay grapes. The quality of a Drouhin Meursault depends on the location of the vineyards and his knowledge and care. Drouhin purchases grapes only from selected vineyards. The process is very carefully managed all along the way, to insure that the oak flavors never dominate the fruit itself. Meursault is excellent when served with a variety of foods including fresh cheese, fish and poultry. The wine is a golden color with intense fragrance and refined flavors. Excellent varieties include 1998, 2000 and 2002.

Puligny Montrachet

A fine Drouhin white, the wines of Puligny have a range of distinguished and distinctive aromas that include almond paste, fern, exotic fruits, amber and white flowers. With subtle acidity on the palate, and intense smoothness comes through.

Destined for haute cuisine, pair the Drouhin Puligny Montrachet with mussels in a light wine sauce or any other fresh shellfish or delicate variety. Especially good vintages include 1995, 1998 and 1999.

Pouilly Fuisse

The only grape used in this variety is the Chardonnay. With an emerald golden color, Drouhin's Pouilly Fuisse is usually very brilliant. With a seductive bouquet Pouilly Fuisse is both floral and fruity. The ripe fruit and flavor of fresh almonds is divine. This wine is an excellent young vintage, however it is okay to let it age a few years. An excellent complement to shellfish, fish in general, poultry and other white meats in a creamy sauce, and even sweetbreads. This wine is versatile and fresh with a price that is easy on the budget. Try vintages from 2002, 2003 or 2004 for excellent representations of this Chardonnay.