Vin Ordinaire

Sacha Lichine, La Poule Blanche, Vin de Pays D’Oc, 2006

There’s a white chicken on the label. That’s generally a bad sign in my book, but I’m happy to let La Poule Blanche be the exception to my “no critter wines” rule, screw top and all. This wine is a blend of mostly Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, showing a little crispness from the Sauvignon and some body from the Chardonnay. A very simple wine, but at $8 a bottle I’m happy there are no “off” flavors to get in the way of La Poule’s drinkability.

Distributed by Borvin – Sacha Lichine U.S.A.

Bodega J&F Lurton, Pino Gris, Argentina, 2007

At $11 this is a good value. Not much of a surprise, since the Lurtons are part of a France winemaking legacy now operating in Argentina. The main expressions we see of this grape are featherweight Italian Pino Grigios and the fuller bodied Alsatian Pino Gris. This wine leans toward the Alsatian style: It’s still light and crisp, but has some body to it. Not big on the finish, but nice in the mouth. Refreshing citrus character, with just a hint of sweetness.

Distributed by Monsieur Touton, Ltd.

Château le Chêne de Margot, Premières Côtes de Blayes, Bordeaux, 2005

Here’s a find: a good $12 bottle of red Bordeaux in NYC. This wine offers soft dark fruit up front, then finishes with tannic, earthy restraint. This wine is medium bodied, so it doesn’t feel at all heavy in the mouth. It’s a pleasure on it’s own, but clearly this is a wine meant to accompany food. I’m starting to see the 2006 show up in stores, so now is the time for budget minded Bordeaux fans to snap up any 2005’s they can find.

Distributed by Monsieur Touton, Ltd.

Pere Ventura, Cava, First Press Cuvee, Spain, NV

This sparkler hits the top of my price range for ordinary wine: $15. I’d consider this a splurge for someone who was trying to cut down on expenses. But what an inexpensive splurge it is! No, it doesn’t taste like champagne: different grape, less complexity and larger bubbles. Then again, if you’ve been trying to save a couple bucks by substituting prosecco for champagne this cava is a drier alternative. It’s good enough to have been well-received when I toasted a wine-loving friend’s birthday with it. A pleasing acidity allows it to accompany food as well as it drinks on its own.

Distributed by Monsieur Touton, Ltd.