By “Light Red: I mean a low alcohol wine that refreshes along the same lines as a white. The feeling is of vitality and a tangy dryness. Beaujolais is the classic example. I know this style is not for everyone, and if you are absolutely hooked on rich “˜n smooth, read no further.
The Bosc family at Chateau des Charmes have been making excellent, down-to-earth, Gamays for decades and, thanks to the warm 2014 vintage, this may be their best yet. I love the Beaujolais-style bright fruitiness, mixed with a Barbera-style tangy bitterness. Fun meets earthiness. Wonderful stuff for refreshing, and getting the palate in gear for food. Such as a platter of charcuterie, a greasy burger, or Italian sausage sandwich. Lighter reds are Ontario’s strength, and this is the season to enjoy them.
Charmes also produce a unique clone of Gamay that they call Droit, and this wine has a little more volume ““ without losing the grape’s light personality. I can never decide if it’s similar to everyday Burgundy or everyday Italian Nebbiolo. Good company for sure, and worth exploring if you like these reds. ~
CHATEAU DES CHARMES 14 Gamay Noir, VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake 57349 $14.95
CHATEAU DES CHARMES 14 Gamay Noir “˜Droit’ VQA St. David’s Bench~ 346742 Vintages $17.95
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