You may or may not already be aware, but we Quebecers are pretty damn fortunate when it comes to having access to an incredible choice of spectacular wines. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, the SAQ does a good job of offering their clients a vast amount of wine from all over the place. We have the best access to a variety of wine, better than anywhere else in the world.
We also happen to have some kick ass agencies who know where to go, who to see, and what wines to import dans’ la belle province.’ Trialto has an awesome portfolio of wines that include Parés Baltà, Bonny Doon, and Birichino. Agency Oenopole has the likes of Occhipinti, Produttori del Barbaresco and Hatzidakis. (They have pose of superstar tasters/reps and bring in exciting products that people go nuts for.) Other agencies include Boires, Symbiose, Vinealis…and then there is réZin.
réZin has a fairly large portfolio, and more often than not, I find myself enjoying many bottles of whatever it is that they bring in. I always look for that little, orange round sticker on the bottle when I am at SAQ stores. Recently, I have discovered that they can work with producers and bring in wines under their own label. The wine snob in me usually would turn my nose up at these types of deals , but not in this case. These wines are made from notable producers, and often at a lower price point allowing wine lovers from all budgets to enjoy. Jean Foillard’s 2013 Beaujolais, my wine of the week back in January, is a prime example. They also have a Chenin Blanc by Château Yvonne Saumur 2013 that is kind of my new little obsession.
Since 2007, Mathieu Vallée has taken the reins and is making some beautifully expressive, hand crafted wines in the Saumur region of Loire. Having 3 hectares of Chenin Blanc and 8 hectares of Cabernet Franc, spread out over 28 small plots in three villages, these vineyards have been Ecocert certified organic since 1997, and biodynamic since 2012. 1
After a manual harvest, vinification with no additional or cultured yeast, the wine ages in new oak barrels, for about 12 months, in a cold and humid troglodyte cave atmosphere. The wine is unfined and unfiltered before bottling.2
Medium gold in the glass, it smells of fresh rain, salty pear and slight beeswax. The medium bodied palate is just as playful with excellent acidity, plenty of fresh citrus fruit, pear, with chalky and honey details that linger easily on the well-balanced finish. The wine is very refreshing, with a delicate creamy frame. Drink now or within the next 2-3 years.
Wine: Château Yvonne Saumur 2013
Grape: Chenin Blanc
Alcohol: 13.5%
SAQ Code: 10689665
Price: $29.75
Agent: réZin
