Beverage Dynamics is the largest national business magazine devoted exclusively to the needs of off-premise beverage alcohol retailers, from single liquor stores to big box chains, through coverage of the latest trends in wine, beer and spirits.
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/675795
22 Beverage Dynamics • May/June 2016 www.beveragedynamics.com French and Italian wines to discover. Overlooked, NOT Overpriced F rance and Italy are renowned for their wines. Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne from France; Chianti, Barolo, Prosecco from Italy. But those famous names merely scratch the surface. Both countries are also home to numerous underappreciated or nearly unknown appellations and grapes. Many of these are refreshing whites that are perfect for summer. From France, two to consider are Muscadet from the Loire Valley and Pinot Blanc from Alsace. From Italy, there's Soave from the north and Fiano from the south. Each wine has a different challenge in the marketplace, but all of them are versatile with food and deserve more fans. MUSCADET You could argue that most Loire Valley wines – with the exception of white Sancerre, made from Sauvignon Blanc – are underappreciated. Muscadet comes from the western end of the Loire, near where the river empties into the Atlantic Ocean. At its most basic, Muscadet is a light, bright, refreshing quaff that's easy to overlook. But the region has been undergoing a quality revolution in recent years. And prices haven't yet caught up with quality: World-class Muscadet can retail for $20-$25. "It remains one of the best values in France," says Jean-Luc Le Dû of Le Dû's Wines in New York City. Le Dû says he usually carries four to six Muscadets in his shop. Muscadet is made from the Melon de Bourgogne grape. There are several appellations for Muscadet, but the best known is Muscadet Sèvres et Maine. The fi rst communal crus – specifi c areas based on soil types – were approved just a few years ago. These cru wines have more stringent rules about their production and are aged longer than other Musca- dets, and they're considered to be at the pinnacle of quality. Despite the improvements, miscon- ceptions persist. Master Sommelier Evan Goldstein says some consumers think of Muscadet as "lean, mean electric juice" that's not good for much besides drink- ing with oysters. Other consumers have to be con- vinced that Muscadet isn't sweet. The bottle's elongated shape is like the ones used for German Riesling, and the name of the wine is similar to Muscat, which is often sweet (Muscadet is, in fact, dry). Muscadet's reputation of being a good choice with oysters is well-deserved, but the wine is also very versatile. Goldstein, also the president and chief education of- fi cer for Full Circle Wine Solutions in the San Francisco Bay Area, says Muscadet is a good partner for "anything with a fi n or anything with a shell." And that includes even more challenging preparations. For example, Goldstein says Muscadet will stand up to a Thai seafood curry. He also likes the wine with white meats and poultry prepared with citrus or cream sauces. "It gets to the table really, really eas- ily," says Josh Nadel, beverage director for NoHo Hospitality Group in New York City. Nadel doesn't eat oysters; he likes the wine with salads, young cheeses and white-fl eshed fi sh. "It lets the food shine." Domaine de la Pepière and Luneau-Pépin are among the Mus- cadets he sells. BY LAURIE DANIEL F rance and Italy are renowned for their wines. Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne from F rance and Italy are renowned for their wines. Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne from F rance and Italy are renowned for their wines. Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne from F France; Chianti, Barolo, Prosecco from Italy. But those famous names F France; Chianti, Barolo, Prosecco from Italy. But those famous names F France; Chianti, Barolo, Prosecco from Italy. But those famous names F France; Chianti, Barolo, Prosecco from Italy. But those famous names F merely scratch the surface. Both countries are also home to numerous F merely scratch the surface. Both countries are also home to numerous F merely scratch the surface. Both countries are also home to numerous n j