MCF Rare Wine
Three Springtime Value Reds
I've been getting funny looks and comments from people this week because I've been wearing shorts.
But Spring Training is in full swing, the home stretch of the NHL season is humming, and the temps are touching the 50s...so I'm doing my 'willing Spring into existence' thing by going w/shorts.
Besides possibly unorthodox wardrobe decisions, the other thing that happens to me this time of year is that my palate shifts to light, fragrant, energetic reds. You know, the kind that just put a smile on your face.
I've tasted a few this week, and they had me smiling...
...so here we go...
CLOS des FOUS Pour Ma Gueule 2023 - this was a 'double take wine' for me, as in I was working my way through dozens of wines at a tasting, and normally the reaction is 'okay, that's nice, next wine'. This one was, 'whoa, what is this sorcery for $18/btl?!' Founded by four friends who were sick of hearing Chilean wines get knocked as being strictly from commercial, Clos des Fous is on a mission to make intriguing wines from extreme terroirs with as light a touch as possible. Honestly, I haven't been this excited for a sub-$20 Pinot Noir-based wine in a long time. It's racy, high-pitched, aromatic as all hell, and the 12% of Cinsault in the blend adds a kiss of deeply earthy/stony/savory elements that bounce perfectly off of delicious red fruits. This is the kind of complexity you pay (minimum) double for when buying Pinot Noir from just about anywhere else.
Günther Steinmetz Pinot Noir 2022 - yes, another delightful Pinot Noir, but now we're in the Mosel, and we don't have any Cinsault in the blend. Instead of the more earth-driven expression of the Fous, here we have the blazing-ly bright, insanely flower-y, outrageously pure, red fruited expression. Pinot Noir is where a lot of the action is in Germany right now, and this irresistibly drinkable little gem is as good an example as you'll find as to exactly why that is.
La Bardona Viñas del Norte 2023 - one of three projects that the brilliant young winemaker Pablo Matallana is spearheading in the Canaries, La Bardona is based on the north side Tenerife. The Viña del Norte is 100% Listan Negro. It's 5-day maceration and ageing both take place in tank, and the result is a fabulously fresh, light, aromatic, smoky/mineral expression of Listan that's packed with all manner of classic volcanic character. It's lively, nimble and just all around refreshingly delicious.
You may also order by replying to this message or calling 212.255.8870.
Matt Franco
MCF Rare Wine, Ltd
249 West 13th Street NYC 10011
212.255.8870
Looking for a wine you loved from a past newsletter or a favorite you can't find anywhere? Email Raphael at raphael@mcf-rarewine.com, and we'll do our best to find it for you!
