Preface: We choose this month's club wines from Triage Wines, with help of Noah Oldham. We have always trusted Noah's palate and Triage's commitment to importing "handcrafted wine made with natural techniques conveying a sense of place." And a real sense of place these wines do indeed convey - there is always talk of "terroir," and it is very evident in this month's choices. For both of the wines in the club, we are tasting the results of newer winemakers working with very old practices on old and well-founded estates. So in many ways, these represent the "new face" of Old World Style.

2007 Clos du Tue-Boeuf Touraine Sauvignon Blanc
The family name of Puzelat is among some of the best known among the French - and Thierry and his brother Jean-Marie are considered to be rock stars in the Loire Valley region, noted especially for their efforts to restore great vineyards and grape varietals, and also for their heroic efforts to get their wines accepted and listed under the local DOC. The vineyards are now completely run under organic production methods, and the Puzelats' wines are hailed as the "New, Old World Style."

Nose and Flavor: Ah, the remarkable notes of a Sauvignon Blanc, on this wine label stated only as "Sauvignon," as if it could be any other grape. The Loire Valley is known for it's limestone soils, and a lively, fresh grass notes, chives, and hints of mineral follow-through the clean finish on this classic and superb example of a Loire Sauvignon Blanc.

Pairing suggestions: A wide range of foods can be served with this wine, along with creamy cheeses. We suggest herb-grilled chicken, mild Italian sausages, and pasta as a start.

2007 Domaine Filliatreau Chateau Fouquet Saumur Cabernet Franc
This father and son led winery is also credited with restoring the reputation of a region: at one point, Saumur had lost it's status in the world as a maker of great red wines, and produced mostly rosés from the red grapes available. Not so any more - Cabernet Franc is once again very well-known, and some of the best examples come from the Saumur region. This is, in part, because Domaine Fillatreau's winemaker Paul Filliatreau traveled widely showing off his wines. The estate is large, but the sub-plot of Chateau Fouquet, which gives this wine its name, is much smaller and produces highly select fruit.

Nose and Flavor: Cabernet Franc has a distinct nose, providing notes of dark cherry, herbs, and a touch of smoke. This selection from Domaine Filliatreau is lovely and round, delivering fresh and smooth notes of black cherry along with hints of herbs, finishing with a pleasant herbal note typical of Cab Franc.

Pairing suggestions: Cabernet Franc is always enjoyable when paired with grilled meats, and this can also be enjoyed with a variety of cheeses, such as the Loire Valley favorite Crottin de Chapagnol.