Tirecul la Graviere Monbazillac 2007 Les Pins
“Tirecul la Graviere is recognized as the top property of the [Monbazillac] AOC. The fame of Chateau Tirecul la Graviere has spread far and wide over the last several years. Most notably, Robert Parker has awarded the property two 100 point scores and compared it with Sauterne’s Chateau d’Yquem. With good acidity and a solid backbone, these wines can last for decades, a rarity in wines from this area of Southwest France. These wines are magical, defining examples of the best that Monbazillac can offer. 80% Semillon, 20% Muscadelle botrytized grapes grown in chalky soil, seeing some French oak. $19.95
500 ml
AS APERITIF OR DESERTS
The bottles of this apéritif wine feature a picture of a key and the tagline “ouvre l’appétit,” or, open the appetite, which we love. It’s made with a base of Mistelle (partially fermented grape juice to which alcohol has been added) that is infused with quinine, gentian, and renowned herbs from the Grand Chartreuse Mountains. Try it neat, on the rocks with a twist, or use in place of sweet vermouth in cocktails, such as a Negroni, for an extra bitter oomph. There’s also a great cocktail out of Dalva in San Francisco (featured here in the SF Gate) that mixes it with rye and plenty of orange flavors. Yum! ($18.99)
