This week I asked Mary Allison Wright, who oversees the wine program at Yacht Club in Denver, to share what she’s drinking now. She recommended Domaine de Montrieux “Gargamelle” VdF Rougen ($31), a “juicy, thirst-quenching red blend” from France’s Loire Valley that’s comprised of gamay, pineau d’aunis, cabernet franc, and pinot noir grapes.
This standout red is “literally lip-smacking good” with flavor notes of bright sour cherry, black cherry, savory herbs, and an underlying mushroomy earthiness. “It’s definitely one of my favorite bottles I’ve had in a while,” Wright says. “This is one of those wines that can take you by surprise in the best way possible–aromatic and zippy, but with a shocking depth of flavor for a chillable red.”
If you’re curious about about pineau d’aunis wines at a higher price point, check out Domaine de Belleviere. ($70) It’s delicate, structured and wildly complex, with a lovely chalkiness and gorgeous tannins.
Kate Dingwall is a WSET-trained sommelier and seasoned spirits writer. Her work has appeared in Wine Enthusiast, Eater, Forbes.com, and she pours wine at one of Canada’s top restaurants.