Valade 2018
Classic Movie Pairing
Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (1967)A celebrated wine calls for a film of equal caliber. This classic ’60s drama stars Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn as a liberal couple whose ideals are tested when their daughter (Katharine Houghton) introduces them to her new fiancé, played by Sidney Poitier. Director Stanley Kramer was known for “message” movies that ask their audience to engage with the problems of society – while also being captivating entertainments.
The Wine
Our southern France expert has outdone himself with this discovery. Valade is crafted by Marion Paux-Rosset, his father, Jean, and famed consultant Claude Gros. They’re the team behind iconic Château Negly, aka the first estate in the Languedoc to achieve critic Robert Parker’s coveted 100-point score. The grapes grow in a special vineyard in the tucked-away region of La Clape (more below), and have produced a gorgeous white. Look forward to ripe white fruit, honeysuckle, and a hint of nuttiness.
The Region
Once an island (but joined to the mainland after soils deposited by the Aude River built up), La Clape is a natural wonder. It’s one of France’s sunniest spots, with salt-soaked winds that sweep through the vines and keep grapes from over-ripening. La Clape is also an official part of the Regional National Park of Narbonne. Most vineyards, like the Paux-Rosetts’ plot, are planted literally on the edge of a cliff, and appear to plunge straight down into the Mediterranean Sea. Now, you can dive headfirst into Valade.
The Grapes
This classic white marries three of southern France’s star grape varieties. Bourboulenc (60%) provides ripe white fruit and subtle floral/spice notes, plus structure and balance. Grenache Blanc (30%) gives body and more vibrant fruit flavors. A splash of Marsanne (10%) imparts the lovely hint of nuttiness. All together, they’ve created a wine that’s far greater than the sum of its parts.
With Food
While you can absolutely enjoy Valade on its own, it’ll really delight with food. Pair it with baked chicken (perhaps topped with a creamy cashew sauce to complement the wine’s nutty nuances). Pork chops or roasted turkey would also be delicious. Or, take inspiration from the wine’s seaside origins and serve it with grilled white fish, seared scallops, or other seafood.
What's Not to Love?
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