Thanksgiving and the French

Long after our Country's first Thanksgiving, we had a choice... or more importantly, the French had a choice. Support those upstarts across the pond with some financial aid and some troops to defeat the British - or - deny them the financial aid that was requested by one of America's first Francophiles, Ben Franklin and let them go it "alone". Well, we all know what choice the French made, and in so doing, we speak English today!

Just as our ties with France dates back to the colonies and later, to our country's founding; so does our admiration of wines from France. Look at Thomas Jefferson, probably one of our country's first wine geeks! If you live on the "other" coast then you know what I mean and are probably more familiar with wines that come from France than those of us who live in California, the cornucopia of wine; folks from around here tend to not understand or appreciate wines made across the Atlantic. Maybe it's because we just don't think about buying French... or maybe it's because our choices are more limited than they are in, say New York?

So for Thanksgiving this year, I solute the French! We are adorning our table with a nice bottle of Chablis from Meuliere - 2006 Chablis, Domaine de la Meuliere to be exact. So this isn't a grand cru; but hey - why serve a grand cru w/ turkey? I mean, we are just ordinary folk who enjoys affordable, good wines!

I came upon this bottle from one of my customers, Eric from Rouge Wine Cellar & Gifts in Creston IL. You see, Eric IS French. He's also one of the nicest guys I know who is passionate about wine; ALL wines; as long as they are well made and GOOD!

On the nose there is a sweetness of honeydew melons; on the palate, clean flavors of lichee, honeysuckle and an edgy finish that slightly tastes like granny smith apples. The acidity if firm, not overpowering... but unlike most California Chardonnay's, this wine is not oaky or buttery. What I like most about this wine is that if I close my eyes, it takes me back to my first time in Chablis France; very unmistakable!

Check it out - wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving...

Cheers!