William Pollard Jr | aka: Wild 4 Washington Wine

I relish writing about wine, especially when it allows me to meet the people who are behind the bottles of wine on store shelves. A bottle of wine means more to me after I know the history of the people making the wine. Matching a face to the label helps me too. This month, I had the opportunity to learn more about Saget La Perriere and their Loire Valley wines at a luncheon with Arnaud Saget. It was a true treat. The Saget family is among a handful of estates enjoying three centuries of vineyard and wine production. The modern Saget approach brings together crus and terroirs, vintages and cuvees from the Loire Valley in France. They have 890 acres to vine, six estates and long-term contracts with family owned vineyards. They create and blend a range of Loire Valley wines. An approach more closely associated with new world wine production. When you drink Saget La Perriere, you are tasting a more complex expression of the Loire Valley. Of note is that Sage...

A lighter red perfect for summer fare. I don't care how hot it is outside, it's hot, I'm still grilling. My grill is getting a solid workout this summer and I've developed a farmers tan from standing outside turning burgers, steaks and dogs. That's okay with me as long as I have a chilled wine to go with my meals. When I eat red meat, I prefer red wine. But it is hot outside. A good option for summer heat is to pair with chilled, lighter bodied red wines. This Loire Valley Cabernet Franc will please many. It has flavor, depth, character and held up well over two days. Bring this wine home for the table. Tasting Notes : Color : Garnet. Nose : Fragrant, chalky cherry, raspberry, earthiness, white pepper. Palate : Medium weight, light mid-palate, thin cherry, light finish. 10 minutes : Pleasantly dry, modest cherry finish. All the action on the nose. Serve chilled with aperitifs. Seafood would be appropriate. 2.5 hours : Fluid, bacon fat, Cherry, currant, ...