French Wine

Mouton Cadet Red expresses all the richness and diversity of one of the world's foremost winegrowing areas.

Hailed by Robert Parker as “one of the 20 most influential wine personalities of the past 20 years,” Robert “Bobby” Kacher is as passionate about seeking out great and often undiscovered wines today as when he began his eponymous import business more than two decades ago. Constantly challenging his growers and winemakers to produce more authentic and naturally complex wines, Bobby continues to bring higher quality and value to his extensive portfolio every year. The vivid pink 2012 Château Grande Cassagne Rosé, made on the western edge of the Rhône Valley by brother team Benoît and Laurent Dardé, is a special USA-only cuvee produced exclusively for Robert Kacher Selections. Made from 45% Grenache, 45% Syrah, and 10% Mourvedre, this rosé offers plush flavors of strawberry, fresh herbs, dark plum, and white pepper, with a hint of minerally tang on a fully dry finish. -- Ben Giliberti

Although winemaker Brigitte Chevalier got her start with Bordeaux dynamo Jean-Luc Thunevin, her real life as a vintner began when she left Bordeaux to make what she describes as the “perfect wine” – one with big, bold fruit, smooth velvety tannins, and elegant complexity. With the 2010 Saint Martin d’Agel, made at her own Domaine de Cébène, located on the sunny hills of Faugères, she believes she has succeeded – at a very fair price. Made from a Rhone-style blend of Grenache, Syrah, Carignane and Mourvèdre, this easy-drinking red offers soft ripe cherry and cassis fruit, heaped over the firm, tannic backbone of the excellent 2010 vintage. Drink now and over the next 2 to 3 years.

Made by brothers Gérard and Daniel Vinet, this comes from the subregion of Muscadet called Sèvre et Maine, considered the best ripening area for the briskly fruity Muscadet grape. Rich and pure, with up front lemon peel, melon and peach flavors, this is seasoned with mineral notes that stay persistent on the lengthy finish.

CW's No. 1 party white, this fruity blend of Colombard and Ugni-Blanc from southwest France is a genuine crowd-pleaser. Tank-fermentation at very cool temperatures produces a fresh, fruity wine marked by assertive flavors and aromas of grapefruit, lemon-lime and orange peel.

Strong red purple colour. Fresh red fruits on the nose with a hint of dark cherry. Slightly spicy with a touch of grey pepper, liquorice and a touch of rose flower. The whole wine is very well balanced with a nice acidity and the tannins presence on the finish invites food pairing such as with Terrines, Charcuteries, Grilled red meat, white fish, cheese or simply as the sole wine of a meal.