"It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by the dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions and spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who, at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly; so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat."
~~ Theodore Roosevelt, "The Man in the Arena" speech, Paris Sorbonne, 23 April 1910 (Clicky click)
Mas de Gourgonnier, les Baux de Provence Tradition 2006, Baux de Provence, France (Clicky click)
This is a certified organic wine from grapes grown on the flank of the Alpilles, a short distance from the famous village of Baux de Provence . 2006 was a great vintage in Southern France. One of the Wine Advocate's “The World’s Greatest Wine Values”:“The red cuvee that finds its way to the U.S. each year as "basic Mas de Gourgonnier represents a collaboration between owner-winemaker Luc Cartier and his agent Peter Vezan. The varietal makeup can vary dramatically according to the vicissitudes of nature and the insights of the blenders, but the wine is always matured in a mixture of tank and cask, never bottled much before the next harvest, is always distinctly recognizable as Gourgonnier, and always represents excellent value. The 2006 les Baux de Provence combines 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Carignan, 20% Grenache and 9% Syrah. Carignan has seldom, if ever, approached so large a percentage, but its old vines manage to withstand the ongoing local drought. Cassis, blackberry, Provencal herbs, and wood smoke in the nose lead to a correspondingly pungent, ripe and particularly bright palate and a penetrating finish redolent of resinous lavender and rosemary and faintly bitter black fruits. This impressively concentrated rendition Gourgonnier -- only 13% in alcohol, interestingly -- is slightly rustic in its tannins but will prove exceptionally versatile at table. Typically, the wine is at its best for 2-4 years although it will often hold longer. 88 points.”
~~ David Schildknecht, Wine Advocate #178, 31 August 2008
Cantina del Taburno, Greco Beneventano IGT 2007, Campania, Italy (Clicky click)
Campania is famous for Naples, the Amalfi Coast, Capri, Mount Vesuvius, Pompeii, and for 1000's of years, its wines. Greco di Tufo, which means “Greek”, is a white grape grown in Campania that is believed to have been imported by the Hellenes before the founding of Rome. Pliny named it “apiane” because he noticed that bees seem to prefer it. As a confirmation of its ancient origin, a 1st Century BC fresco at Pompeii contains a poetical inscription by an apparently frustrated lover: “You are truly cold, Bytis, made of ice, if last night not even Greco wine could warm you up.” In the early 1960’s the grape was rescued from near extinction. Cantina del Taburno is located at 1000 feet of elevation. One of the Wine Advocate's “The World’s Greatest Wine Values":
“Campania is a region that fascinates to no end. Blessed with an extraordinary range of highly expressive indigenous varieties, unique terroirs and an oenological history that dates back several thousand years, Campania is a gem waiting to be discovered... The intensely mineral-driven Greco di Tufo is a great food wine, particularly with raw fish and seafood... This cooperative based in Campania is an excellent source for wines that express the qualities of the region's indigenous grapes. The 2007 Greco is pure and focused in its white peaches, flowers and minerals. It possesses excellent length and a taut personality, with an inviting note of sweetness that resonates on the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2009. 88 points.”
~~Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate #178, 31 August 2008
[Both end of the year, mixed-case discounts at Berman's Wines & Spirits in Lexington MA. Mas de Gourgonnier: $12.99; $19 release. Taburno: $15.99; $20 release.]
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