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09/07/2000 Archived Entry: "Wine Buy of the Week"

Domaine Duffour was Carol Berman’s Wine Buy this week. It has the legal designation Vin de Pays de Cote de Gascogne, which is a level under Appelation Contrôlée, but we have both drunk many a higher level wine with less appeal.

Gascony is in the southwest of France and it is a region famous for foie gras, cassoulet, duck in general, and other hearty dishes, none of which pair well this wine. Domaine Duffour is a very dry, beautifully aromatic white that Carol thinks would be best with raw oysters and clams and other simple seafood dishes. Neither of us think a cream sauce or tomato sauce will do, although butter sauce is fine. (Carol says something with cilantro would bring out its herbal edge.) The bouquet is full of citrus and almost flowery fruit notes, sort of pear and apple. It has high acidity, which would cut through the richness of shrimp and lobster. The grape blend is 70% Colombard, 15% Gros Manseng, and 15% Ugni Blanc.

It is a great buy at $6.99 to $7.99. If your retailer wants to order it, tell him it is from Michael Skurnik Imports, Syosset, Long Island.

Carol, as you must know by know, is the Travelling Sommelier. She produces educational and entertaining wine tastings and events at your home for social occasions or for your organization for fund-raisers, etc. She can be reached by calling 732-381-7613. She also teaches many different classes at Classic Thyme in Westfield, N.J. On Oct. 4, a Wednesday evening at 7:30, she will be presenting her Wednesday Wine Buys. There’s still room in the class. For other classes, call Classic Thyme at 908-232-5445.