Jean-Francois Merieau Gamay de Touraine "Bois Jacou" 2007

I don't normally drink French wine, not because I have something against the French but because to get a good bottle it usually cost a pretty penny. Again this one found its way in my cart because it's unique and very cool label. Natascia and I stopped into the New Hampshire Liquor store on the way back from her half marathon, she still had tons of energy so I was quite impressed. Anyways I do as I usually do and I set her loose to find me something, because I know it will usually be interesting and something that I wouldn't choose for myself...such as a French Gamay, who would have that.

This wine usually goes for $14 but we lucked out and got it at the bargain price of $12. I had to research this wine a little as I have never heard of a Gamay and was quite intrigued. I won't go too much into detail but this wine comes from up and coming wine maker Jean-Francois Merieau, and the grapes come from an organic vineyard in the Northwest part of the country and everything is hand harvested.

I was very impressed with this wine and would for sure drink it again. It is very light in color and in body. I tasted a hint on Strawberries and Cherries with a little black pepper spice. What stood out to both Natascia and I was the finish of this wine, very earthy and rustic with a unique flavor that I can only compare to carbon but I mean that in the best way possible.

I'm very happy that we stopped to pick up wine this day and also that my beautiful wife picked this up for me to try something new, although I had never heard of this wine and can shy away from a cheap French wine I had to admit I loved the look of this bottle. I had noticed I have found a comfort zone with Italian wines and rarely stray away. I think this may have finally pulled me out of my comfort zone and I will not always go straight to the Italian sections. I'm not saying you can't have your favorite bottles and your safety picks but I urge you to step outside that box every now and then if you are not and try some new things, I know you won't regret it.