October is the month for time around the fire, braised meats, and slow cooked soups. As we savor the flavors of Autumn through our Upcoming Wine Dinner, we also enjoy two new wines – Domaine Vincent Dampt Cote de Lechet Chablis and Elisabetta Foradori’s Ampeleia “Ampeleia” from Maremma. Both will captivate your palate alongside a variety of cuisine prepared by Luci Chefs.

Domaine Vincent Dampt Cote de Lechet Chablis 2012 | $10 / glass   $45/bottle

France  |  Burgundy  |  Chablis & Auxerrois

Real, high-quality Chablis is a balm to the soul…unadorned, unbejewelled, in a white wine world where alcohol and oak are too much ascendant…Chablis prides itself on minerality. This wine demonstrates what the word means.  -Oz Clark on the 2011 Domaine Vincent Dampt

The Dampt family has a long tradition of winemakers, in fact both Vincent’s father, Daniel Dampt, and grandfather, Jean Defaix, own highly-regarded estates in Chablis. Vincent grew up in the world of wine and decided to follow the family tradition when he was just 14 by enrolling himself in wine school in Beaune.

In 2002 Vincent began working with his father as winemaker, and in 2004 inherited a few small plots of vineyards, enabling him to create his own estate and make wines under his own name.  Dampt’s approach is sustainable. The vines are 35 years old and yields are kept very low; both factors are held to bring great complexity to the wines.

Fermentation is in stainless steel tanks.  Malolactic fermentation is carried out in order to soften the wine’s naturally high acidity. The 100% Chardonnay vines, raised at the low production volume of 5,500 vines/hectare, ensures smaller yields of great quality. Practicing sustainable methods, this Chablis is fresh in mouth with a nutty tone on the nose. Layers of flavor exhibit the chameleon character Chablis is known for while offering the illusion of oak despite its stainless fermentation. Very enjoyable to those seeking a wine rich in texture, viscosity of slight oil without being too slippery. Perfect with seafoods, especially lobster and shellfish, and light rich chicken dishes.

Recommended with Luci’s Spaghetti con Cozze/Vongole, Pollo Arrosto, Fettuccine con Salmone, and Papardelle con Aragosta.

Domain Vincent Dampt “Cote de Lechet” Chablis Tech Sheet

Elizabetta Foradori Ampeleia “Ampeleia” Blend 2010 | $14 / glass | $70 / bottle

Elizabetta Foradori is one of Italy’s premier “rock star” status female winemakers that we delight in supporting. Her method of Amphora fermentation calling back to the days of antiquity illustrates what is possible in modern winemaking. Her Foradori estate was her first and one of great philosophy, care, and intrigue for those seeking wines of unique character and excellent quality. Ampeleia is a new chapter for Elizabetta and although different than her solo project at Foradori, is delicious and daring in much the same way that we have come to know and love such wines as Granato and the retired Mytro.

From Ampeleia
“Ampeleia is born from the synergistic blend of different grape varieties sourced in vineyards found on the hillsides dominated by the town of Roccatederighi, in the heart of Maremma. It embodies this land from the chestnut woods on higher ground, through the Mediterranean scrubland, to the lower fields with cork-oak woods. Six grape varieties are blended in this wine aspiring to represent the Mediterranean tradition of cultivating diversity. ”

“Each vineyard (at Ampleleia)  has a distinctive identity that is enhanced by the uniqueness of the surrounding environment. Hence, variety is the keystone and soul of Ampeleia. In fact, variety represents the project’s constant quality, both physically and symbolically, and is harmoniously expressed in its wines that taste of the diverse and varied land of Roccatederighi.”

Aged 16 months in wood or cement tanks followed by 12 months of bottle-ageing, the Ampeleia blend showcases the quality of the vines and grapes grown at the Maremma estate. With wonderful gripping tannins and youthful expression of fruit, Ampeleia’s blend offers reminiscent flavors of black walnut alongside a rich textural experience calling for braised meats, especially wild game, pork belly, and cream based dishes.

Enjoy with Luci’s Arrosto di Maiale, Costine di Manzo Brasato, Risotto con Funghi, and Belgian Chocolate Flourless Torte

Cin – Cin !

Reward Your Palate wines are also available for retail purchase through Thomas Liquors
located at Grand & Prior Ave in Saint Paul, MN.

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