Cadet d’Oc takes its name from the French word “cadet,” meaning “the younger child” and also from the wines’ origin: Pays d’Oc is one of six regional Vin de Pays, with d’Oc referring to the Languedoc-Roussillon region. Long known as a wine region with great diversity of climates and soils, the Languedoc is a winemaker’s paradise. By sourcing from a variety of vineyards within the region, the winemaker can create wines of greater depth and character. The Cadet d’Oc wines are made at the same state-of-the-art Baron Philippe de Rothschild winery as Mouton Cadet. Made from 100 percent of their respective varietal, the wines are allowed to mature on the lees with minimum oxygen exchange and strike the right balance between fruit, freshness, structure and roundness.

The wine’s color is brilliant yellow. Subtle aromas of peach and white blossoms combine with a touch of lightly toasted brioche. The full-bodied and ample mid-palate mingles fruitiness and minerality leading to a long and fresh finish. 100 percent Chardonnay.

Mouton Cadet, the world’s first French wine brand created in 1930, celebrates 80 years of history, boldness and passion in 2010. Since its first vintage, the wines of Mouton Cadet have stood for not only quality and tradition, but also innovation.

Brilliant pale yelllow. The nose opens on a complex mixture of boxwood, broom, blackcurrant bud and lime blossom, gradually evolving towards citrus fruit, especially pink grapefruit. The attack, beautifully balanced between body and freshness, leads into a round and smooth mid-palate on notes of citrus and white blossom. The wine displays fine length on the palate, with an attractive and highly elegant return of fruit flavors on the finish.

Châteaux de Rieux is a 30 hectare vineyard which has been in the De Soos family since 1870. In the past several years, present day owner Emmanuel de Soos has taken the domaine to new heights, producing a range of wines that are showcase beautifully the unique terroir of the Midi. Grapes for the “02-09-2009″ (the date of harvest) were harvested at night to ensure freshness. Grapes were then fermented at cool temperatures in both concrete tanks and new 500L barrels. Eight months of elevage and lees stirring ensure a rich wine, without sacrificing the inherent aromatic intensity of the varietal. Open and expressive, with seamless integration of fruit, oak and acidity. Try it with smoked salmon, trout in cream sauce or chicken salad

Vincent and Isabelle Greuzard started to work with us about ten years ago and after one or two years let me make my own assemblage taking the oldest vines, aging about one-quarter in barrique, about one-half new. We have happily continued this tradition since, with now also a portion of the blend being barrel fermented, but always being sure to get the old vines (Vieilles Vignes). The village of La Roche Vineuse (meaning vinous rock) appropriately named for the bevy of limestone found in the vineyards, is located in the heart of the Maconnais, and captures its true “terroir”. This lovely wine balances richness with minerality; the mid-palate and length are classic Burgundy. There are less expensive Macons; there may be greater Macons, but we feel there is no finer Macon for the money.

You will be greeted by such lovely aromas of honey blossom, sweet nectarine, apricot and tangerine fruit in this delicious French white. Made from the Viognier (Vee-oh-?ay) grape, this white is from the village of Argeliers in the hills of Minervois in the Languedoc region. The slightly cooler climate and gravelly soils help enhance the lovely aromatics of the Viognier grape. Crisp, clean, bright and juicy, this is dry yet fruity with a thirst quenching texture and hints of minerals on the finish. Serve this charming unoaked white with ginger-accented seafood dishes, especially shrimp and white fishes, all kinds of Asian fare, tropical chicken dishes, or in the afternoon with fresh peaches, sliced oranges and a tray of French cheeses (i.e. Fromage d’Affinois, Boucheron Goat and/or Port Salut). You may notice ‘Le Verger’ on the label, which refers to the beautiful apricot orchard that is close to the vineyards that produce this Viognier. Tortoise Creek owners Mel and Janie Master carefully choose each vineyard site to produce wines for their Tortoise Creek wines, and have been blending delicious, honest and well-priced whites and reds from the South of France for 20+ years. These two talented Brit’s split their time between making wine in the Provence area and marketing in the U.S. These two simply have two of the best palates for wine and food in the wine business, and it’s a delight to see such a wonderful range in the 2009 vintage for both Tortoise Creek and Tiamo.

White gold in the glass, with a terrific floral nose and lime, grapefruit, canned peach, honey and some apple aromas.  Elegant, crisp, and well balanced.