The clear winner of this week’s “Quality-Price-Relationship Wine of the Week” is a blend of three grapes from southwest France, Domaine De Pellehaut “Ampelomeryx”, 2006. We found this compelling white at Friday’s Square Deal Wine tasting featuring six French wines, and it was the star of the night.
Don’t let the herbivore on the label fool you, this is no light tasting, boring white wine! It is very complex, with a rich mouthfeel. Strong mineral flavors give it real backbone and balance. The velvety texture and varying tastes piqued our curiosity, and like any great wine, it compelled us back to the glass to figure out what exactly we were tasting. This wine reminded us a great white can mystify and seduce the palate just as much (or more) than a quality red.
At $16, this wine embodies the essence of a “Q.P.R.” find; It is not only a great deal for the price, but it is a great wine period. Dan at Square Deal said it was the “wine of the night” based on sales, and for us it was clearly the best based on taste and price. Like the extinct Ampelomeryx pictured on the label, this wine is going fast so be sure to get it quick.
Wine: Domaine De Pellehaut, 2006
Where to purchase: Square Deal Wine Co., 2321 NW Thurman Street
Cost: $16
Q.P.R. Rating: +8 (tastes like a $24 bottle)
This one has a big nose.
