Margaret Swaine’s Wine Picks: French vintages

Well priced with a touch of Gallic class, these three released in Vintages today are good choices for a brunch to herald in spring.  Find this French trio via www.WineAlign.com/MargaretsPicks.

Château de Trinquevedel Tavel Rosé 2011  $17.95 (90 Points)

At the edge of Tavel, an area renowned for its rosé’s in the south of France, Château de Trinquevedel is an 18th-century country home with 32 hectares of vineyards. This pale orangey pink wine is dry yet generous with good length. Classy, its small red berry flavors have a savoury mineral edge. This refreshing style would be great at a brunch or light lunch.

Vincent Raimbault Brut Vouvray  $17.95 (89 Points)

From the Loire Valley, this 100 per cent chenin blanc varietal bubbly from family vineyards near the town of Chançay, is made according to the traditional method. Medium bodied and aromatic it’s fresh, dry and clean with bright apple and grapefruit flavors. Add orange juice to make a mimosa cocktail or just enjoy as is.

Domaine Grosset Cairanne Côtes du Rhône-Villages 2009  $17.95 (90 Points)

This lovely Rhône red is 50 per cent old vine grenache and the rest a split between syrah and mourvèdre. Intense with a ripe fruity, meaty flavour, its bouquet is fragrant with spices and red berries. Fairly full bodied with savoury garrigue and peppery undertones with elegant tannins it’s ready to drink yet could easily cellar a few years. A match for a veggie and meat shish kebab.