From: Côtes d'Auvergne, France
Blend: 50% Gamay & 50% Pinot Noir
Taste: In the Cotes d’Auvergne in the southern Loire Valley (technically called the Upper Loire; it’s near the mouth of the Loire Valley River in the Massif Central), Domaine Miolanne allows the volcanic terroir to speak through their Gamay and Pinot Noir vines. This charming red is vinified in stainless steel to preserve its vivaciousness, we recommend serving it with a slight chill. Enjoy scents and flavors reminiscent of cranberries, Morello cherry, wild strawberry, brambly red and black raspberries, orange zest, and baking spice with a volcanic minerality shining through. Smooth, silky tannins lead to an inviting, clean finish.
Pairing: As a central French region, Auvergne boasts hearty, tasty, and varied food, as well as local gourmet products from the soil. With its traditional Potee Auvergnate and the well-known Auvergne Blue cheese, the typical gastronomy of this region of France can satisfy both meat and cheese lovers. The typical Auvergne fare includes Puy lentils enjoyed in a salad or cooked with salt meat and the traditional Potee Auvergnate casserole with cabbage and pork meat. Some easier-to-procure options include serving this charming wine alongside sausages and Puy lentils, roasted chicken or pork with caramelized shallots and potatoes, roasted vegetables (especially butternut squash), rice or farro dishes, or sheet-pan meals with sausage as a prominent feature (check it out below). P.S. We’ve also included a beautiful, tear-inducing article below from Saveur’s David McAninch about the food in the Auvergne, and we highly recommend checking it out (it’s lengthy and worth it!).
Sheet-Pan Sausage With Spring Onions, Potatoes and Mustard
By Kay Chun
Auvergne: In the Heart of France
By DAVID MCANINCH
Published on October 9, 2008
About. Located in the Cotes d’Auvergne in the southern Loire Valley, Domaine Miolanne allows the volcanic terroir to speak through their Gamay and Pinot Noir vines. The region is centered around one of the oldest French cities, Clermont-Ferrand, and is perhaps most famous for the Michelin tire factory. The vine has been cultivated here for at least 1500 years, with the appellation finally achieving AOP status in 2011.
Two separate areas of dormant volcanoes have not erupted for at least 7500 years and have helped shape the region’s exciting topography. Odette and Gilles Miolanne own 17 hectares of grains and vines at the southern end of the appellation. They planted vines in 1994 with 3 hectares of Pinot Noir and 1.5 hectares of Gamay. They produce red and rosé wine; all farming is done without herbicides or pesticides. Harvesting is by hand with minimal intervention in the cellar.
Many thanks to the fine folks at the Puy-de-Dôme Wine Federation for providing the following information and being such a great resource and advocate for the wines from the Côtes d’Auvergne.
The vineyards of Côtes d’Auvergne